Residential property taxes are a crucial source of income for the state of Texas. They go toward public schools, libraries, streets and roads, and other services. They also make up for the fact that there is no state income tax in Texas. Because they do not have a statewide income tax, Texas leans more on homeowners to generate revenues.
The property tax in Texas is a locally assessed and administered tax. There is no state property tax in Texas. Property tax is the main way that local government gets money to pay for schools, roads, police and firemen, emergency response services, libraries, parks, and other services.
Local governments and special taxing districts levy taxes on real and tangible personal property. All property is appraised at its full market value, and the amount of taxes owed is based on 100% of the appraised value. The total tax rate is the sum of the rates of all applicable taxing units, including cities, counties, schools, and special districts.
Texas Property Tax Calendar
It is important to keep track of property tax deadlines to avoid late penalties and to ensure that you can file a property tax protest in a timely manner. Deadlines may vary somewhat from year to year, so please verify with your county appraisal district for the most up-to-date deadlines. We’re listing important property tax dates below. However, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts maintains a current and authoritative list of property tax law deadlines.
Please note that payment deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday move to the next business day.
December
December 31:
If you need a paid property tax receipt for Internal Revenue Service income tax purposes, you must pay by the end of December. Pay by eCheck to receive an immediate, emailed paid receipt.
January
Jan. 1
On January 1, your appraisal district is required by state law to estimate the market value of your property.
Jan. 2
Business owners can file their list of personal property. The last day to file this “rendition” is April 15. Travis Central Appraisal District handles this process.
Jan. 31
The last day to pay your property taxes without financial penalties and interest charges. If Jan. 31 falls on the weekend, the last day to pay moves to Monday.
February
.February 28 (or 29 if a Leap Year): Last day to file a letter of intent to enroll in a quarterly installment plan. This is available for those who have a homestead exemption for those over 65, disabled, disabled veterans, surviving spouses, or partially disabled veterans and their spouses.
Feb. 1
All unpaid property taxes are delinquent and charges and interest begin incurring at 12:01 am. The fee starts at 6% and increases by 1% each month, up to 12% in July, where it is capped
April
April 1
The last day for business owners to submit a list of personal property to the Travis Central Appraisal District (unless they applied for and received an extension to May 1 from the district’s chief appraiser).
May
May 1
The last day for business owners with an extension to file a rendition list of personal property to the Travis Central Appraisal District.
May 15
Last day to file property tax protests with the Travis Central Appraisal District and Williamson Central Appraisal District. You can file your protest online.
July
July 1
If you are still delinquent on your taxes, the penalty on what you owe climbs to 12% on this day. Interest continues to accrue, adding one percent for each month you are late. See Travis County’s penalty and interest chart.
September
September 29
The deadline for government agencies to decide on and pass a tax rate for the current year. Travis County property owners can calculate how the proposed rates will impact property taxes and when the government entities will be holding public hearings at Travis Taxes Truth-in-Taxation.
October
October 1
Beginning of the property tax collection for that year. Tax bills will be mailed out and all tax rates published. The fastest way to receive your Travis County tax bill is by email by signing up for eBill.
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Travis County Property Taxes: How to Apply for a Homestead Exemption
