General Questions

1. What are property taxes, and why do I have to pay them?
   Property taxes are ad valorem taxes based on the value of your property. They are collected by local taxing units like counties, cities, and school districts to fund essential services such as education, public safety, roads, and parks. All property owners are required to pay property taxes unless their property is fully exempt.
2. Who sets property tax rates in Texas?
   Property tax rates are set by local taxing entities, such as school districts, counties, and cities, based on their budgetary needs. These rates are determined annually and must comply with state regulations, including public input and, in some cases, voter approval for increases over certain limits.
3. What services are funded by property taxes?
   Property taxes fund local services such as public schools, police and fire departments, infrastructure maintenance, libraries, parks, and hospitals. Each taxing unit allocates its revenue to meet the needs of the community it serves.
4. How is the value of my property determined for tax purposes?
   The appraisal district in your county determines the market value of your property as of January 1 each year. This value is based on factors like location, size, condition, and recent sales of comparable properties in your area.
5. Why did my property tax bill increase this year?
   Your property tax bill can increase due to higher property values determined by the appraisal district or tax rate changes by local taxing units. Additionally, the expiration of exemptions or a new bond or levy approved by voters can raise your overall tax obligation.

 

 

Tax Exemptions

What is a homestead exemption, and how do I qualify for it?
A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, lowering your property tax bill. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence as of January 1, and you must submit a homestead exemption application to your local appraisal district.

6. How much can I save with the homestead exemption?
   As of January 1, 2023, the homestead exemption for school district taxes is $100,000. This exemption can save homeowners an average of $681 annually, depending on local tax rates. Additional savings may apply if other exemptions, like over-65 or disability, are combined.
7. Are there exemptions available for senior citizens, veterans, or individuals with disabilities?
   Yes, Texas offers additional exemptions for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. For example, seniors and disabled persons can receive a $10,000 exemption on school taxes, while veterans may qualify for exemptions based on their disability rating, ranging from $5,000 to a full exemption.
8. Can I apply for more than one exemption?
   Yes, you can apply for multiple exemptions if you qualify. For instance, you can combine the homestead exemption with senior citizen, disability, or veteran exemptions to maximize your property tax savings.
9. What is the deadline to apply for property tax exemptions?
   The deadline to apply for most exemptions, including the homestead exemption, is April 30 of the tax year. Late applications may be accepted for up to two years retroactively, but you should verify this with your local appraisal district.

 

 

Protesting Property Taxes

11. What should I do if I think my property is overvalued?
    If you believe your property’s appraised value is too high, file a protest with your local appraisal district. Gather evidence such as comparable property values, photos of property damage, or repair estimates to support your claim. The deadline is typically May 15 or 30 days after receiving your notice of appraised value.
12. How do I file a property tax protest?
    You can file a protest by completing the form included with your appraisal notice or submitting an online protest through your appraisal district’s website. Clearly state your reason for protesting, such as overvaluation or unequal appraisal, and provide supporting evidence.
13. What types of evidence can I use to support my protest?
    Evidence can include photos of property damage, repair estimates, professional inspection reports, and recent sales data for similar properties in your area. Documentation that highlights deferred maintenance, flooding, or structural issues can also strengthen your case.
14. What happens during an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing?
    During an ARB hearing, you’ll present your evidence to a panel of impartial citizens who will review your case. The appraisal district will also present its findings. The ARB will then make a decision on whether to adjust your property’s appraised value.
15. Can I appeal the ARB’s decision if I disagree?
    Yes, if you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you can appeal it in district court or request binding arbitration, depending on your circumstances. Appeals must be filed within specific timeframes, so act quickly to preserve your rights.

 

Special Circumstances

16. Can I reduce my property taxes if my home has storm or flood damage?
    Yes, significant damage, such as flooding or storm-related destruction, can lower your property’s market value. Provide evidence such as photos, repair estimates, or insurance claims when filing a protest to request a reduced appraised value.
17. What happens to my property taxes if I sell my home during the year?
    Property taxes for the year are prorated between the buyer and seller during the closing process. While the seller typically pays taxes for the portion of the year they owned the home, the buyer assumes responsibility for taxes after the sale.
18. Do I have to pay property taxes if I inherit a property?
    Yes, property taxes are still required on inherited properties. However, you may qualify for exemptions, such as the homestead exemption, if you make the property your primary residence. Be sure to notify the appraisal district of the ownership change.
19. What if my property is under construction or partially complete on January 1?
    If your property is not fully complete by January 1, the appraisal district will assess its value based on its condition as of that date. Be prepared to provide documentation showing the construction progress or partial completion.
20. Are there tax benefits for installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems?
    Yes, Texas offers a property tax exemption for the added value of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines. The exemption applies only to the added value, not the entire property. Contact your appraisal district to apply.

Billing and Payments

21. When are property tax bills issued?
    Property tax bills are typically issued in October each year, once the appraisal roll has been certified and taxing units have set their rates. You should receive your bill by mail or electronically, depending on your preference.
22. What is the deadline to pay property taxes?
    Property taxes are due by January 31 of the following year. If not paid by this date, penalties and interest begin to accrue starting February 1.
23. What happens if I miss the payment deadline?
    If you miss the January 31 deadline, you’ll incur penalties and interest starting February 1. These fees increase monthly and can add up quickly, so it’s important to pay as soon as possible to minimize additional costs.
24. Are there payment plans available for property taxes?
    Yes, many taxing units offer payment plans, especially for homeowners facing financial hardships. Contact your local tax assessor-collector’s office to learn about available options and eligibility requirements.
25. Can I pay my property taxes online?
    Yes, most counties in Texas allow you to pay property taxes online through their tax assessor-collector’s website. Online payments are convenient and often accept credit cards, debit cards, or e-checks. Be aware of any service fees that may apply.

 

Tax Refunds and Adjustments

26. Can I get a refund if I overpay my property taxes?
    Yes, if you overpay your property taxes, you can request a refund from your local tax assessor-collector’s office. Provide proof of payment and ensure all account information is correct. Refunds are typically processed within a few weeks, depending on the office.
27. What happens if my property value is adjusted after I’ve already paid my taxes?
    If your property value is reduced after you’ve paid your taxes, you may be entitled to a refund for the overpayment. The tax office will typically issue a refund or apply the credit to your future tax bill. Contact your appraisal district to confirm the adjustment and next steps.

 

Property Tax Legislation

28. What is the Property Tax Relief Act, and how does it affect my taxes?
    The Property Tax Relief Act (Senate Bill 2) introduced several changes to limit tax increases and increase transparency. It raised the homestead exemption for school district taxes to $100,000 and requires voter approval for most tax revenue increases exceeding 3.5% annually.
29. Are there limits on how much property taxes can increase each year?
    Yes, taxing units (other than school districts and special units) cannot increase property tax revenue by more than 3.5% without voter approval. This limit helps protect homeowners from sudden and significant tax increases.
30. What is the no-new-revenue tax rate?
    The no-new-revenue tax rate is the rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year, accounting for changes in property values. It serves as a benchmark to help taxpayers understand how much a tax rate increase affects their bills.

 

Working with Professionals Questions and Responses

31. Should I hire a property tax consultant?
    Hiring a property tax consultant can be beneficial if you believe your property is overvalued or if the protest process feels overwhelming. Consultants have expertise in gathering evidence, preparing cases, and negotiating with appraisal districts to reduce your tax bill.
32. How can a consultant help me lower my property taxes?
    A consultant evaluates your property’s appraisal, identifies discrepancies, gathers supporting evidence, and represents you in hearings with the appraisal district or ARB. Their goal is to achieve the most significant reduction in your taxable value.
33. What documents should I provide to a property tax consultant?
    You should provide photos of property damage, repair estimates, inspection reports, recent comparable property sales, and any relevant tax records. These documents help your consultant build a strong case for reducing your property’s appraised value.

 

 

Slash-Tax Specific Questions and Responses

 

34. How does Slash-Tax help homeowners save on property taxes?
    Slash-Tax specializes in identifying opportunities to lower your property taxes. We analyze your property’s valuation, gather evidence, and handle the entire protest process, from filing to representing you in hearings. Our goal is to minimize your taxes and maximize your savings.
35. What is the process for using Slash-Tax’s services?
    Once you sign up, you complete a brief survey and upload relevant documentation like photos, repair estimates, or inspection reports. Slash-Tax then creates a professional report, gathers market data, and negotiates with the appraisal district or ARB on your behalf.
36. Can I track the progress of my property tax protest with Slash-Tax?
    Yes, Slash-Tax provides updates throughout the process, ensuring you stay informed. Our team communicates progress, shares results from hearings, and provides clear explanations of outcomes to keep you in the loop.
37. How do I upload evidence, like photos or repair estimates, to Slash-Tax?
    Uploading evidence is easy through our secure online platform. Once you’ve signed up, you can quickly upload photos, estimates, reports, and other documents directly to your client portal, where our team will review them.
38. What is the cost of using Slash-Tax’s services?
    Slash-Tax operates on a contingency fee model, meaning you only pay if we successfully reduce your property taxes. This ensures there’s no risk to you and aligns our interests with achieving your savings goals.