Texas Proposition 11, approved by voters on November 4, 2025, makes the most significant improvement to Texas senior property tax benefits in decades. Here is exactly what changed, what it means for your tax bill, and what action you need to take.
What Changed
| Exemption Component | Before Prop 11 | After Prop 11 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Homestead | $140,000 | $140,000 (unchanged) |
| Over-65 Additional | $10,000 | $60,000 (+$50,000) |
| Total School Exemption | $150,000 | $200,000 |
Dollar-Amount Examples
To understand the real impact, consider a Texas senior with a $400,000 home in a school district with a 1.2% tax rate:
| Scenario | Taxable Value | School Tax Bill | Annual Savings vs. No Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| No exemption | $400,000 | $4,800 | — |
| Pre-Prop 11 (2025) | $250,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Post-Prop 11 (2026+) | $200,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
For a $600,000 home, the savings are even larger — and the school tax freeze means those savings lock in permanently, growing more valuable every year as property values and tax rates rise.
What You Need to Do
If you already have an approved over-65 exemption: Nothing. The new $60,000 amount applies automatically for the 2026 tax year. Your County Appraisal District will update your account — no paperwork required.
If you have never applied: File Form 50-114 with your County Appraisal District by April 30, 2026. Include proof of age and residency. The exemption and freeze will apply from the date you were first eligible — meaning you may be able to claim a 2-year retroactive refund if you turned 65 in 2024 or 2025.
The Freeze: Permanent Protection Going Forward
Once you receive the over-65 exemption, your school tax bill is frozen at that year's level. If you apply in 2026 with the new $200,000 exemption, you lock in a substantially lower bill than if you had applied before Prop 11. Seniors who apply in 2026 get both the increased exemption and the freeze — the best combination available.