Burnet County Property Tax Guide 2026
Complete guide to Burnet County (Burnet CAD) property tax — rates, deadlines, payment options, and how to protest your appraisal in Marble Falls and surrounding areas.
Key Dates
- Payment due
- January 31, 2026
- Notices mailed
- April 2026
- Protest deadline
- May 15, 2026 (or 30 days after notice)
- ARB Hearings
- May-September 2026
Tax rates
Average Total (Burnet): 1.9% - 2.4%
- School district
- Varies by district
- County
- Varies by location
- City
- Varies by city
- Special Districts
- Varies by location
About Burnet Property Tax
Burnet County is part of the Austin metropolitan area, which experienced dramatic property value increases during 2020-2023 and has since seen some market correction. With a population of approximately 55,722 and an estimated 22,000 properties on the tax roll, Burnet County represents a significant share of the regional housing market. Combined tax rates in the Marble Falls area typically range from 1.9% - 2.4%, making property taxes a major household expense. The Burnet CAD appraisal district sets property valuations each year, and homeowners can protest values they believe are too high. With recent market adjustments, many homeowners may have strong evidence that their appraised value exceeds current market conditions.
Average Home Value
$420,000
Typical Annual Tax
$8,900/year
Official Resources - Burnet
Why Protest in Burnet?
- Austin-area values peaked in 2022-2023 and have corrected in many neighborhoods. Your Burnet CAD appraisal may still reflect peak pricing.
- The 10% homestead cap limits appraisal increases, but if your base value is too high, you're overpaying every year going forward.
- Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes fund most local services — this makes appraisal accuracy especially important for Burnet County homeowners.
- Over 80% of all residential protests in Texas result in a lower value. The odds are in your favor.
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How to Protest Your Property Tax
File your protest before the May 15 deadline (or 30 days after your notice, whichever is later). You can file online, by mail, or in person at the Burnet CAD office.
Gather 3-5 comparable sales within 1 mile of your property that sold for less than your appraised value. Focus on sales from the 12 months before January 1 of the tax year.
Check your property details on the Burnet CAD website for errors — wrong square footage, extra bathrooms, or incorrect lot size can inflate your value.
Austin-area properties may benefit from the "unequal appraisal" argument if neighboring homes are appraised at lower per-square-foot values.
Market correction data from the Austin Board of Realtors showing declining median prices can support your case for a lower value.
Payment Information
Online Payment
Credit Card: Varies (typically 2-3%) | eCheck: Often free or minimal fee
Mail Payment
Burnet County Tax Office - contact for address
Property tax exemptions
Homestead Exemption
For your primary residence. Provides $100,000 off school taxes and a 10% cap on annual value increases.
- $100,000 exemption from school district taxes
- 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 $10,000+ exemption from school taxes
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The combined property tax rate in Burnet County typically ranges from 1.9% - 2.4%, depending on your exact location. This includes county, school district, city, and special district taxes. Rates vary by taxing jurisdiction — you can find your exact rate on your tax bill or at the Burnet County Tax Office website.
Compare with Nearby Counties
| County | Avg. Tax Rate | Major City | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Williamson County | 1.9% - 2.4% | Round Rock | View Guide |
| Milam County | 1.7% - 2.2% | Cameron | View Guide |
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.