Navigating the Texas Property Tax System: A Guide for Homeowners

As a homeowner in Texas, understanding the property tax system can be daunting. Property taxes are a significant expense that homeowners have to pay each year, and they can increase over time.

Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the Texas property tax system for homeowners.

If you have questions about your Texas property taxes, a Houston real estate attorney at The Titus Law Firm can help you navigate the tax system.

Understanding Property Taxes in Texas

What Are Property Taxes?

Property taxes are taxes that homeowners pay on the value of the property they own. The tax rate is usually a percentage of the property’s assessed value, determined by the local appraisal district.

How Are Property Taxes Calculated in Texas?

In Texas, the local appraisal district determines a property’s value, known as the assessed value.

The tax rate is then applied to this assessed value to calculate the property taxes due. The tax rate is set by local taxing units, such as school districts, cities, and counties.

When Are Property Taxes Due in Texas?

Property taxes in Texas are due by January 31 of the following year. For example, property taxes for the year 2022 are due by January 31, 2023.

Understanding the Texas Property Tax System

The Role of the Local Appraisal District

The local appraisal district is responsible for determining the value of a property for tax purposes. The appraisal district will consider the property’s location, size, age, and condition.

Homeowners can protest the appraised value if they believe it is too high.

The Role of the Taxing Units

Taxing units are entities with the authority to levy property taxes, such as school districts, cities, and counties. Each taxing unit sets its own tax rate, which is then applied to a property’s assessed value.

Property Tax Exemptions

There are various property tax exemptions available to homeowners in Texas, such as the homestead exemption, which reduces a property’s taxable value. Other exemptions include those for disabled veterans, seniors, and those with disabilities.

Tips for Navigating the Texas Property Tax System

Keep Records

Homeowners should keep records of their property’s assessed value and tax bills each year. This information will be useful if they decide to protest the assessed value or need to dispute their tax bill.

Understand the Protest Process

If a homeowner believes their property’s assessed value is too high, they can protest it. The protest process involves submitting evidence to the appraisal review board, which will review the evidence and make a decision.

Know the Deadlines

There are specific deadlines for filing protests, exemptions, and paying property taxes. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with these deadlines to avoid missing them.

Enlist the Help of an Experienced Real Estate Lawyer in Houston, TX

Navigating the Texas property tax system can be overwhelming, but understanding the process can help homeowners save money and avoid penalties. By keeping records, understanding the protest process, and knowing the deadlines, homeowners can successfully navigate the property tax system in Texas.

If you need help navigating the world of property taxes in Texas, contact us at The Titus Law Firm, and we’ll help you sort through the process.

FAQs

How often are properties assessed in Texas?

Properties in Texas are generally assessed every year by the local appraisal district.

What is the homestead exemption in Texas?

The homestead exemption is a property tax relief program in Texas that reduces homeowners’ taxable value of their primary residence. To qualify for the homestead exemption, homeowners must apply through their local appraisal district and meet certain requirements, such as owning the property on January 1st of the tax year and not having any delinquent taxes on the property.

Are property taxes in Texas high?

Property tax rates in Texas can vary depending on the location and taxing units, but they can be higher than in some other states.

Can property taxes be paid in installments in Texas?

Some Texas counties allow homeowners to pay their property taxes in installments