51,500 El Paso seniors & disabled to get property tax break

EL PASO, Texas -- The city of El Paso's property tax exemption for disabled residents and those over 65-years old will go up next year, providing the group some tax relief under a measure that City Council approved on Tuesday.

The exemption will go from $40,000 to $42,500 starting Jan.1; it will not affect property tax bills due this year.

Tuesday's council approval marked the third time the exemption has been increased. In 2006, the city offered an exemption of $30,000. In 2015, the exemption was increased to $40,000.

This would represent a collective savings of $18.5 million for those who qualify and register for the benefit, but that will also be revenue the city is forfeiting.

According to a city presentation, about 51,500 residents could benefit from the exemption increase.