The tax year is the 12-month period for which your property taxes are assessed and collected. Understanding tax years helps you know which assessment applies to which bill and when you can protest.
In Texas, the tax year matches the calendar year (January-December), with values based on January 1 and bills due by January 31 of the following year. California uses a fiscal year (July-June), which can cause confusion when discussing "this year's" taxes.
Your 2024 tax year in Texas means: value set as of January 1, 2024; protest deadline May 2024; tax bill mailed October 2024; payment due January 31, 2025.
Tax year confusion leads to missed deadlines and wasted protests. Know which year you're dealing with.
Common mistakes:
• Protesting 2024 value in 2025 (too late)
• Confusing assessment year with payment year
• Missing California deadlines due to fiscal year
• Not realizing you're paying last year's assessment
Key principle:
In Texas, you protest the value BEFORE you pay the bill. By the time you receive your tax bill (October), that year's value is final. You can only protest the upcoming year.
When January rolls around, you're paying for the prior year's assessment while waiting for the new year's notice.
Tax year timelines:
Texas (calendar year):
• Tax year 2024
• Assessment date: January 1, 2024
• Notices mailed: April-May 2024
• Protest deadline: May 15, 2024
• Bills mailed: October 2024
• Due date: January 31, 2025
California (fiscal year):
• Tax year 2024-25
• Lien date: January 1, 2024
• Fiscal year: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
• First installment due: December 10, 2024
• Second installment due: April 10, 2025
• Appeal deadline: September 15, 2024 (varies)
In Texas, January payments cover the prior tax year. Paying by January 31, 2025 covers your 2024 tax year (based on January 1, 2024 values). You're always paying "behind"—the bill comes after the value is finalized.
Generally no. By payment time, that year's value is final. You can only protest the current year's assessment during the protest period (spring in Texas). If you believe you overpaid prior years due to errors, consult a tax professional about limited correction options.
Taxes are prorated at closing between buyer and seller based on ownership days. The tax year continues regardless of who owns the property—you're responsible for taxes during your ownership period, calculated using the assessment in effect for that tax year.