Texas Property Taxes: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Property taxes in Texas can feel confusing, especially with how the timing works. Understanding the process can help you plan ahead and potentially save money.
How Texas Property Taxes Work
In Texas, property taxes are paid in arrears, meaning:
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You are paying taxes for the previous year
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The bill you receive at the end of the year is based on your home’s value as of January 1 of that same year
Each year, your county appraisal district determines the taxable value of your property as of January 1. This value is what your property taxes are based on.
When Do You Receive Your Property Value?
Property owners typically receive their Notice of Appraised Value between April 1 and April 15 (sometimes extending into early May).
This notice shows:
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The appraised value of your home
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Any exemptions applied (such as Homestead)
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The value that will be used to calculate your taxes
Important: You Have the Right to Protest
If you believe your home’s value is too high, you have the opportunity to file a protest. Click here to learn more about protesting.
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Deadline: May 15 (or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later)
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Protesting your value can reduce your tax bill, sometimes significantly
This is one of the most important opportunities homeowners have to control their property tax costs.
When Are Property Taxes Due?
Property tax bills are typically sent in November, and payment is due by:
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January 31 of the following year
For example:
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Your home is valued as of January 1, 2025
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You receive your value notice in April 2025
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Taxes are billed in November 2025
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Payment is due by January 31, 2026
Texas Property Tax Timeline
Here is a simple breakdown of the annual cycle:
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January 1
Taxable property is appraised -
January 31
Deadline to pay prior year’s property taxes -
April 1–15
Preliminary value notices sent -
May 15
Deadline to file a protest (or 30 days from notice) -
June–July
Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearings -
October
Local taxing entities set tax rates -
November
Property tax bills are sent
Key Things Texas Homeowners Should Know
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Your property taxes are based on market value as of January 1, not what you paid for the home (after the first year)
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Homestead exemptions can significantly reduce your taxable value and cap annual increases
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You have the right to protest your value every year
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Even small reductions in value can lead to meaningful long-term savings
How I Help My Clients Navigate Property Taxes
As part of my service, I help my clients:
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Understand their property tax assessments
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Evaluate whether a protest makes sense
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Connect with trusted property tax protest resources
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Factor property taxes into their overall homeownership strategy
Questions About Your Property Taxes?
If you have questions about your home’s value, exemptions, or whether you should protest, I’m always happy to help.
Reach out anytime — I’m here to be your resource.
