Texas Property Tax Calculator

Why are Texas property taxes so high?

Texas funds its government primarily through property taxes (since there's no income tax). School districts alone account for 40–60% of the total property tax bill. In 2023, Texas passed major property tax relief (HB 2) raising the homestead exemption to $100,000 and providing ~$18B in school district rate compression — but effective rates remain among the highest nationally.

What is the Texas homestead exemption?

For your primary residence, Texas removes $100,000 from the appraised value for school district taxes. Each taxing entity (county, city, MUD, etc.) may offer additional exemptions of $3,000–25% of appraised value. The homestead exemption also caps appraisal increases at 10% per year — a critical protection in fast-appreciating markets like Austin.

When can I protest my Texas property tax appraisal?

You have until May 15 (or 30 days after receiving the notice, whichever is later) to protest your appraisal with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Evidence of lower comparable sales (comps) is the strongest argument. You can also use an online informal settlement or hire a property tax consultant (who works on contingency at 30–50% of savings). Over 70% of informal protests result in reductions.

Does Texas have a property tax rate cap?

Yes — in 2019, the Texas legislature capped school district tax rate increases at 2.5% (non-school entities at 3.5%) without a voter-approved election. Appraisals can still rise fast, but the rate cannot keep up — meaning tax bills can still grow via appraisal increases alone, but are buffered against rate increases.