Hinojosa's Property Tax Plan: What Could Change for Texas Homeowners in 2027

Last updated: Nov. 7, 2026

Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa's stated plan is to end corporate subsidies and use the savings to cut property taxes, with an end goal of eliminating residential property taxes. She hasn't set a timeline, and nothing changes on your 2026 bill. Every piece needs the Legislature, which convenes Jan. 12, 2027.

What is Hinojosa's property tax plan?

Her campaign platform says Texas should "end these corporate subsidies and use the savings to cut property taxes, with the end goal of eliminating residential property taxes." In a Nov. 4 interview with KPRC 2, she did not give a timeline and defended local control over tax decisions: "Local communities, they elect their local leaders to make those decisions with communities, and that's my position."

Her platform also calls for one-time $1,500 checks to every Texas household, paid from the state's Rainy Day Fund. That is a separate proposal from property tax relief.

When could anything change?

Hinojosa is scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 19, 2027, the League City Herald reports, citing KHOU. The 90th Legislature begins Jan. 12, 2027, and bill prefiling opens Nov. 9, 2026, according to the Texas Legislature. Community Impact reported that Republicans hold the Texas Senate, Democrats were projected to win the House, and Hinojosa has named a bipartisan transition team.

Can the governor cut my property taxes?

Not on her own. Texas does not levy a state property tax. Your city, county, school district and special districts set rates each year. The governor can push for legislation and sign or veto bills. Bigger changes, like raising the school homestead exemption, have required both a law and a constitutional amendment approved by voters. That's how the exemption rose from $100,000 to $140,000 in 2025.

How would eliminating homeowner property taxes be paid for?

That question is still open. Realtor.com reported that replacing homeowners' school maintenance-and-operations taxes alone would cost an estimated $8.6 billion a year, and that Hinojosa has not detailed how ending corporate subsidies would cover it. Gov. Greg Abbott had proposed ending school property taxes on owner-occupied homes using state surpluses. We compared the two plans in Abbott vs. Hinojosa: Texas property tax plans.

What happens to my 2026 property tax bill?

Nothing changes because of the governor's race. Your 2026 bill uses rates local taxing units already adopted, plus any results from Nov. 3 tax rate elections. If your district's election failed, read what happens when a Texas tax rate election fails. Taxes are generally due by Jan. 31, 2027, and because that is a Sunday, many tax offices list Monday, Feb. 1, 2027 (Tax Code §1.06).

What can I do now about my property taxes?

Two things are in your control no matter what the Legislature does. Make sure your homestead exemption is on file with your appraisal district, and check your appraised value when your 2027 notice arrives. The 2027 protest deadline is Monday, May 17, 2027, because May 15 is a Saturday, or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later. You can file a protest yourself, or protest with TaxDrop. Here's how a Texas property tax consultant works.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gina Hinojosa eliminating property taxes in Texas?

Her stated goal is to eliminate residential property taxes by ending corporate subsidies and using the savings to cut property taxes. She has not given a timeline, and any change needs approval from the Legislature.

When does Hinojosa take office?

Jan. 19, 2027, according to KHOU as cited by the League City Herald. The 2027 legislative session starts Jan. 12, 2027, a week earlier.

Can the governor lower my property taxes?

Not directly. Texas has no state property tax. Local taxing units set rates, and statewide changes like larger homestead exemptions require the Legislature, and often a constitutional amendment approved by voters.

Will my 2026 property tax bill change because of the election?

No. 2026 bills are based on rates already adopted by local taxing units and are generally due by Jan. 31, 2027. Many tax offices list Monday, Feb. 1, 2027, because Jan. 31 is a Sunday.

How much would it cost to eliminate homeowner school taxes?

Realtor.com reported that replacing homeowners' school maintenance-and-operations property taxes alone would cost an estimated $8.6 billion a year.

Should I still protest my property value in 2027?

Proposals in Austin don't change your 2027 appraisal. You can protest your value to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The 2027 deadline is Monday, May 17, 2027, or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later.

Sources: Hinojosa campaign platform; KPRC 2, Nov. 4, 2026; League City Herald; Community Impact, Nov. 5, 2026; Realtor.com; Texas Comptroller, Property Tax; Texas Tax Code §§1.06 and 41.44.