Voters Have A Chance To Lower Their Property Taxes
KAUFMAN COUNTY, Texas — This fall, Texas homeowners will have an opportunity to influence the future of property taxation as they head to the polls to decide on two significant constitutional amendments. On Eary voting has already begun and runs through Halloween. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, voters will weigh in on Proposition 13 and Proposition 11, both aimed at increasing residence-homestead exemptions for school district taxes, particularly benefitting seniors and disabled residents.
Understanding the Propositions
Proposition 13 proposes to raise the general residence-homestead exemption for school district ad valorem taxes from $100,000 to $140,000.
Proposition 11 specifically targets homeowners aged 65 or older or those who are disabled, raising the additional exemption from approximately $10,000 to $60,000. If approved, this could lead to a total school district exemption approaching $200,000.
Voting Timeline
The election date is November 4, 2025.
Early voting will take place from Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31, 2025.
The deadline to register to vote is Monday, October 6, 2025.
The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Friday, October 24, 2025.
Potential Impact on Kaufman County Homeowners
In Kaufman County, where the effective property tax rate is around 1.74% of a home's value, these proposed exemptions could translate into significant savings for many residents.
Consider the following scenario:
A homeowner with a residence valued at $300,000.
Under the current law: with a general exemption of $100,000, the taxable value is $200,000, resulting in an annual tax of approximately $3,480.
If both Proposition 13 and Proposition 11 are approved and the homeowner qualifies (as senior or disabled), the exemption would rise to $200,000, reducing the taxable value to $100,000, leading to an annual tax of about $1,740.
This would yield a savings of approximately $1,740 annually.
For non-senior homeowners, Proposition 13 alone would increase the exemption to $140,000, resulting in a taxable value of $160,000 and an annual tax of around $2,784, translating to savings of approximately $696 annually.
It is important to note that these calculations are simplified and assume constant tax rates and home values. Actual savings may vary due to local tax rates, city and county levies, and changes in property appraisals.
Wider Implications and Considerations
While these propositions could provide much-needed relief for homeowners, particularly seniors and disabled residents, they also raise concerns for local school districts and other taxing units. Increasing exemptions would shrink the taxable base, which means the state may need to step in to compensate for lost revenue. Some critics caution that the potential cost could reach billions over time, possibly necessitating budget adjustments or increased rates elsewhere. Supporters argue that these amendments are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by rising home appraisals and tax burdens, especially in rapidly growing suburban and exurban areas like Kaufman County. As Texas continues to rely heavily on property taxes in lieu of a state income tax, the timing of this decision is particularly critical.
How to Prepare to Vote
Ensure you confirm your voter registration by October 6.
Review your county’s polling locations and hours for early voting (October 20–31) and Election Day on November 4.
Understand how the proposed exemption changes may affect your tax bill based on your home value, eligibility, and the local tax rates.
If you are a senior or disabled homeowner, verify that you have completed the necessary filings for homestead and age/disability exemptions to avoid any administrative delays.
Make your voice heard by voting. Your decision will be pivotal in determining the future of these relief measures.
