Texas Property Tax Calculator
2026Calculate property taxes in Texas. The average effective property tax rate in TX is 1.68%, which is above the national average of 1.1%. Estimate your annual property tax bill.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Annual Property Tax
$5,880.00
Monthly Equivalent
$490.00
Effective Rate
1.680%
Property Tax Breakdown
| Assessed Value | $350,000.00 |
| Homestead Exemption | $0.00 |
| Taxable Value | $350,000.00 |
| Annual Tax | $5,880.00 |
| Monthly Equivalent | $490.00 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How is property tax calculated in Texas?
Texas's average effective property tax rate is 1.68% of assessed value (2026), in the upper-middle nationally. Property tax is administered by counties and municipalities — the state sets a framework, but local taxing authorities (school districts, county boards, special-service districts, fire/police districts) levy their own millage rates that stack onto the bill.
Your tax bill is the assessed value times the combined millage rate (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Many jurisdictions assess at less than 100% of market value (e.g., 80% or 50%), so the effective rate on market value can be much lower than the headline millage. Common reductions include homestead exemptions (primary residence discount), senior or disabled-person freezes, veteran exemptions, and farm/agricultural use deferrals — these can cut a primary-residence bill by 10–50% in many states.
Most jurisdictions reassess property values every 1–4 years; rapid market gains can produce large bill jumps unless capped by state law (e.g., California's Proposition 13 limits annual increases to 2% on a primary residence; Texas caps homesteads at 10%/yr). Property tax is deductible federally as part of the SALT itemized deduction, capped at a combined $40,000 in 2026 under OBBBA (raised from $10,000), with a 30% phase-down on MAGI above $500,000 (floor $10,000). Use this calculator to estimate your annual bill and monthly escrow contribution.
Texas relief programs: No state income tax means property tax does the heavy lifting; the school-district homestead exemption is $100,000 (2024 voter-approved; remains in 2026). Seniors 65+ get an additional $10,000 school exemption plus a tax ceiling/freeze on the school portion.
Texas property assessment, homestead exemption, and appeal process
- Assessment ratio
- 100% of market value (with appraisal cap of 10% per year)
- Median home price (Q4 2025)
- $360,000
- Homestead exemption
- $100,000 for school-district taxes (raised 2023, Prop 4); county-level exemptions vary; over-65 freeze on school
Texas Proposition 4 (2023) raised the school-district homestead exemption to $100,000 (from $40,000) and limited annual taxable-value growth on owner-occupied homestead to 10% (the Cap, since 1997). Effective rates statewide average ~1.68% — among the highest in the country, since Texas has no state income tax. Many counties offer additional homestead exemptions ($5,000-$25,000). Owners 65+ qualify for an additional $10,000 school exemption plus a school-tax freeze (Tax Ceiling). Bills are due January 31.
Texas Property Tax Details (2026)
| Avg. Effective Property Tax Rate | 1.68% |
| National Average | 1.1% |
| vs. National Average | +0.58% above |
| Estate Tax | None |
| State Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| State Income Tax | None |
Texas property tax — frequently asked questions
Why is Texas property tax so high?
Texas's 1.68% average effective property-tax rate is the 7th-highest in the country, directly compensating for the no-state-income-tax structure. Local school districts, cities, and counties rely almost entirely on property tax — Texas has 4,000+ taxing jurisdictions. Proposition 4 (2023) raised the school-district homestead exemption to $100,000 (up from $40K), providing meaningful relief — typical homeowner savings $1,200-$2,000/year. Even after Prop 4, Austin/DFW/Houston metros pay $7,000-$15,000/year on $400-500K homes.
How do Texas homestead exemptions work?
Texas Constitution Article 8 grants several homestead exemptions on owner-occupied primary residences: school-district $100,000 (Prop 4 of 2023), county $5,000+ (varies), city $5,000+ (varies), additional $10,000 school exemption for owners 65+, plus a "tax ceiling" freezing the school-tax bill for owners 65+. Disabled veterans get up to 100% exemption depending on disability rating. Apply through your county appraisal district by April 30 of the tax year.
When are Texas property tax bills due?
Texas property tax bills are issued in October by the county and due January 31 of the following year. Delinquent payments incur 6% penalty + 1% interest per month (escalating to 41% by July). Owners 65+ and disabled veterans can defer payment indefinitely — taxes accrue with 5% annual interest but no foreclosure as long as the homestead exemption applies. Many counties offer split-payment options (December + June).
How do I appeal my Texas property tax assessment?
File a Notice of Protest with your county appraisal district (e.g., Travis CAD, Dallas CAD, Harris CAD) by May 15 (or 30 days after the appraisal notice, whichever is later). The protest can challenge the appraised value (using comparable sales) or the equality (claiming neighbors with similar homes are valued lower). Most counties offer informal hearings first; if unresolved, formal Appraisal Review Board hearings follow. Many Texas owners hire property-tax consultants who work on contingency (33%-50% of first-year savings).