By: Kendra Burrhus
In the line of duty, we are trained to maintain tactical awareness of our surroundings. But for many homeowners in our community, a major “blind spot” remains: our digital footprint—specifically, the public tax records that list exactly where we live.
As a retired officer, I know your home is your sanctuary. This month, we are doing a briefing on how to lock down your privacy and maximize the financial benefits you’ve earned through your service.
1. Defense: Protesting Your Property Taxes
The May 15th deadline is the critical date for most Texas counties to file a written property tax protest for the 2026 tax year. Appraisal districts typically mail notices by April 15th.
The Strategy for a Successful Protest:
- Check Your Notice: Once you receive your notice, you can initiate a protest online. Most DFW counties allow you to manage the entire process through their website, which is the fastest way to track your status.
- Homestead Caps: The homestead cap limits your taxable-value growth to 10% per year after the first qualified year. Don’t forget to file your Homestead Exemption to ensure this cap—and the $140,000 school tax exemption—are working for you.
- Evidence is Key: Success requires demonstrating that your property’s tax value exceeds its actual market value. I can pull “comps” (comparable sales data) to help you build a solid case.
2. Strategic Benefits: Unique Exemptions & Retirement Savings
Texas provides several unique ways for those who served to lower their tax burden:
- Exemptions for Disabled Veterans: Texas offers property tax exemptions for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher. These benefits scale based on your VA rating, culminating in a 100% property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% disability rating or a determination of individual unemployability.
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): This program provides a 15% federal tax credit based on the annual interest paid on your mortgage loan. This reduces your overall tax liability dollar-for-dollar (up to $2,000 annually), making homeownership much more affordable.
- Healthcare Enhancement for Local Public Safety (HELPS) Retirees Act:Retired public safety officers can exclude up to $3,000 annually from their gross income to pay for qualified health or long-term care insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. For married couples who are both eligible retirees, this exclusion can reach $6,000.
3. Lockdown: Protecting Your Name on Public Records
Under Texas Government Code Section 552.1175, current and honorably retired peace officers (along with firefighters, EMS, and military personnel) have the right to keep their personal information confidential in public records.
Locking Down Your Information:
- What is Protected: This request redacts your home address, phone number, and information about family members from public access in non-employment records held by governmental bodies.
- The Filing Process: You must file a specific “Request for Confidentiality” (Form 50-284) with your local Central Appraisal District (CAD). You must provide documentation of your eligibility, such as a copy of your retired officer ID or military credentials.
- Voter Records: You can also apply for confidentiality for your voter registration records, making your address restricted from open records requests.
The Bottom Line: Protection is a Priority
As first responders, we are often so focused on protecting others that we overlook the small tactical adjustments that protect our own families and financial futures. April is your window of opportunity to take a proactive stance. Whether you are locking down your public records for safety, taking advantage of the tax credits you’ve earned through your service, or preparing to challenge an unfair property appraisal, these steps ensure your home remains a secure and affordable sanctuary.
Your service to the community doesn’t go unnoticed, and my goal is to ensure you’re getting every benefit and protection available to you under Texas law. Don’t wait until the May 15th deadline is looming to start the conversation—let’s get your household “squared away” today.
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