Why Are Property Taxes So High?
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Why Are Property Taxes So High?
12 Reasons to Protest Property Taxes in Texas
It’s no secret — Texas homeowners and businesses face some of the highest property tax bills in the country. With no state income tax, local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund schools, roads, and public services. But rising values and other factors have left many Texans feeling the squeeze.
Here are the key reasons property taxes are so high — and what you can do about it.
2. Rapid Growth and Rising Property Values
Texas continues to experience population growth, especially in cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. As demand for housing increases, property values climb — and so do tax bills. Even if you haven’t made improvements to your home, higher neighborhood sales can push your appraisal up.
3. School District Funding
Two nearly identical homes on the same street should not have drastically different tax values. Yet unequal appraisal is one of the most common issues in Texas. By comparing your property to similar ones nearby, we can identify inconsistencies and argue for a reduction.
4. Local Government Services
Counties, cities, and special districts (like hospital or utility districts) all set tax rates. These entities rely on property taxes for services such as police, fire protection, road maintenance, and water infrastructure. As costs rise, so do tax levies.
5. Unequal Appraisals and Inaccurate Valuations
Appraisal districts often overestimate property values, especially when using mass appraisal methods. Two similar homes may receive very different valuations, leading some owners to shoulder an unfair share of the tax burden.
6. Lack of Automatic Protections
Although Texas offers valuable exemptions — such as homestead, over-65, and disabled veteran — there are limited automatic safeguards against annual increases. Without filing a protest, property values can escalate unchecked, even when market conditions decline.
7. Tax Rate Adjustments
Even when your property’s value stays flat, local taxing entities can raise their rates to offset revenue needs. The combination of increasing rates and rising values often results in substantial year-over-year tax hikes.
Why Choose Ball Property Tax Services?
How can we help you?
What You Can Do About It
- While you can’t change how Texas funds local government, you can fight back against unfair appraisals. Filing a property tax protest is the most effective way to lower your tax bill. With expert representation, you can:
- Correct inaccuracies in your appraisal.
- Demonstrate unequal valuation compared to similar properties.
- Ensure you’re not paying more than your fair share.
