Approved for 100% Travis County property tax exemption for child care providers
Qualified child care providers in Travis County, Texas can now receive a 100% property tax exemption. The Travis County property tax exemption would be a huge help to child care providers. This is especially true when federal relief funding for child care providers is set to expire later this year. Federal funding has allowed child care providers to remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travis County Property Tax Exemption: Who Qualifies and How to Apply?
Travis County officials approved a 100% property tax exemption for qualified child care centers starting in tax year 2024 to offset rising child care costs.
Access to child care has been a concern for Travis County officials, who have thousands of children on the waiting list for grant assistance. In addition to providing direct benefits to qualified child care providers, the 100% property tax exemption also has several indirect benefits. For example, it would encourage child care providers to expand their services to more working parents.
The move from Travis County follows a constitutional amendment approved by Texas voters last year. This would allow municipalities and counties to provide property tax exemptions to qualified child care centers.
To apply for a Travis County property tax exemption, property owners must file an application (Form 50-844) with the Travis Central Appraisal District. The last date to apply for a waiver is April 30. Applicants may apply online or mail applications to PO Box 149012. Austin, TX 78714-9012 or email your application to: (email protected).
For more information about Travis County property tax exemptions, including eligibility and requirements, contact the Travis Central Appraisal District at (512) 834-9317 or visit their website.
Other counties with similar exemptions
Harris County on Tuesday unanimously approved a 100% property tax exemption for qualified child care facilities. Currently, 327 child care providers are expected to qualify for property tax exemption.
The exemption is equal to 100% of the assessed value of a qualified child care facility for tax years 2024 and 2025. It is important to note that the exemption does not apply to property taxes collected by the county’s flood control district, hospital district and Houston Port Authority.
To qualify for an exemption, a child care facility must participate in the Texas Workforce Commission’s Texas Rising Star Program. Additionally, the facility must maintain an enrollment rate of at least 20 percent for children receiving subsidies through the Texas Workforce Commission. Daycare centers must submit documentation proving they meet the requirements.
Property owners who rent their property to others to operate a child care facility cannot claim the exemption. Please visit the program website for more information about requirements and application procedures.
Last week, the Houston City Council approved an ordinance providing a 100% property tax exemption for qualified child care providers. It is estimated that more than 270 facilities in Houston could qualify for a waiver. The county also estimates that the waiver will save eligible child care centers an average of $2,800.
