The Texas Property Tax Reality
Texas is famous for having no state income tax, but there's a significant trade-off: Texas homeowners pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation, with an effective rate averaging around 1.60–1.80% — compared to the national average of about 1.08%.
For a $400,000 home, that's roughly $6,400–$7,200 per year — or $533–$600 per month added to your housing costs.
How Texas Property Taxes Work
Texas has no statewide property tax. All property taxes are levied by local taxing units:
- School districts (typically the largest portion — 40–60% of total bill)
- County
- City/municipality
- Special districts (water, hospital, community college, etc.)
Each property in Texas may be taxed by multiple overlapping entities. The combined rate in many major metro areas is between 2.0–2.5%.
Texas Property Tax Exemptions
General Homestead Exemption
Texas law requires school districts to provide a $100,000 homestead exemption (raised from $40,000 in 2023). This is mandatory statewide. At a 1.5% school tax rate, this alone saves $1,500/year.
Cities, counties, and other taxing units may offer additional optional exemptions (typically $5,000–$25,000).
Senior (65+) and Disabled Person Exemption
- Additional $10,000 exemption on school district taxes
- School tax frozen at the amount paid when you turned 65 or became disabled — it cannot increase as long as you own the home
- Many counties and cities also freeze their portion for seniors
100% Disabled Veteran Exemption
Texas veterans with a 100% VA disability rating pay zero property tax on their homestead. This is one of the most generous veteran benefits in the country.
Partial disability ratings also qualify for partial exemptions (10% = $5,000, 70% = $12,000, etc.).
Assessment Caps: The 10% Rule
For homestead properties, the assessed value cannot increase more than 10% per year, regardless of how much the market value increases. This is a significant protection in Texas's hot real estate markets (Austin, Dallas, Houston areas).
Note: The cap applies to assessed value, not market value. If your home's market value jumps 30% in a year, the county's appraised value can still increase by a maximum of 10%.
Non-homestead properties (rentals, commercial, second homes) do not have the 10% cap.
How to Protest Your Texas Property Tax
Texas homeowners have the right to protest their appraisal every year. The process is handled by each county's Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Protest deadline
Typically May 15, or 30 days after you receive your appraisal notice (whichever is later). Check your county appraisal district's website for the exact date.
How to file
- Go to your county appraisal district's website (e.g., HCAD for Harris County, DCAD for Dallas, TCAD for Travis/Austin)
- File online, by mail, or in person using Form 50-132
- The most common ground for protest: "Value is over market value" or "Unequal appraisal"
Evidence to bring
- Recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood (comps)
- Evidence of needed repairs or condition issues
- The county's own data — if similar homes are appraised lower, you have an "unequal appraisal" case
The ARB process is informal — many protests are resolved in an informal meeting before a formal hearing. Success rates in Texas are among the highest in the nation: many counties see 40–60% of protests result in reductions.
Texas Property Tax Due Dates
- January 1: Appraisal date (value is set as of this date)
- April 1 – May 15: Appraisal notices mailed
- May 15: Protest deadline (or 30 days after notice)
- October 1: Tax bills mailed
- January 31: Payment deadline (without penalty)
Late payments incur a 6% penalty in February, plus 1% per month after that, plus interest.
Property Tax Relief Programs in Texas
Installment Payment Plans
If you can't pay in full, Texas law allows installment payments — but only if you're over 65, disabled, or have a certain percentage VA disability. Others must pay in full by January 31.
Deferral for Seniors
Homeowners 65+ can defer all property taxes until the home is sold or transferred. Deferred taxes accrue at 5% annual interest. This prevents tax-related foreclosure for seniors on fixed incomes.