Texas property tax for newcomers: the homestead exemption and how to protest

Question, scoped You bought a home in Texas. How does property tax work, and what should you file? As of October 2026. Amounts are set by the Legislature and change; check your appraisal district for the current figures. The answer Texas has no state personal income tax. Local services and schools are funded largely through property taxes, levied by the school district, the city, the county and special districts, each with its own rate. Your appraisal district sets the value; the taxing units set the rates. File the homestead exemption - It applies to your principal residence. The application is Comptroller form 50-114, filed with your county appraisal district (Travis CAD for most of Austin). Filing is free. - The school-district homestead exemption is substantial and has been raised by the Legislature more than once in recent sessions. It also caps how fast the taxable value of a homestead can rise (10% a year). - Over-65 and disabled homeowners qualify for extra exemptions and a school-tax ceiling. Ignore mailers offering to file your homestead exemption for a fee. The form is free from your appraisal district. Protest your value Your notice of appraised value arrives in spring. The protest deadline is May 15, or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later. Bring comparable sales and photos of condition problems. Most districts allow online protests and an informal review before a hearing. Sourced Texas Comptroller property tax pages (https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/) and your appraisal district. What would change this answer New legislation on exemptions or rate limits, and voter-approved constitutional amendments.