Texas property owners affected by recent weather disasters may qualify for substantial property tax relief for 2024. If the value of improvements is damaged by at least 15% by a disaster recognized by Governor Abbott, property owners qualify for a partial property tax exemption. This includes all types of property, residential commercial and business personal property that are at least 15% damaged by a disaster recognized by the governor. However, there are strict timelines to file and claim the disaster tax exemption. Expect the appraisal district to expect proof of the amount of damage.
2024 Tough Year for Weather Disaster in Texas
Many Texas property owners have been in for a rough ride so far in 2024. Weather related incidents have not been kind to the property owners in the state. Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 29 counties on April 30, which has since been amended three times. The most recent update was issued June 14, bringing the total to 113 of 254 Texas counties included because of hazards related to severe storms and flooding that have resulted in damage to both residential and commercial property. As many residents of Harris and Waller county may have noticed, this timeline does not account for damage incurred by the derecho storm that struck the city of Houston and surrounding metropolitan area on May 16, 2024, so many eyes are sure to be on the governor’s office to see if and when further amendments will be made to add the most recent devastation to the declaration.
Both Homeowners and Commercial Property Owners Qualify for this Property Tax Exemption
As homeowners and businesses suffer the financial pain brought on by these catastrophic events, there is a system in place to provide some measure of respite. Texas Tax Code has provisions in place to allow property owners to claim a temporary exemption for disaster damage. In order to qualify for the exemption, 1) the property must be located in a county declared a disaster area by the governor, 2) application for the exemption is due no later than 105 days after the county in which their property is located was declared a disaster area, and 3) sustained damage must be equivalent to 15% or more .
Does Your County Qualify?
O’Connor has compiled a list of the 113 counties currently included in Governor Greg Abbott’s disaster declaration, along with the dates for when each county was added to the list, and the deadline for property owners in that county to apply for exemption.
Disaster Declarations and Deadlines
Because O’Connor is concerned about the safety, well-being, and financial security of property owners, we offer assistance to our clients, helping them to navigate the process of applying for temporary exemption for disaster damage. Whether or not you are a client, however, if you have incurred damage from these recent weather events, we encourage you to apply for the exemption.
Click here for a PDF of the application.
