Polk County; school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption

Capped school-tax relief for Polk County seniors

The law requires a Polk County vote on November 4, 2025, on a new senior home property-tax exemption. The exemption starts January 1, 2026, only if more than half of the votes approve it. Age is measured on January 1 of the eligibility year. For ages 65–69, the exemption is the greater of 50% of assessed home value or $60,000. For ages 70–76, it is the greater of 75% of assessed home value or $80,000. For ages 77 and older, it covers the full assessed value up to $500,000 in appraised fair market value. Value above the applicable exemption remains taxable. In 2026 only, total exemptions are capped at $150 million; claims above that total trigger proportional reductions for everyone. Otherwise, eligible homeowners receive their full exemption. The break adds to other homestead exemptions and covers Polk County school district education taxes, including school bond payments. It does not cover state, county-purpose, municipal, independent school district, or non-education taxes. Homeowners must occupy a qualifying homestead and apply to the Polk County tax commissioner, who supplies forms. The exemption renews automatically while the home remains their qualifying residence; recipients must report when they no longer qualify. Polk County pays for the election, and the election superintendent must certify results to the Secretary of State. If voters reject the exemption or the required election is not held, the act automatically ends 365 days after the election date.