- Rashad Ajalov
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
Maximize Your Savings: Essential Texas Property Tax Tips for 2025
Property taxes in Texas have been on the rise, and staying informed could save you thousands of dollars. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the latest updates, exemptions, and protest procedures for 2025.
Why Are Property Taxes Increasing in Texas?
The most recent comprehensive data available pertains to property tax rates up to the year 2024. According to CoreLogic, Texas homeowners experienced an average annual increase of 7.1% in property taxes on single-family homes from 2019 through 2024, totaling approximately $1,332 per year.
How to Check Your Property’s Appraised Value
Each year, the county’s chief appraiser sends out a Notice of Appraised Value to property owners. This document details your property’s assessed value, applicable exemptions, and an estimate of your potential tax bill. Review it carefully to ensure accuracy.
Do You Qualify for Property Tax Exemptions?
To qualify for a property tax exemption:
You must own the home and use it as your primary residence.
Additional exemptions may apply for seniors, veterans, or individuals with disabilities.
Can You Claim a Homestead Exemption on Multiple Homes?
No. Texas law allows only one homestead exemption per individual per year, which must be for your principal residence.
What If You’re a Surviving Spouse of Someone 65 or Older?
If your spouse was 65 or older at the time of their passing, and you’re at least 55 years old, you may qualify to continue receiving the school tax ceiling benefit, helping to cap your property tax amount.
Understanding the 10% Cap on Property Tax Increases
The Texas Property Tax Code (Sec. 23.23) limits annual increases in your home’s assessed value to 10%—but only if the property has a homestead exemption. This cap doesn’t apply to new improvements or increases in market value.
What’s New for 2024? Texas Property Tax Exemption Updates
Big news for homeowners: the Texas homestead exemption has increased from $40,000 to $100,000. If you’re 65 or older, that exemption jumps to $110,000. This means a larger portion of your home’s value is shielded from property taxes, reducing your bill significantly.
New Property Tax Law: The Property Tax Relief Act
Senate Bill 2, also known as the Property Tax Relief Act, aims to lower property tax burdens by:
Reducing school district tax rates
Increasing state funding to maintain school operations
Important Deadlines to Remember
Protest Your Appraisal: File by May 15, 2025, or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice—whichever is later.
Apply for Exemptions: Submit applications to your local Appraisal District by April 30, 2025.
Pay Property Taxes: Taxes are due upon receipt of your statement, typically around October 1. Avoid penalties by paying by January 31, 2025.
How to Protest Your Property’s Appraised Value
If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, follow these simple steps:
File a Notice of Protest: Send a written notice to your county’s Appraisal District. It doesn’t have to be an official form—a letter with your property details will do.
Request Evidence: Contact assistant@rashadajalovteam.com to gather supporting documents for your case.
Attend an Informal Hearing: Discuss your concerns with an appraiser to see if you can reach an agreement.
Formal Review: If unresolved, attend a hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Further Appeals: If needed, you can appeal to district court or request binding arbitration.
A Word of Caution: Don’t Pay for Homestead Exemption Services
Some companies may offer to handle your homestead exemption application—for a fee. Don’t fall for it. Filing for a homestead exemption is completely free when done through your local Appraisal District.
Final Thoughts
Staying proactive about your property taxes can lead to significant savings. Whether it’s ensuring you’re getting the right exemptions or challenging an inaccurate appraisal, the effort is well worth it.
If you have any questions about property taxes or need guidance through the protest process, feel free to reach out. I’m always here to help!
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