How do property taxes work in Austin, TX in 2026? Austin property taxes are assessed annually by your county’s Central Appraisal District, with key deadlines spread throughout the year for valuations, exemptions, protests, and payments. Understanding the timeline — and your rights as a homeowner — can save you real money.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Key takeaways: Property taxes are assessed every January 1. Tax bills are due by January 31 of the following year. You can protest your appraised value within 30 days of receiving your notice (typically April–May). Homestead exemptions are free to file and can significantly lower your tax bill. Texas is a non-disclosure state — you never have to share your purchase price with the county.
Why Austin Property Taxes Deserve a Spot on Your Calendar
If you own a home in the Austin metro — whether you’re in Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, or Bastrop County — property taxes are one of the biggest recurring costs you’ll face each year. Texas has no state income tax, which means local property taxes carry a heavier load when it comes to funding schools, roads, and public services. That’s why your assessed home value — and how much you pay in taxes — matters so much.
The good news? You have more control over your property tax bill than you might think. Between homestead exemptions, protest rights, and understanding how deadlines work, there are real opportunities to keep more money in your pocket. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to know and when to act.
The Austin Property Tax Calendar: Key Dates for Homeowners
January — Your Home Gets Reassessed
Every year on January 1, your county’s Central Appraisal District sets a new assessed value for your property. This is the starting point for your next tax bill. The district looks at market conditions, comparable sales, and property characteristics to determine what your home is worth as of that date.
You won’t receive any paperwork yet — that comes later in the spring. But it’s worth knowing that this is the snapshot date used for the entire tax year.
February — Last Call for Last Year’s Tax Bill
Your previous year’s property tax bill is due by January 31. If it isn’t paid by February 1, it becomes delinquent and penalty and interest charges begin to accumulate.
If your taxes are escrowed through your mortgage lender, confirm with your servicer that the payment has been made or is scheduled. If your taxes are not escrowed, make sure you’ve budgeted to pay the full amount before the deadline. When in doubt, call your lender — it’s a quick check that can save you from unnecessary late fees.
February is also a good time to gather documents for your tax return if you bought or sold a home the previous year. Items to have ready include your closing disclosure, Form 1098 from your mortgage company, records of any improvements made to the property, and the amount you paid in property taxes during the year.
April and May — Your Notice of Appraised Value Arrives
Sometime in April or May, you should receive a Notice of Appraised Value in the mail from your county’s Central Appraisal District. This document tells you what the county believes your home is worth. It’s not your final tax bill — it’s the assessed value that will be used to calculate your taxes later in the year.
Open this envelope. Read it carefully. If the number looks higher than what you think your home is actually worth, you have options — and a deadline to act on them.
May and June — The Protest Window Opens
Once you receive your notice, you typically have 30 days to file a protest with your Central Appraisal District. This is your opportunity to challenge the assessed value and potentially lower your tax bill.
You can file a protest on your own by gathering comparable sales data and presenting your case to the appraisal review board. You can also hire a professional property tax protest firm to handle it for you. Several reputable companies in the Austin area work on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge a fee if they successfully reduce your assessed value.
Whether you DIY it or hire a pro, the key is not to let the deadline pass. Missing the window means accepting whatever value the county assigned — even if it’s too high.
September and October — Check Your Exemption Status
If you purchased a primary residence this year — or if you bought before this year but never filed — this is the time to make sure your homestead exemption is in place.
A homestead exemption removes a portion of your home’s assessed value from taxation, which directly lowers your tax bill. In Texas, the general homestead exemption for school district taxes alone can reduce your taxable value significantly. Additional exemptions are available for homeowners over 65, disabled veterans, and those with qualifying solar installations.
To apply, visit your county’s Central Appraisal District website. The application is free. One important requirement: the address on your driver’s license or state-issued ID must match the property address where you’re claiming the exemption.
You may also receive mailers from third-party companies offering to file your exemption paperwork for a fee. You don’t need to pay for this — the forms are straightforward and available at no cost directly from the county.
October and November — Tax Bills Go Out
Your official tax bill for the current year typically arrives between October and November. This is where you’ll see how the tax rate and your assessed value combine to determine what you owe.
Once your bill is posted, it’s a good idea to contact your mortgage servicer to discuss any changes that might affect your escrow payment. A significant increase in your assessed value — or a change in the tax rate — could raise your monthly mortgage payment going forward.
State law allows counties to begin mailing tax bills on October 1, but the exact timing depends on when all local government entities have finalized their tax rates. Signing up for electronic billing through your county’s website can help you stay on top of when your bill is available.
Important Things Every Austin Homeowner Should Know
Texas Is a Non-Disclosure State
Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: Texas is a non-disclosure state. That means you are never required to tell your county’s appraisal district what you paid for your home or what it’s been appraised at privately. If you receive a request from the county asking for your purchase price, you are not obligated to provide it.
Where to Find Your County’s Appraisal District
Depending on where your home is located in the Austin metro, your property taxes are managed by one of several county appraisal districts. Here are the most common ones for Austin-area homeowners:
- Travis County: Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD)
- Williamson County: Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD)
- Hays County: Hays Central Appraisal District (Hays CAD)
- Bastrop County: Bastrop Central Appraisal District
Each county’s website allows you to look up your property, check your assessed value, verify exemption status, and file a protest online.
What About Selling? How Property Taxes Affect Your Closing
If you’re planning to sell your home, property taxes come into play at the closing table. In Texas, sellers typically pay a prorated share of the current year’s taxes up through the closing date, and the buyer picks up the rest from that point forward. Your title company will handle the math, but it helps to understand that this adjustment will appear on your closing disclosure.
If you’re thinking about selling within the next year, reach out to our team so we can walk you through how property taxes factor into your net proceeds.
How to Lower Your Austin Property Tax Bill
You don’t have to simply accept what the county sends you. Here are the most effective strategies Austin homeowners use to reduce their property tax burden:
- File your homestead exemption — This is the single easiest step, and it’s free. If your primary residence doesn’t have a homestead exemption on file, you may be overpaying.
- Protest your appraised value every year — Even in years when values are rising, there’s often room to challenge the county’s number using comparable sales data.
- Check for additional exemptions — If you’re over 65, a disabled veteran, or have added solar energy systems to your home, you may qualify for additional exemptions that lower your taxable value further.
- Hire a property tax protest company — If you don’t want to handle the protest yourself, there are reputable firms in Austin that work on a no-savings, no-fee basis.
- Review your bill for errors — Mistakes happen. Verify that your property details — square footage, number of bedrooms, lot size — are accurate on your county’s records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin Property Taxes
When are Austin property taxes due in 2026?
Austin and Travis County property taxes are due by January 31 each year. If not paid by February 1, the balance becomes delinquent and begins accruing penalty and interest charges. Tax bills are typically mailed between October and November.
How do I apply for a homestead exemption in Travis County?
You can apply directly through the Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD) website. The application is free, and your driver’s license address must match the property address. You do not need to pay a third-party service to file — the forms are available at no cost on the county website.
Can I protest my Austin property tax appraisal myself?
Yes. Texas homeowners can protest their appraised value with their county’s Central Appraisal District. You typically have 30 days from the date you receive your notice of appraised value to file a protest. You can also hire a professional property tax protest company — many only charge a fee if they successfully lower your assessed value.
Is Texas a non-disclosure state for property taxes?
Yes. Texas is a non-disclosure state, meaning you are never required to share your home’s purchase price or appraised value with the county. If the appraisal district contacts you requesting this information, you are not obligated to provide it.
Stay Ahead of Your Property Taxes
Property taxes in Austin don’t have to feel overwhelming. When you understand the calendar, know your rights, and take advantage of exemptions and protest opportunities, you’re already in a stronger position than most homeowners.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer trying to understand what to expect, a current homeowner looking to lower your bill, or thinking about selling your Austin home and wondering how taxes factor in — our team is here to help. Reach out to the Muñoz Group and let’s talk through your situation.
Lisa Muñoz · Group Principal, REALTOR® · The Muñoz Group at Compass
