Austin Property Taxes

As a resident of Austin, you are responsible for paying property taxes. Taxes are calculated according to the value of your property.

Property tax revenue helps fund essential services like schools, police, and firefighters. Texas is usually ranked high in percentage of property value and average in median property tax compared to other states.

If you own a home in Austin, you will need to pay property taxes.

How Do Texas Property Taxes Work?

Property owners must pay tax bills based on their home’s assessed value. The appraised value is the estimated market value of your property. The Texas Constitution requires that all properties be appraised at market value, which is the job of your county’s chief appraiser.

Your property tax bill is calculated by multiplying the appraised value of your property by the tax rate. Various taxing entities set the tax rate, such as your school district, city, and county. Therefore, you will receive one bill for all your property taxes.

You can appeal your appraised value if you believe it is too high. You will need to contact your county’s appraisal district to appeal.

Texas Property Tax Rates

Using data from the 2019 census, Texas has the seventh-highest property tax rate in the US with an average effective property tax rate of 1.8%. Annual median property taxes in Texas are about $3,099 for the average homeowner.

The average annual property tax bill in Austin is roughly $6,600. Travis County residents pay $2.18 per $100 of taxable value, while Williamson County residents pay $2.24 per $100 of taxable value.

However, property taxes are just one part of the story regarding the cost of homeownership in Texas. Homeowners in Texas also pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. An insurance policy in Texas typically costs almost $1,850 annually.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Property Taxes in Texas?

You will lose your home if you don’t pay your property taxes. This is called foreclosure. The first step in the foreclosure process is for the tax office to send you a notice that says you owe taxes. Then, if you don’t pay the taxes within 30 days, the tax office will file a lawsuit against you.

If the court rules for the tax office, they will issue a judgment against you for the amount of taxes you owe. The tax office will then record a lien on your property, which is a legal claim against your property.

You can avoid foreclosure by paying your property taxes on time. If you have trouble paying your taxes, contact the tax office for help. They may be able to offer you a payment plan or other assistance. You can also reach out to a property tax lawyer who understands property law and can help you fight for your home.

How to Handle a Property Tax Appeal

Are you concerned that your home’s appraised value has been overestimated? If so, you can file a property tax appeal with your county’s appraisal district. At Kelly Legal Group, we have successfully represented many clients in property tax appeals. We can also assist you if you are facing foreclosure due to annual property taxes owed.