For Immediate Release
Texans who are 65 or older or who are disabled may
postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing
a tax deferral affidavit at the Brazoria County Appraisal District office.
Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred —
but not canceled — as long as the owner continues to own and live in the home.
Taxes continue to add up, along with 8 percent interest per year. The law
extends the tax deferral to the surviving spouse of the person who deferred
taxes on the homestead if the surviving spouse was at least 55 years old when
the deceased spouse died.
If a tax deferral affidavit is on file, an older
homeowner or one who is disabled cannot lose a homestead because of delinquent
property taxes. A homeowner can halt a pending sale to foreclose on the
homestead’s tax lien. No taxing unit can start or continue a lawsuit to collect
delinquent taxes. There are no penalties on delinquent taxes during the
deferral period; however, a tax deferral does not cancel penalties that were
already due.
All deferred taxes and interest become due when the
homeowner or surviving spouse no longer own and live in the home. If the tax debt remains unpaid, penalties may be imposed and taxing
units may take legal action to collect the past due amount.
For further details about property tax deferral,
contact Brazoria County Appraisal District at (979) 849-7792. Further information
is also available on the state Comptroller’s Web site, www.window.state.tx.us, or by calling
the Comptroller’s Property Tax Division at (800)252-9121.