Texas Property Tax Guide 2026
The May 15, 2026 filing window has closed. A late notice still gives 30 days from its mailing date, and the 30th day moves to the next business day when it falls on a weekend or holiday. Everything you need to know about Texas property taxes: deadlines, how to protest, and exemptions that can save you money.
Key dates
- Payment due
- February 1, 2027
- Notices mailed
- Usually April
- 2027 protest deadline
- May 17, 2027
- or the 30th day after your notice is mailed, if later
- The 2026 deadline was May 15, 2026. A late notice still gives 30 days from its mailing date, and the 30th day moves to the next business day when it falls on a weekend or holiday.
- ARB Hearings
- Usually May to September
How to protest your property tax
1. Review your notice
Check your Notice of Appraised Value for errors in square footage, bedroom count, or market value.
2. File a protest
The statewide deadline is May 15 or the 30th day after your appraisal district mailed your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later (Texas Tax Code §41.44(a)(1), and a mailed notice is presumed delivered on the day it is mailed, §1.07(c)). The 2026 window is closed except for late notices. Filing is free.
3. Gather evidence
Collect comparable sales from your neighborhood and photos of any property issues that affect value.
4. Present your case
Attend your ARB hearing in person, online, or let a professional represent you.
Filing is free. On a value protest, Texas Tax Code §41.47(c-2) bars the appraisal review board from setting your appraised value above the value in the appraisal records the chief appraiser submitted, unless you request and agree to a higher amount.
Property tax exemptions
Homestead Exemption
For your primary residence. Provides $140,000 off school taxable value and a 10% cap on annual value increases.
- $140,000 school district exemption
- Up to 20% exemption from county/city taxes
- 10% annual cap on appraised value increases
Over-65 Exemption
Additional benefits for seniors 65 and older, including a school tax freeze and optional tax deferral.
- Extra $60,000 school district exemption
- School tax ceiling frozen at age 65 amount
- Optional deferral of all taxes until sale
Disabled Veteran Exemption
For veterans with a VA disability rating. Exemption amount depends on disability percentage.
- 10-69% disability: $5,000-$10,000 exemption
- 70-100% disability: $12,000+ exemption
- 100% disabled: Complete tax exemption
Apply through your county appraisal district. You only need to apply once.
Check your savings potential
Enter your address to see your current tax bill and estimate how much you could save by protesting.
Free. No account required.