Property Taxes Too High in Texas? Why and What to Do

Reviewed November 13, 2026.

If your property taxes are too high in Texas, check three things: the taxable value, the exemptions and each local tax rate. A property tax protest can address an incorrect value or certain exemption decisions. It does not change the rates your local governments adopt.

Start with the notice and bill side by side. That is more useful than comparing your total payment with a neighbor’s: the homes may have different exemptions, appraisal limits or taxing units.

Why is your Texas property tax bill so high?

Texas property taxes are assessed locally. Your school district, county, city and other taxing units each apply their rate to the taxable value relevant to that unit. The Texas Comptroller’s guide to the property tax system explains who sets the values and rates.

A mortgage escrow increase can also make the cost feel larger. Ask your servicer to separate the actual tax bill from any escrow shortage or insurance increase before deciding what caused the jump.

What can you change?

Check your homestead exemption and appraisal limit

The current general school district homestead exemption removes $140,000 from a qualifying home’s taxable value. For a $300,000 home, that leaves $160,000 subject to school tax before other applicable adjustments. It does not remove $140,000 from the tax bill, and it does not automatically apply to every taxing unit. See the Comptroller’s current exemption guidance.

The homestead appraisal limit generally restricts annual appraised-value growth to 10%, plus new improvements, after the qualifying period. It is not a 10% ceiling on your tax bill. Review the appraisal and tax limitations and our homestead cap explanation.

When is a protest worth considering?

Look for a specific error or a supported lower value. Useful evidence can include recent comparable sales, unequal-appraisal comparisons, condition photos and repair estimates. Tie the evidence to the January 1 valuation date. A high bill alone does not establish that the appraisal is wrong.

Hypothetical example: a $35,000 reduction that fully reaches taxable value at a combined 2% rate would reduce annual tax by $700. Exemptions, appraisal limits and tax ceilings may reduce or eliminate the immediate effect. A reduction in market value does not always create the same reduction in taxable value.

How to prepare your Texas property tax protest

1. Save the notice. Check the property details, exemptions and printed protest deadline.
2. File on time. The general rule is May 15 or 30 days after the notice is delivered, whichever is later. Weekend and holiday rules can change the date.
3. Organize evidence. Explain why the comparisons fit and support a defensible requested value.
4. Review any offer. Compare the district’s evidence and settlement terms with your own analysis.
5. Prepare for the review board. Read the hearing notice and follow the applicable submission rules.

Use the Comptroller’s protest and appeal instructions and our step-by-step Texas protest guide. For local filing details, see the Denton County deadline guide. A protest does not automatically suspend tax payment obligations.

TaxDrop’s take: verify the taxable value before estimating savings

We recommend reviewing the appraisal record and exemptions before focusing on a promised savings figure. Then compare a realistic reduction with the cost and scope of the service. Ask whether the fee is calculated from assessment reduction or tax dollars saved; they are different amounts.

TaxDrop’s current pricing page lists a self-guided platform at $129 per year and full-service representation at 1% of assessment reduction, with full service limited to select counties. Check your address and the written terms for availability and guarantee details. Do not assume the full-service fee is a percentage of tax dollars saved.

Common questions

Can a protest lower my tax rate?

No. A protest addresses appraisal or other protestable issues. Local governing bodies set their rates.

Does a lower value guarantee a lower bill?

No. Appraisal limits, exemptions, tax ceilings and rate changes affect the result. Compare taxable values for each unit before estimating savings.

What if I missed the usual protest deadline?

Ask the appraisal district about the specific facts. Some correction or late-protest procedures have narrow requirements. Do not assume you qualify or wait until next year without checking.

Ready to review your property? Compare TaxDrop’s service options and fees, then choose self-guided preparation or available full-service representation.