Austin property taxes run between 1.6% and 1.8% of your home's assessed value each year, split between the city, Travis County, and school districts

Your property tax bill in Austin comes from three separate entities: the City of Austin, Travis County, and your local school district (usually Austin Independent School District, or AISD). Each sets its own tax rate, called a tax rate per $100 of assessed value. The city's rate is roughly 0.48 per $100, the county's is roughly 0.38 per $100, and AISD's is roughly 0.85 per $100 — but these numbers shift each year when budgets are approved in September and October.

The total you owe depends on what your home is assessed at, not what you paid for it. The Travis County Appraisal District values every property in the county each January. That assessed value gets multiplied by the combined tax rate to produce your annual bill. A home assessed at $400,000 in a typical year pays roughly $6,400 to $7,200 in property taxes.

Texas has no state income tax, which is why property taxes are the main source of local government funding. Austin's rates are higher than many Texas cities because the city provides more services and has a larger budget for schools, parks, and infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

  • Property tax in Austin and Travis County totals roughly 1.6% to 1.8% of your home's assessed value annually, divided among the city, county, and school district.
  • Your bill is based on the Travis County Appraisal District's assessed value, not your purchase price, and is recalculated each January.
  • You can protest your assessed value at the appraisal district if you believe it is too high, and the important date is typically mid-May each year.
  • Homeowners over 65, disabled homeowners, and veterans may be may have access to to exemptions or deferrals that reduce the amount owed.
  • Tax rates change annually when the city, county, and school district approve their budgets in the fall.

How the assessed value is determined and when it changes

The Travis County Appraisal District sends appraisers to inspect properties or uses comparable sales data to set an assessed value. This value is supposed to reflect what your home would sell for on the open market. You will receive a notice of appraised value in the mail, usually in April or May, showing what the district thinks your property is worth.

The assessed value is not the same as your purchase price. A home you bought for $350,000 might be appraised at $380,000 or $320,000 depending on market conditions and the condition of the property. The appraisal district updates values annually, so your assessed value can go up or down year to year.

If you disagree with the appraised value, you can file a protest with the Travis County Appraisal District. The important date is usually around May 15, though it varies slightly each year. You can protest online, by mail, or in person. Bring evidence such as recent repair bills, photos of damage, or comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood.

Tax rates for the city, county, and school district

The City of Austin's tax rate has hovered around 0.48 per $100 of assessed value in recent years. The Travis County rate is typically around 0.38 per $100. Austin Independent School District's rate is usually the largest piece, around 0.85 per $100. Together, these add up to roughly 1.71 per $100, or 1.71% of your assessed value.

These rates are not fixed. Each entity approves a new budget in the fall, and the tax rate is set based on how much revenue the budget requires. If the city council votes to spend more, the rate may rise. If property values in the county increase overall, the rate may fall because the same revenue is spread across a larger tax base.

You can find the current rates on the City of Austin's website, the Travis County Appraisal District website, and the AISD website. Rates are typically finalized by October and take effect on January 1 of the following year.

Exemptions and deferrals that may reduce your bill

Texas law allows certain homeowners to reduce their property taxes through exemptions. A homestead exemption is available to anyone who owns and live in their home as their primary residence. This exemption reduces your assessed value by a set amount — in Travis County, the standard homestead exemption is 20% of the assessed value for school district taxes only, meaning your school tax bill drops by 20%.

Homeowners 65 and older, disabled homeowners, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans may be may have access to to additional exemptions or a tax deferral, which lets you postpone paying taxes until you sell the home or pass it to your heirs. To claim these, you must file with the Travis County Appraisal District, usually by April 30 each year.

Veterans who are disabled due to military service may also be may have access to to an exemption on a portion of their home's value. The amount depends on the disability rating assigned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You will need to provide proof of your disability rating when you file.

What happens if you do not pay your property taxes

Property taxes in Texas are due by January 31 each year, though you can pay in installments if you choose. If you do not pay by the important date, a penalty of 6% is added to your bill, plus interest that accrues monthly. After 120 days of non-payment, the tax assessor's office can place a lien on your property.

If taxes remain unpaid for two years, the county can foreclose on your home and sell it at a tax sale to recover the debt. This is rare for homeowners who communicate with the tax office, but it is a real consequence of ignoring bills. If you are having trouble paying, contact the Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector's office to discuss payment plans or hardship options.

How property taxes compare to other Texas cities

Austin's combined property tax rate is higher than many other Texas cities. San Antonio's rate is roughly 1.4% to 1.5%, and Dallas is around 1.7% to 1.8%. Houston is typically lower, around 1.5% to 1.6%. The difference comes down to local spending priorities and school district budgets.

Austin's higher rate reflects the city's investment in public services, parks, libraries, and public transportation, as well as AISD's spending on schools. If you are comparing Austin to another Texas city, factor in both the tax rate and what services you receive for that tax dollar.

How to find your specific tax bill and payment options

Your property tax bill is mailed to you by the Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, usually in October or November. You can also look up your bill online through the Travis County Appraisal District website or the tax assessor's website by entering your property address or account number.

You can pay your bill online, by mail, or in person at the tax assessor's office. If you pay online, there is typically a small processing fee. You can also set up automatic payments or pay in installments. Some mortgage lenders require you to pay property taxes through an escrow account, meaning the lender collects the money each month and pays the bill on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lower my property taxes by appealing my assessed value?

Yes. If you believe the Travis County Appraisal District overvalued your home, you can file a protest by mid-May. Bring evidence such as recent appraisals, repair costs, or comparable home sales in your area. Many protests result in a lower assessed value, which reduces your tax bill.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I own my home outright?

Yes. Property taxes are owed by the owner regardless of whether the home is paid off or financed. If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay taxes through an escrow account as part of your monthly payment.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

Assessed value is what the appraisal district thinks your home is worth for tax purposes. Market value is what someone would actually pay for it. These can differ by thousands of dollars. Your tax bill is based on assessed value, not what you paid or what you could sell it for.

Are there tax breaks for seniors or disabled homeowners in Travis County?

Yes. Homeowners 65 and older and disabled homeowners may be may have access to to exemptions that reduce assessed value or allow tax deferrals. File with the Travis County Appraisal District by April 30 to claim these. Disabled veterans may also be may have access to to exemptions depending on their disability rating.

What happens if I miss the property tax important date?

A 6% penalty is added to your bill, plus monthly interest. After 120 days, a lien is placed on your property. If taxes go unpaid for two years, the county can foreclose and sell your home at a tax sale. Contact the tax assessor's office if you cannot pay to discuss payment plans.