Garland, TX – Homeowners in Garland will benefit from increased property tax exemptions beginning in the 2025 tax year, following a decision by the City Council at its April 15 meeting. The Council approved a 1% increase to the Homestead Exemption and an additional $4,000 increase to the Senior Exemption.
Effective for tax bills in October 2025, the Homestead Exemption for eligible homeowners will rise from 10% to 11%. This means that those who qualify for the exemption will see a greater reduction in their taxable property value.
For senior citizens aged 65 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities, the Senior Exemption will increase to a total of $60,000 in appraised value exempted from taxation, up from $56,000 in prior years. This adjustment is intended to provide additional financial relief to these vulnerable populations.
Financial Impact
For a resident under the age of 65 with a home valued at $200,000, the increased Homestead Exemption will result in an estimated annual tax savings of approximately $10. For seniors aged 65 and older with the same home valuation, the additional Senior Exemption translates to a savings of about $39 per year.
To illustrate the changes, consider the following sample property tax calculation for a home valued at $200,000:
- Assessed Value: $200,000
- Homestead Exemption: – $22,000
- Senior Exemption: – $60,000
- Taxable Value: $118,000
Dividing the taxable value by 100 gives $1,180, which is then multiplied by the City of Garland’s tax rate of 0.689746, resulting in an annual tax bill of approximately $813.90.
A Commitment to Relief
The proposal for these increased exemptions was brought before the Council by the Administrative Services Committee, which annually reviews the exemptions available to residents. Matt Watson, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Garland, emphasized that this recommendation aligns with the city’s ongoing commitment to provide financial relief to both seniors and those eligible for the homestead exemption.
