Over-65 and disabled exemptions are filed with Hays CAD, not the tax office

Do not send exemption forms to the tax office. The Hays County Tax Office sends bills and collects money, but Hays Central Appraisal District decides exemptions. The regular homestead, over-65, disabled-person, and disabled-veteran forms start with HCAD at 21001 N. IH-35 in Kyle.

The over-65 exemption can lower taxable value and freeze the school-tax part of the bill at that year's dollar amount. A disabled homeowner can get a similar freeze, and a surviving spouse may be able to keep it. The rules are specific, so use HCAD's current form for the exemption that fits.

Use HCAD's current forms. You generally do not need to reapply every year unless the chief appraiser requests a new application or you move to a new residence.