1. When are my property taxes due?                 

Property taxes are due upon receipt of your Assessor-Collector’s tax statement in the fall of each tax year.  They are payable without penalty by January 31 of the following year. On February 1 any unpaid property taxes are assessed a 7% penalty & interest charge.  

2. When is the deadline for protesting my property taxes?

Property tax protests generally must be postmarked by May 31st of each year to be considered timely.

3. What is a Homestead Exemption?

The Texas Homestead Exemption constitutionally exempts part of the value of your home from local taxation.  It is mandated for school districts, though other taxing jurisdictions may grant it at their option.  Austin ISD and other ISD’s must grant at least a $15,000 exemption for general homesteads.

Texans qualify for a general Homestead Exemption by meeting three criteria:

                                    1.   Own the property on January 1 of the tax year
                                    2.   Claim it as their primary residence
                                    3.   Claim no other property in Texas as a homestead

4. How does my Homestead “10% Cap” work?

Your property really has two values:  Market Value and Appraised Value.  The Market Value is the appraisal district’s opinion of what a property would sell for on the open market as of January 1st of the tax year.  The Market Value may increase/decrease each year in any amount the appraisal district deems appropriate

The Appraised Value is essentially the “10% cap” value.  This value is limited to no more than a 10% increase from one tax year to the next, beginning with the second year you qualify for a homestead exemption. (continued Page 2)

 

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