Texas has no state income tax — but it has some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Since 2020, appraisals in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio have surged 30-50%, pushing annual tax bills to levels that are forcing hard decisions for homeowners across the state.
The Texas Property Tax Reality
Texas property tax rates typically range from 1.6% to 2.5% of assessed value annually. On a home assessed at $250,000 in 2020 now assessed at $375,000:
- 2020 tax bill: approximately $5,000/year
- 2025 tax bill: approximately $7,500/year — a $2,500 annual increase on the same home
Add rising insurance costs and many Texas homeowners are paying $10,000-$15,000 more per year to own the same house they've held for a decade.
Who This Hits Hardest
- Retirees on fixed incomes who bought their homes years ago and are now being taxed out of them
- Long-time landlords whose rent increases haven't kept pace with tax increases
- Homeowners who refinanced at low rates but now have tax escrow increases driving up monthly payments
- Inherited property owners who suddenly face a tax bill for a property they didn't plan to own
Your Options When Carrying Costs Become Unsustainable
1. Protest Your Appraisal
Every Texas homeowner has the right to protest their appraisal annually. The protest deadline in most Texas counties is May 15. A successful protest can reduce your tax bill significantly — worth doing every year.
2. Homestead Exemption
If your primary residence doesn't have a homestead exemption applied, file immediately. It reduces your assessed value by $100,000 for school district taxes and caps annual appraisal increases at 10% for your primary home.
3. Sell and Unlock Your Equity
Texas appreciation since 2015 has been extraordinary. Many homeowners who bought during that period have $100,000-$200,000 in equity that could be working harder for them than subsidizing an unsustainable tax bill.
Why Our Buyer Network Matters for Tax-Motivated Sellers
Tallbridge Real Estate has been operating for over a decade with a network of thousands of pre-vetted cash buyers — plus our own capital for direct purchases. That combination gives sellers something most buyers can't offer: options. If one buyer backs out, we have others. You don't have to start over.
Tax-motivated sellers often want speed and certainty — not a drawn-out listing process that costs more months of high tax payments. Our network of thousands of pre-vetted buyers means we can match your property quickly and close on your schedule. You're not waiting on one buyer's financing or timeline.
Active Texas Markets
Property tax pressure is hitting hardest in our core Texas markets. We buy houses across Austin / Travis County, Round Rock, San Antonio / Bexar County, Houston / Harris County, Dallas/DFW, Killeen, and Waco.
Get your offer today and find out what your equity is actually worth in today's market.