Understanding Travis County property taxes is essential for effective financial planning, whether you’re buying your first home in Austin or you’ve owned property in the area for years. Here’s what you need to know about how your taxes are calculated, what exemptions you may qualify for, and how and when to pay.
What Are Property Taxes?
Property taxes are an annual obligation based on the assessed value of your real estate. In Travis County, these taxes fund essential local services including public schools, roads, emergency services, parks, and county government operations. Because Texas has no state income tax, property taxes carry significant weight in funding local services, which is why rates here tend to be higher than the national average.
Your property’s value is assessed by the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD), and your total tax bill reflects a combination of rates set by multiple taxing entities: Travis County, the City of Austin, your local school district, and any applicable special districts.
How Much Is Property Tax in Travis County?
Your total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property’s taxable value (after any exemptions) by the combined tax rate of all applicable taxing units.
The Travis County portion of your bill is set at $0.3758 per $100 of taxable value for the 2025 tax year (FY2026 adopted budget rate). However, the county rate is just one piece of your total bill. When city, school district, and other local rates are added together, the combined effective tax rate for most Austin-area homeowners is approximately 1.65% of assessed value.
Based on a median home value of roughly $470,000 in Travis County, the average homeowner can expect a combined annual property tax bill in the range of $7,500–$8,000, though this varies significantly depending on your specific location, school district, and applicable exemptions.
Because rates are set annually by each taxing entity, your bill may change from year to year even if your home’s value stays the same. You can use the Travis County Property Tax Estimator to get a personalized estimate.
When Are Travis County Property Taxes Due?
Travis County property taxes are billed in the fall and are due in full by January 31. Penalties and interest begin accruing on February 1 for any unpaid balance.
If your property qualifies, you may be eligible to pay in installments. Homeowners who are over 65, disabled, disabled veterans, or whose homestead was affected by a qualifying disaster declaration may pay in four equal installments without penalty. Contact the Travis County Tax Office to enroll.
Can I Pay My Travis County Property Tax Bill Online?
Yes. The Travis County Tax Office accepts online payments through its secure payment portal. You can pay by eCheck ($1 fee), credit or debit card (3% convenience fee), or PayPal. To pay online, visit this website and search for your account by name, address, or account number.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Property Tax Exemptions Available in Travis County?
Yes. Texas law provides several exemptions that can meaningfully reduce your taxable value:
- General Homestead Exemption: As of the 2025 tax year, the homestead exemption for school district property taxes is $140,000, up from $100,000 in 2023 and $40,000 prior to that. Texas voters approved this increase in November 2025. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.
- Over-65 / Disabled Exemption: Homeowners who are 65 or older or who have a qualifying disability receive an additional $60,000 exemption, bringing the combined total to $200,000 off taxable value for school taxes. Seniors also receive a tax ceiling that prevents their school district taxes from increasing as long as they own the home.
- Disabled Veteran Exemptions: Partial to full exemptions are available depending on the disability rating.
To apply for any exemption, submit your application to the Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD). The filing window opens January 1 and the deadline is April 30 for the current tax year.
What Happens If I Miss the January 31 Deadline?
If your payment is not received by January 31, a 6% penalty plus 1% interest begins accruing on February 1. Interest continues to accrue at 1% per month. To avoid penalties, consider enrolling in automatic payment reminders or setting a calendar alert well ahead of the deadline.
How Can I Contest My Property’s Assessed Value in Travis County?
If you believe TCAD has appraised your property above its fair market value, you have the right to protest. The protest deadline is typically May 15 or 30 days after you receive your appraisal notice, whichever is later. You can file a protest online or in person. If you’re not satisfied with the initial review, you can present your case to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Is There a Cap on How Much My Travis County Taxes Can Increase?
Texas law includes several protections for homeowners. Once you have a homestead exemption in place, the appraised value of your home cannot increase by more than 10% per year for tax purposes, regardless of how much the market value rises. Additionally, homeowners who are 65 or older receive a tax ceiling on their school district taxes, meaning that amount cannot increase as long as they live in the home.
Does My Mortgage Lender Pay My Property Taxes?
If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly payment and pays the Travis County Tax Office on your behalf by the January 31 deadline. Check your annual escrow analysis statement to confirm the correct amount is being collected, especially following any changes to your appraised value or exemption status.
Questions About Your Property Taxes?
Navigating Travis County property taxes is easier with the right team by your side. Whether you’re buying a home in Austin, refinancing, or just trying to understand your tax bill, JVM Lending is here to help.
Connect with JVM Lending at (855) 855-4491 or email hello@jvmlending.com.
Please Note: The information provided in this blog post is intended for informational and educational purposes only. JVM Lending is not a tax professional or financial advisor. Property tax laws and regulations can be complex and may vary by location and individual circumstances. We strongly recommend consulting with a certified tax professional for personalized advice. If you’d like a referral, contact us and we’ll connect you with a trusted professional in our network.
