Austin Property Taxes, Explained Simply

Property taxes are one of the biggest costs of owning a home in Texas. Here is how they work.

How they are calculated

Your tax bill is your home's taxable value multiplied by the combined tax rates of the taxing units where you live. These can include:

• The county
• The city
• The school district
• Community college districts
• Hospital districts
• Special districts like MUDs or PIDs in some newer communities

Who sets the value

Your county appraisal district sets your home's appraised value each year. In Travis County, that is the Travis Central Appraisal District. In Williamson County, it is the Williamson Central Appraisal District.

Who sets the rates

Each taxing unit sets its own rate. That is why homes at similar prices can have very different tax bills.

The homestead cap

If your home has a homestead exemption, the taxable value of your home generally cannot rise more than 10% per year, even if the market value rises more.

Ways to lower your bill

• File your homestead exemption
• Protest your appraised value if it seems too high
• Apply for additional exemptions if you qualify, like those for homeowners 65 and older or with disabilities

Taxes are paid in arrears

Texas property taxes are billed in the fall and due by the end of January for the prior year. At closing, buyers and sellers split the year's taxes based on the closing date.

If you are comparing homes, I'll help you estimate the property taxes for each one.