How to Defer Property Taxes in Henderson County (Over‑65 & Disabled homeowners)
If you're 65 or older or have a disability, Henderson County lets you defer property taxes on your home as long as you own and live in it. Here's how the deferral works, what happens with interest, and the steps to file your affidavit with the Henderson County Appraisal District (HCAD).
Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled can postpone paying property taxes on their home for as long as they own and live in it. This can ease the pressure when tax bills get tight. Just know: the deferral only covers your residence, not other property you own. And you're postponing payment - not erasing the taxes.
Note: The deferral is for all delinquent property taxes of the taxing units that tax your home.
A Henderson County tax deferral delays payment - it doesn't cancel what you owe. The taxes remain on the books; you're just pushing back when you pay them. This only applies to your home. No other property qualifies, so think of it as a tool for your primary residence, not a blanket break across everything you own.
Watch for existing charges: Any penalty and interest that was already due on the tax bill before the deferral stays with the property and becomes due when the deferral ends.
Deferred taxes don't just sit there. Interest accrues at 8% per year, so your balance grows while the deferral is active. That's the tradeoff: you get breathing room now, but plan for a larger payoff later.
The deferred taxes - plus accrued interest - come due once you no longer own the home or stop living in it. Any penalties and interest that existed before you started the deferral stay attached to the property and also become due when the deferral ends.
To postpone your tax payments, you need to file a tax deferral affidavit with the Henderson County Appraisal District. The deferral doesn't start until that affidavit is filed. If you're trying to stop the clock, this is the step that counts.
- Get the tax deferral affidavit - you’ll need the specific “tax deferral affidavit” form used for postponing property tax payments.
- Fill it out completely - incomplete forms can slow things down, so take the time to finish every section that applies to you and your home.
- File it with the Henderson County Appraisal District (HCAD) - submit the affidavit to HCAD so the deferral can be applied. If you have questions about where or how to submit, call HCAD during office hours or go in person.
- ✓ Proof you qualify as an over‑65 or disabled homeowner
- ✓ Proof the property is your home (the residence you own and live in)
- ✓ Photo ID (helpful for in‑person filing and questions)
The deferral stays in place while you own and live in the home. Once you sell, move out, or otherwise stop living there, the deferral ends and all postponed taxes plus interest become due. A move, a sale, any change that means you're no longer living in the home - that triggers payoff.
Already facing legal action over delinquent taxes? The deferral can intersect with that process. You may be able to suspend a lawsuit by filing an affidavit with the court. The deferral covers all delinquent property taxes from every taxing unit that taxes your home.
The Henderson County Appraisal District (HCAD) handles tax deferral affidavit filings. Address: 1751 Enterprise St., Athens, TX 75751. Phone: (903) 675-9296. Office hours: 8:00 to 5:00.
- ✓ Confirm you qualify as an over‑65 or disabled homeowner
- ✓ Make sure the deferral is for the home you own and live in (not other property)
- ✓ Get the “tax deferral affidavit” ready to file with HCAD
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