Certain homeowners in the city of Garland will benefit from additional exemptions on their property taxes beginning in the 2020 tax year.
The Garland City Council approved two exemption increases during their June 16 regular meeting. Those who are able to claim a homestead exemption on their property will receive a 10% exemption in 2020, compared to 8% in previous years.
Senior citizens age 65 years or older or who are disabled will now have an additional $5,000 in appraised value exempted from taxation for a total of $56,000 in 2020, compared to $51,000 in previous years.
Members of the Garland City Council began studying the impacts of such exemption increases prior to the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused widespread economic distress. These exemptions will result in a loss of general fund revenue of approximately $900,000 in the 2020-21 fiscal year. For a resident under the age of 65 with a home valued at $200,000, the additional homestead exemption will save the taxpayer approximately $31 for the year. For a resident age 65 or older with a home valued at $200,000, the additional senior exemption will save $39 for the year.