A property tax firm is offering free disaster exemption filing services to Texas homeowners affected by the catastrophic flooding during the July Fourth weekend.
Owners of properties in a governor-declared disaster area that were at least 15% damaged by the floods can apply for the aid that could sharply reduce their 2025 property tax bills due Jan. 31, according to Gill, Denson & Co. of Austin, Texas.
While homeowners still have to pay taxes on the land, they may qualify for exemptions to the structure, co-founder Charles Denson told Homes.com.
The firm said it will prepare and file disaster paperwork with the appropriate county appraisal district at no cost for any owner whose home or building was damaged in the floods. It already is set up to streamline the filing process for those who want to apply by Oct. 17. Some counties have slightly later deadlines.
Many homeowners aren't aware of the option or may struggle to understand the process during the stress of recovery, the company said.
"Most folks rightfully do not know about the exemption and the timeline, so our goal is to help educate property owners and help in a time of need," Denson said.
Governor extends aid to 30 counties
More than 130 people died in the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio after torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River water level to rise quickly in the early morning hours of July 4. Kerr County and 29 other counties are eligible for disaster aid, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's office.
Texas lawmakers gathered in Kerr County on Thursday to discuss the disaster.
Gill, Denson & Co. represents more than 25,000 residential and commercial clients in the Lone Star State, including a few thousand directly in the flooded areas, Denson said. Exemption applications aren't guaranteed.
Little public data on the damage is available, according to Denson.
"Based on past disasters, we encourage property owners to think about every structural improvement when considering damage," he said. "Even if the insurance adjuster or contractor has not bid the damages, we can at least file with images and a description of the damages. If the appraisal district denies the application, we can protest it, which allows property owners more time to gather information."
To learn more about the program or to sign up for assistance, click here.
