How To Read Your Texas Tax Evaluation

As a Texas homeowner, you should receive a property tax bill from your local taxing units each October. This document will let you know the amount of property taxes you owe and when you need to pay it. However, keep in mind that your evaluation may be sent to your mortgage provider if you have a loan on your home.

Additionally, depending on where you live, you may receive more than one property tax bill. Many Texas counties have county-level assessor-collectors that are responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of all the taxing units in the county. 

If you live in one of these locations, you should only receive one property tax evaluation from the county assessor-collector that lists what you owe each taxing unit. But if you live in a county where the taxing units have not consolidated their collection efforts, you will receive a bill from each unit. 

What Information is Included in Your Texas Tax Bill

Your Texas property tax bill will include detailed information about your home and the taxes you owe. Among other things, your statement is required by law to include the assessed value of your home, any exemptions you have received, the tax due date, and the amount of taxes due.

Your bill will also include a breakdown of your home’s taxable value and tax rate by taxing unit. The statement also lists what specific taxes are due from each taxing unit.

For more information on how to read your Texas tax evaluation, check out the Texas Comptroller’s helpful guide. 

Deadlines and Delinquency Penalties

Property taxes in Texas are due on receipt and typically must be paid by January 31 to avoid delinquency. If you do not pay on time, you will be assessed a penalty and interest on February 1, with further penalties accruing monthly. 

How Can I Lower My Texas Property Tax Bill?

Many Texas homeowners think they have no choice but to pay the amount listed on the property tax bill they receive. However, this is simply not the case. 

The truth is, you can attempt to lower the amount of property taxes you owe by filing a property tax protest. This process allows you to challenge your home's assessed value through a hearing in front of the county's appraisal review board.

If successful, a property tax protest will reduce the assessed value of your home, which, in turn, will lower its taxable value. Because your property taxes are calculated by multiplying your home’s taxable value by the tax rate for each taxing unit, the amount of taxes you must pay will drop if your home’s assessed value is reduced. 

Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Watchtower Protest is a full-service Texas property tax protest company that can represent you in every step of your property tax protest. 

The best part is that you don't pay a cent unless we lower your taxes. We don't get paid unless we succeed, so you have nothing to lose by signing up for our services. Fill out our online form today to get started risk-free.

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