For Immediate Release

Homeowners May Defer Taxes on Appreciating Home Value

Texas homeowners may postpone paying the current property taxes on the appreciating value of their homes by taking advantage of a payment option called “residence homestead tax deferral” and filing a tax deferral affidavit at the Brazoria County Appraisal District.

This special form of tax relief allows homeowners to pay the property taxes on 105 percent of the preceding year’s appraised value of their homestead, plus the taxes on any new improvements to the homestead. The remaining taxes are postponed — but not cancelled — with interest accruing at 8 percent per year.

Once the homeowner files the tax deferral affidavit with the appraisal district, no taxing unit can start or continue a lawsuit for the deferred taxes as long as that person owns and lives in the home. When the homeowner no longer owns and lives in the home, the deferred taxes and interest become due. If the taxes are not paid, taxing units can then sue to collect the deferred taxes and interest. Plus, additional penalties are possible.

For complete details about deferring taxes on the appreciating value of your home, contact the Brazoria County Appraisal District at (979) 849-7792. The Property Tax Division of the state Comptroller’s office can also answer your questions at (800) 252-9121.