Many older adults and people living with disabilities lie awake at night worrying about how they’ll keep their homes as expenses rise and fixed incomes stay the same. Property taxes don’t pause for retirement, illness, or mobility challenges, and that pressure can feel overwhelming.
At Michael Saegert, Attorney at Law, we work with homeowners throughout Houston, Texas, and across the state of Texas who are looking for practical ways to stay in the homes they’ve built their lives around. We serve clients in Houston, Pasadena, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, or El Paso.
If this sounds like you or someone you love, you’re not alone—and there are lawful options that may ease that burden. Reach out to us to talk about what relief might look like for your situation.
What Property Tax Deferrals Mean for Elderly and Disabled Homeowners
A property tax deferral lets qualifying homeowners postpone paying certain property taxes on their primary residence. Instead of making immediate payments, the taxes are delayed and typically become due later—often when the home is sold or transferred.
In Texas, this option is designed to help seniors and people with qualifying disabilities remain in their homes during financially tight seasons. Interest may still accrue, but collection actions are paused while the deferral is in place.
Many people are surprised to learn how flexible these programs can be, especially when compared with other forms of relief. Some homeowners also hear the term “product tax” in everyday conversations about household expenses and wonder how it relates.
While product tax usually refers to sales taxes on goods, we often help clients sort through both property-related obligations and broader product tax concerns when building a realistic budget. Looking at property taxes alongside recurring product tax expenses can give you a clearer picture of monthly cash flow.
A deferral doesn’t erase what’s owed. Instead, it buys time—time to stabilize finances, address medical needs, or plan for the future without the immediate fear of losing your home.
Who Qualifies and What You Can Defer
Eligibility in Texas is tied mainly to age, disability status, and use of the property as your primary residence. If you qualify, you may be able to defer school district taxes and, in many cases, other local property taxes as well.
Before we walk clients through the paperwork, we start with a clear review of their circumstances. Here’s a general overview of common qualification factors. Basic eligibility requirements may include:
Being age 65 or older, or having a qualifying disability
Owning and living in the home as your primary residence
Filing a sworn affidavit with the local appraisal district
Keeping property insurance in place when required
These criteria are a starting point, not the final word. Individual situations vary, and that’s where guidance from an experienced lawyer can make a real difference.
It’s also important to look at the full financial picture. Property taxes don’t exist in isolation. Everyday costs—utilities, prescriptions, groceries, and even product taxes on essential items—add up quickly. We help clients weigh how a deferral fits alongside these ongoing expenses, including recurring product tax charges that quietly drain monthly budgets.
After reviewing eligibility, we explain which portions of your property taxes may be deferred and how interest is calculated. That clarity helps you decide whether a deferral aligns with your goals. With that foundation in place, we can move on to how the application process works in Texas.
How the Application Process Works in Texas
Applying for a property tax deferral involves filing the appropriate documents with the correct offices and staying current with any ongoing requirements. While the steps themselves are straightforward, timing and accuracy matter.
We guide clients through each stage, from gathering records to confirming that taxing authorities have acknowledged the deferral. Along the way, we also help clients think through related financial pressures, such as household spending and product tax on necessities, so there are no surprises later.
Understanding the deferral process is key to avoiding costly delays or rejection. We emphasize meticulous preparation, making sure every form is correctly filled out and that all required supporting documentation, such as medical records or age verification, is ready for submission. Our proactive approach minimizes back-and-forth with the appraisal district, saving you time and stress during this critical process.
Key steps in the deferral process:
Completing a tax deferral affidavit and submitting it to the county appraisal district
Providing proof of age or disability status
Confirming the property qualifies as your primary residence
Monitoring notices from taxing authorities after filing
Once these steps are complete, the collection activity on the deferred taxes is typically paused. Interest continues to accrue, so we also talk through long-term planning. That may involve discussing future housing plans, estate considerations, and how deferred taxes could affect heirs.
Before moving forward, we review how the deferral interacts with your broader financial life. For example, if rising product tax costs are already stretching your income, a deferral may offer breathing room now while you plan for later obligations.
After the application is filed, our work doesn’t stop. We stay available to address follow-up questions, respond to notices, and adjust strategies as circumstances change.
Find a Compassionate Path Forward With Product Tax Relief
At Michael Saegert, Attorney at Law, we’re proud to help homeowners in Houston, Texas, and throughout Pasadena, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, or El Paso explore these options with care and respect. We assist clients in weighing deferrals alongside other financial realities, including ongoing property tax costs that affect day-to-day living.
Whether you’re concerned about interest, future home sales, or how deferred taxes may impact loved ones, we take the time to explain it all in clear terms. Reach out today.
