Travis County is home to Austin, Texas, the second-fastest-growing region in the country from 2022 to 2023. From 2010 to 2022, it was the fastest-growing region for 12 years and just recently showed signs of slowing down. Austin and Travis County’s population growth has dramatically affected property taxes.
In 2024, the current median Travis County tax bill was $7,876, nearly double that of the Texas median tax bill, a high amount compared to other states.
Recent legislation is also affecting property taxes. In 2024, Austinites elected a new tax assessor-collector, and residents approved a tax increase. Property taxes are expected to rise significantly in 2025, with the average homeowner adding over $1,100 to their property tax bills.
If you’re a resident and frustrated by your Travis County property taxes, let’s first make sure you understand how they are used before discussing ways to decrease them.
Understanding Property Taxes in Travis County
Like most Texas counties, Travis County relies heavily on Texas property taxes to fund things like roads, emergency services, and schools. Each year, the Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD) determines the value of every property in its jurisdiction. Ideally, this value reflects the property’s value on January 1 of each tax year.
The TCAD uses a market approach to determining value, which means it researches comparable sales in the area that match each home. Once properties have been valued, taxing entities like the county, school districts, the county healthcare district, Austin Community College, and the city set their tax rates.
The Role of the Travis County Appraisal District
The TCAD has many jobs, but the main purpose is to appraise all property in Travis County, determining value and ensuring taxpayers receive accurate and fair appraisals. A Board of Directors governs the TCAD, and it hires a chief appraiser who approves contracts and the budget and sets general policies. The TCAD also provides a Travis County property tax account search to keep residents informed.
Key Tax Rates and Their Impact
In November 2024, close to 60% of voters approved a proposition raising Travis County property tax rates to expand after-school and summer programs for low-income families and provide access to affordable child care. Voters also approved an increase for Austin Independent School District (AISD) staff raises.
Rates are expressed in dollars for every $100 of assessed property value. In 2024, voters raised the rate by $0.025 per $100 valuation for a total of $0.34 per $100 valuation, which will be applied in the 2025 tax year. With the property tax rate increase, the average taxable homestead value jumped by $125.98.
The tax rate varies depending on where a property is in the county. For example, the AISD’s rate is 0.9505%, and the City of Austin’s property tax rate is 0.4776%.
Protesting Your Appraised Property Value
If you believe the appraised value of your property isn’t right, you can protest that amount and your tax liability. This requires a bit of work on your part, as you must gather evidence that proves your property’s value is lower than what the TCAD appraises it as. Evidence can include a different appraisal by a property tax service like Ownwell, comparable sales in your area, and property damage that decreases the value of your home.
Steps To File a Protest
You must file a protest either 30 days after your notice is mailed or by May 15, whichever is later. You can initiate the process online, by mail, or in person. Once you file a protest, you will be given the TCAD's evidence packet via the online portal to compare your evidence against the county's.
After you file the protest, the next step is to attend an informal hearing with a TCAD appraiser. During this hearing, you present your case and answer questions about why you feel the value of your property tax in Travis County is incorrect.
If you and the TCAD appraiser can't agree on a new assessed value, you can request a formal hearing before the Travis Appraisal Review Board (ARB), a third-party, non-biased panel.
After the hearing, the ARB makes a decision. If you feel the decision is fair, your property tax bill is adjusted. If you disagree, you can appeal the decision to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. You can also pursue legal options with an attorney.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Protesting
Here are a few tips to help when filing a property tax appeal:
Don’t miss the deadline. If you do, you won't be able to protest until next year.
Carefully review the Notice of Appraised Value so you know what you’re asking for.
Come prepared with solid evidence; don’t assume the board will believe your opinion.
Communicate clearly and consistently, and stick to the facts.
Don’t rely on emotion, but present the numbers and statistics that are in your favor.
Do you own a commercial property? See how much you're overpaying in property taxes.
Strategies for Lowering Your Property Tax Bill
One way to lower your property tax in Travis County is through the general Texas homestead exemption. This lowers the taxable value of your property for school district taxes by $100,000. For example, if your home’s market value is $400,000 and you qualify for the $100,000 primary residence homestead exemption, your taxable value would be $300,000, but your home's market value is still $400,000.
Along with the general homestead exemption, Travis County offers property tax breaks to disabled veterans, disabled persons, and seniors over the age of 65. The exemption amount for veterans depends on their disability rating.
Property owners who are older than 65 and/or meet the Social Security Administration’s standards for disability may qualify for an extra exemption. To qualify for all exemptions, the property must be your primary residence and not owned by a business entity.
Homestead Exemption: What You Need To Know
The basic state-wide homestead exemption is fairly easy to qualify for if you follow the right steps and understand the process. You must use the home as your primary residence and live in the property before January 1 of the tax year.
In some cases, Ownwell can help you apply retroactively for up to two years of tax relief. Retroactively applying is a more arduous process than applying for the current year and is better handled by a professional.
Eligibility Requirements for Homestead Exemption
To receive homestead exemptions, you’re required to fill out an application by the April 30th deadline, along with an appropriate form of identification with the address you are applying for.
How To Apply for the Homestead Exemption
Exemption applications can be submitted online, at the office, or by mail. Make sure you get a receipt of confirmation that your application was received by the deadline. Send in all required documents with your application to make sure you're approved for all qualifying exemptions.
Other Texas Property Tax Exemptions Available
Along with the homestead exemption, Travis County offers additional property tax exemptions through the following:
Over 65 homestead exemption: additional $10,000 exemption
Disabled person or surviving spouse: additional $10,000 exemption
100% disabled veteran or survivor: up to $12,000 depending on disability rating
Surviving spouse of an Armed Services member killed in action: total property tax exemption
Surviving spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty: total property tax exemption
Exemptions can be stacked in some situations. That means you may qualify for both the general homestead exemption and the senior over 65 exemption. Others can’t be stacked, like the over 65 and disabled persons exemptions. So, always talk to a professional before filing.
Get Professional Help for the Best Results
At Ownwell, we understand the impact of not protesting Texas property taxes.
There are no upfront costs; you only pay if we successfully appeal your properties. Plus, you get access to local tax experts.
From retroactively filing homestead exemptions to appealing your property’s assessed value, we’re ready to maximize your tax savings.
