Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has put forth a property tax proposal that is completely at odds with the proposal advocated by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Texas Tribune reports Patrick has proposed the “Double Nickel” concept that lowers property taxes by raising the state’s school homestead exemption by $40,000 while reducing the age when homeowners’ property taxes are frozen from 65 to 55.
Last month, voters approved a $40,000 increase in the state’s homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000. The minimum exemption under Patrick’s plan would allow homeowners to cut $180,000 from the value that can be taxed by their local school district.
“We are on a path now to eliminate school property taxes for every homeowner in Texas in the next few years, no matter their age,” said Patrick in a Tuesday press conference. “In the next few sessions, we’re going to be able to eliminate school property taxes with homestead exemptions.”
Patrick’s plan is out of sync with Abbott, who previewed a plan last month anchored in the pledge to abolish school property taxes. Property tax reform is a key plank in Abbott’s 2026 re-election campaign.
“Gov. Abbott will fight for taxpayers and his comprehensive plan throughout 2026, and he looks forward to working with lawmakers to deliver lasting property tax cuts,” said Andrew Mahaleris, Abbott’s press secretary, in a statement, adding the governor looked forward to working with Patrick and legislators on the issue.
Eliminate property taxes and go to a state wide VAT tax at a fixed rate amendable only by public vote.
Retirees over age 70 should not have to pay any Harris County Property Tax.
It is very interesting for homeowners in all states to learn about the motivation and methods or plans of all states to tackle the oppressing and escalating property tax bills they are forced to deal with during their lives. The annual taxes alone are reasons people have to move from their lifelong homes. The young individuals and families starting out in life that somehow manage to save enough for a downpayment and older retirees on fixed incomes that managed to hold on to one, and widows, or widowers who have lost income are all pressed as the property taxes continue to escalate. The varying motivations and plans should be keeping all those people in mind The property tax relief plans should be focused on those homeowners and not become too wide of a net that it is unsustainable.