Garland City Council Moves Forward to Consider Increase to Homestead and Senior Tax Exemptions

Garland homeowners eligible for Homestead and Senior Exemptions on their property taxes may see an increase beginning in the 2025 tax year.

During its March 17 Work Session, the Garland City Council gave consent to move forward with consideration of a 1% increase to the Homestead Exemption and a $4,000 increase to the Senior Exemption. An ordinance will now be voted on at the April 15 Regular Meeting. If approved, the increased exemptions would be reflected on October 2025 tax bills.

Those who are able to claim a Homestead Exemption on their property taxes would receive an 11% exemption beginning in the 2025 tax year, compared to 10% in previous years.

Senior citizens 65 years or older, as well as those who are disabled, would also have an additional $4,000 in appraised value exempted from taxation for a total of $60,000 in 2025, compared to $56,000 in previous years.

For a resident under the age of 65 with a home valued at $200,000, the increased Homestead Exemption would save the taxpayer approximately $10 for the year. For a resident age 65 or older with a home valued at $200,000, the additional Senior Exemption would save $39 for the year.

The plan was proposed to Council by the Administrative Services Committee, which evaluates these exemptions annually. In a presentation to Council, Matt Watson, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Garland, said this recommendation is in line with the City's history of providing relief to both seniors and those eligible for the homestead exemption.

Sample property tax calculation if increases are approved:

Assessed Value = $200,000

Homestead Exemption = - $ 22,000

Senior Exemption = - $ 60,000

Taxable Value = $118,000

Divide by 100 = $ 1,180

City of Garland Tax Rate = x 0.689746

Annual Tax Bill = $ 813.90