Texas Property Taxes

Property taxes are a major source of revenue for local government in Texas, used to fund essential public services such as schools, roads, and public safety. Property owners in Texas are responsible for paying property taxes annually, based on the appraised value of their property.

Appraisal Process

The local county appraisal district is responsible for determining the appraised value of a property in Texas. The appraised value is based on the market value of the property and takes into account recent sales of similar properties in the area, as well as the physical characteristics of the property itself. The appraised value is then used to calculate the property tax owed.

Tax Rates

Property tax rates in Texas are set by local government and can vary depending on the location of the property and the services provided by the local government. On average, property tax rates in Texas are around 2% of the appraised value.

Exemptions

Texas offers several exemptions to property owners to reduce the amount of property tax owed. Some of the most common exemptions include:

Homestead Exemption: A reduction in property taxes for eligible homeowners who occupy their primary residence.

Over 65 Exemption: A reduction in property taxes for eligible homeowners who are 65 years or older.

Disabled Person Exemption: A reduction in property taxes for eligible disabled homeowners.

Agricultural Land Exemption: A reduction in property taxes for eligible agricultural land used for farming or forestry.

Appeals

If a property owner disagrees with the appraised value of their property, they can file an appeal with the local county appraisal district. The appeal process typically involves a hearing where the property owner can present evidence to support their case.

In conclusion, property taxes play an important role in funding local government services in Texas. Property owners in Texas can take advantage of various exemptions and appeal processes to lower their property tax bill. It is important for property owners to understand the appraisal process, tax rates, and exemptions available to better plan for and manage their property taxes.