Property tax bills are prepared and mailed on October 1 in Texas. Your property tax bill contains several pieces of important information. Knowing the terminology in your tax bill can help you understand how your property taxes were calculated.
Information Included on Your Property Tax Bill
Every tax bill will include the owner of record’s name and property address and payment schedule.
Let’s review some of the information you’ll see on your tax bill.
Taxing Jurisdiction
Your property tax bill will include every taxing entity or jurisdiction authorized to tax your property. For example, in Dallas County there are four county jurisdictions: Dallas County, Dallas County Community College, Dallas County Hospital District, and Dallas County School District. Other jurisdictions in Dallas County include city, school districts, and special districts.
Every taxable property pays county and school district taxes. Your property’s location will determine which taxing jurisdictions collect property taxes. Each taxing entity will have a tax rate listed on your bill.
Tax Rate/Mill Levy
Each taxing entity, including every county, has its own tax rate. The tax rate is in decimal form, and is multiplied by the assessed value to determine what you owe in property taxes.
You may also see the term “mill levy” on your bill instead of tax rate. The mill levy is synonymous with “tax rate”. One mill is one dollar per $1,000 of assessed value. The mill levy is multiplied by the assessed value to calculate your property tax.
Appraised Value
The appraised value is sometimes referenced on your tax bill, but not always. This is what the appraisal district considers to be the value of your property. Your appraisal district reviews the appraised value of your property at least once every three years. When this value changes, it can increase or decrease what you owe in property taxes.
Factors that determine your property tax assessment include:
- Age of the home
- Property condition
- Property size
- Market conditions
Exemptions
Property tax exemptions can reduce the taxable value of your property. For example, if you qualify for a homestead exemption of $100,000, and your home is assessed at $650,000, your home would be taxed as if it were valued at $550,000.
There are many property tax exemptions that Texas homeowners may be eligible for, including:
- General residence homestead
- Age 65 and older
- Surviving spouses
- Disabled veterans
Your property tax bill will include the type of exemption and the amount of the exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Tax Bills
Have other questions regarding your property tax bill? We’ve answered a few other questions regarding important dates and payment options.
When will I receive my property tax bill?
The Texas Property Tax Code states that property tax bills are issued on October 1. You still need to pay your taxes even if you did not receive your bill.
Contact your assessor’s office if you did not receive your property tax bill.
How do I get a copy of my property tax bill?
You should be able to get a copy of your property tax bill online if you lost it or didn’t receive a copy in the mail. Visit your appraisal district’s website or call their office for more information.
When are property taxes due in Texas?
The deadline to pay your property taxes is January 31, although you are expected to pay as soon as you receive your bill. Any property taxes not paid before February 1 become delinquent.
The only exception is if January 31 falls on a weekend. For example, if the last day of January falls on a Saturday, taxes can be paid on Monday, February 2. They would become delinquent on February 3.
Your tax bill may include a payment schedule, showing what you owe if you pay your taxes late. Your taxes should be paid even if you file an appeal to lower your assessed value.
Can I pay my property taxes online?
Yes, you can view your statement or pay your taxes online. Visit your appraisal district’s website for more information.
Do I send my property tax bill to my mortgage company?
You may receive a bill even if your real estate taxes are paid through your mortgage escrow. Write your loan number on the bill and mail to your lender immediately upon receipt. Again, to avoid delinquent taxes, they must be postmarked before February 1.
What You Can Do if Your Property Taxes are Too High
If you review your tax bill or Notice of Appraised Value and determine you’re paying too much in property taxes, you can protest your appraised value. If successful, this can help reduce what you owe in taxes.
The deadline to file a notice to protest property taxes in Texas is May 15, or within 30 days after the appraisal district sent the appraisal letter, whichever occurs later.
To learn more about property tax protests, contact our property tax consultants for more information.