Property Taxes

Understanding Texas Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners

Property taxes in Texas can sometimes be difficult to understand, especially for first-time homeowners or buyers relocating from another state. Knowing how the timeline works can help you prepare financially and avoid surprises throughout the year.

How Property Taxes Work in Texas

Texas property taxes are paid after the tax year has already occurred. In other words, homeowners pay taxes in arrears.

This means:

• Your tax bill reflects the prior year’s taxes
• Taxes are based on your property’s assessed value as of January 1 of that tax year

Every year, your local appraisal district determines the market value of your home, and that value is used to calculate your annual property taxes.

When Homeowners Receive Their Appraisal Notice

Most Texas homeowners receive a Notice of Appraised Value sometime between early April and mid-April, although some notices may arrive later depending on the county.

Your notice will include:

• The county’s assessed value of your property
• Any exemptions currently applied to your home
• The value that will be used when calculating taxes

This is an important document because it gives homeowners the opportunity to review and challenge the valuation if necessary.

Homeowners Have the Right to Protest Their Value

If you feel your home has been overvalued, Texas law allows you to file a protest with the appraisal district.

Important things to know:

• The protest deadline is generally May 15 or within 30 days of the notice date
• A successful protest may lower your taxable value and reduce your tax bill
• Even a modest reduction can create long-term savings over time

Reviewing your valuation annually is one of the best ways homeowners can help manage future tax costs.

When Property Taxes Are Due

Property tax statements are usually mailed out in November.

Taxes must typically be paid by January 31 of the following year to avoid penalties and interest.

Example:

• Your home value is determined on January 1, 2025
• You receive your appraisal notice in spring 2025
• Tax bills are mailed in November 2025
• Taxes are due by January 31, 2026

Texas Property Tax Calendar

January 1

Property values are assessed for the tax year

January 31

Deadline to pay the previous year’s property taxes

April

Appraisal notices are mailed to homeowners

May 15

Deadline to protest your property value (or 30 days after notice)

Summer Months

Appraisal Review Board hearings take place

Fall

Cities, counties, and school districts finalize tax rates

November

Property tax bills are sent to homeowners

Important Things Texas Homeowners Should Remember

• Property taxes are based on market value as of January 1
• Homestead exemptions can help lower taxable value and limit annual increases
• Homeowners can protest their assessed value every year
• Lowering your assessed value can create meaningful savings over time

How I Help My Clients With Property Taxes

I work with clients to help them better understand how property taxes impact homeownership and long-term costs.

I can help with:

• Reviewing appraisal values
• Explaining exemptions
• Discussing whether protesting may make sense
• Connecting homeowners with trusted protest resources
• Helping buyers factor taxes into their overall budget

Questions About Property Taxes?

If you have questions about your appraisal, exemptions, or the protest process, I’m always happy to help point you in the right direction.

Feel free to reach out anytime — I’m here to be a resource before, during, and after your home purchase.