Texas property taxes are high due to the lack of state income tax. To reduce your Texas property tax burden, apply for exemptions like homestead or over-65, protest appraisals, and explore local options. Paying in installments and strategic timing of upgrades can also lower costs.
Why Are Texas Property Taxes So High?
Two reasons: No state income tax and how local governments fund everything—schools, police, emergency services, infrastructure.
The money has to come from somewhere, so property taxes carry a heavy load. The trade-off? Texas lets you keep more of your paycheck since they don’t tax your income.
How to Reduce Your Property Tax Bill
The good news? You don’t have to sit back and accept what the county says your house is worth. Here are ways to lower that bill:
1. Apply for the Right Property Tax Exemptions
Texas offers several property tax exemptions, and these can cut your tax bill by thousands per year The trick is knowing which ones you qualify for.
- Homestead Exemption – If you live in your home as of January 1, you can apply for this exemption. It helps by reducing the taxable value of your home.
- Over-65 Exemption – If you’re 65 or older, you may qualify for extra savings. Plus, school district property taxes get frozen at the amount when you first qualify.
- Disability Exemption – If you have a disability, you might qualify for additional tax relief.
- Veteran’s Exemption – Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses can get massive reductions in Texas property taxes.
Pro tip: If you haven’t applied for an exemption, you’re leaving money on the table. You can check with your county’s appraisal district to see what you qualify for.
2. Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal
Every year, your local appraisal district assigns your property a value. If they say your home’s worth $300,000, your taxes are based on that number.
Here’s how:
- Check your home’s appraisal in May – This is when Texas appraisal districts send out their notices.
- Look for discrepancies – Did they overstate the square footage? Compare your home’s value to similar homes in your area.
- File a protest with your appraisal district – You usually have until May 15 or 30 days after you get your notice.
- Gather evidence – Photos, repair estimates, and comparable sales data help your case.
If you win, they lower your property value, which means lower taxes.
3. Pay Your Property Taxes in Installments
If you’re struggling with Texas property taxes, some counties let homeowners pay in four payments instead of all at once.
Who qualifies? Homeowners with a homestead exemption, disabled homeowners, and those over 65.
Just be sure to check with your tax office before the January 31 deadline.
4. Look at Local Tax Exemptions
Some cities and counties give extra exemptions beyond what the state offers.
Example: Houston offers an additional homestead exemption on top of the state’s.
Check with your county assessor’s office to see if you’re missing anything.
5. Make Your Property Less Attractive to the Appraisers
This might sound ridiculous, but some homeowners purposely avoid home upgrades until after their property has been assessed.
Why?
Because updated homes often get a higher appraised value, which means higher property taxes.
So if you’re planning a remodel, it might be worth waiting until after your home’s been appraised for the year.
FAQs
How often do Texas property taxes go up?
Texas property values are reassessed every year, but that doesn’t mean your taxes always go up.
Can I really lower my property taxes?
Yes! Exemptions, protests, and adjustments to your home’s value all help reduce your Texas property tax burden.
What if I miss my deadline to protest?
If you miss your protest deadline, you’ll have to wait until next year. Mark your calendar in early May so you don’t forget.
Is there a maximum property tax in Texas?
There’s no set maximum, but Texas limits how much property taxes can increase unless voters approve a bigger hike.
Where do I go to check my exemptions?
You can visit your county’s appraisal district website or check with your local tax assessor’s office.
Conclusion
while Texas property taxes are notably high due to the state’s lack of income tax, homeowners have several avenues to reduce their financial burden. By understanding and utilizing available property tax exemptions, such as the homestead, over-65, disability, and veteran’s exemptions, taxpayers can significantly lower their bills. Protesting property appraisals, paying in installments, and exploring local exemptions offer additional relief. Ultimately, proactive engagement with these strategies is crucial for managing and minimizing property tax expenses in Texas.
