Port Freeport Commission approves increase to tax exemption

At the regularly scheduled meeting on August 27th, the Port Freeport Commission approved a resolution to increase the additional residence homestead exemption for individuals 65 years of age or older or disabled from the existing $150,000 to $175,000.  The increased exemption, along with the 20 percent general homestead exemption already adopted will provide further tax relief for those qualifying navigation district residents age 65 years or older or disabled, many of whom are retired or living on a fixed income.

“As progress continues with Port Freeport’s strategic initiatives that will support more local job creation and overall economic prosperity for the region, the Port Commission is pleased to be in the position to increase the exemption which will more than offset the average increase in appraised residential values for qualifying residents age 65 or older or disabled,” said Port Commission Chairman, Shane Pirtle.

More information about the tax exemptions offered by Port Freeport can be found on the Port Freeport website at www.PortFreeport.com along with links to the Brazoria County Appraisal District website. 

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and is ranked 6th in chemicals, 17^th in foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in containers.  A 2019 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institution revealed that nationally the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 279,780 jobs and has a total economic output of $149 billion. The Freeport Harbor Channel serves BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., CMA CGM, Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Freeport LNG, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Horizon Auto Logistics, Liberty Global Logistics, Mammoet, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Seaway Crude Pipeline Company, Tenaris, Vulcan Materials Company, and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean.