Appraisals, Protests, Exemptions and Resources Understanding Property Taxes in Central Texas As a real estate owner in Central Texas, understanding property taxes is essential to protecting your investment. Property values in Travis, Hays, Williamson, Gillespie, and Kerr counties continue to appreciate, making it crucial to stay informed about the appraisal process, protest options, available exemptions, and local resources. This guide provides you with everything you need to navigate property taxes in our region, potentially saving you thousands of dollars annually while ensuring you're taking advantage of all benefits available to Texas homeowners. Property Tax Appraisals Property tax appraisals for the current year's taxable values are issued in the spring in all counties. Here are a few tips to understand your statement and how to file a protest if you disagree with the value assigned to your property. The Appraisal Process Each county appraisal district (CAD) evaluates properties based on recent sales data, property characteristics, and market conditions. Luxury homes often require specialized assessment methods that consider unique features, premium materials, and exclusive neighborhoods. County appraisal districts typically mail Notices of Appraised Value between April and May. Property owners then have a 30-day window to protest valuations they believe are incorrect. Recent Trends in Luxury Home Appraisals The luxury market in Central Texas has seen substantial appreciation over the past decade. Austin-area premium properties have experienced average annual increases of 8-12% in assessed values, with some exclusive neighborhoods seeing even higher jumps following neighborhood improvements or increased demand. When you receive your notice of Appraised Value: Verify that the appraisal is for the correct property and make sure that any exemption you are eligible for (i.e. homestead, over 65, etc.) is included If you believe the value assigned to your property is higher than what the market in your neighborhood would bear, you do have the option of protesting that value and asking the appraisal district to lower it, based on evidence provided. I personally recommend hiring a company to take care of this for you. NOTE: Your local appraiser is required to appraise property at market value as of January 1st, so your appraisal should reflect the value of the property at that time. The appraiser has generally applied mass appraisal criteria based on the individual characteristics of your property, and in most cases has not done a physical inspection of your property. Property Tax Protests Protesting your property's assessed value is your right as a Texas property owner and can result in significant tax savings, especially for high-value homes. Filing Your Protest Deadlines: Protests must typically be filed by May 15th or within 30 days after receiving your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Filing Methods: Online through your county appraisal district's website By mail using the protest form attached to your notice In person at your local appraisal district office Evidence That Strengthens Your Case For luxury properties, consider gathering: Comparable sales of similar luxury properties Professional appraisal reports Documentation of any issues affecting value (foundation problems, water damage, etc.) Evidence of unique circumstances affecting marketability Photos showing condition issues or needed repairs Construction costs and depreciation schedules for newer homes Informal vs. Formal Hearings Most protests begin with an informal hearing where you meet with an appraiser to discuss your evidence. Many cases resolve at this stage. If you cannot reach an agreement, you'll proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). For properties valued over $1 million, consider: Consulting with a property tax attorney or professional consultant Requesting a market value comparison from a luxury real estate specialist Preparing detailed evidence packets for ARB members When to Seek Professional Help For luxury properties, professional representation often pays for itself. Consider hiring a property tax consultant when: Your property has unique features difficult to compare The assessed value exceeds $1 million You've been unsuccessful in previous protest attempts You lack time to properly prepare evidence The potential tax savings significantly exceed consultant fees For high-value properties, professional representation often provides excellent return on investment: There are companies that can help you launch protests on your appraisal values. Check out these options below. Home Tax Shield Ownwell Texas Protax 5 Stone Property Tax Exemptions Texas offers several valuable exemptions that can substantially reduce your property tax burden. For luxury homeowners, these savings can be significant. Homestead Exemption Every Texas homeowner should apply for the homestead exemption on their primary residence. Benefits include: A minimum $40,000 reduction in taxable value for school taxes A 10% cap on annual assessed value increases Additional local exemptions that vary by county Application: File with your county appraisal district by April 30th using Form 50-114 Over-65 and Disability Exemptions Homeowners who are 65 or older or have qualifying disabilities receive additional benefits: An additional $10,000 exemption on school taxes Property tax ceiling for school taxes ("tax freeze") Possible deferral of tax payments Veterans and Surviving Spouse Exemptions Texas offers generous exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities and their surviving spouses: Partial exemptions based on disability rating 100% exemption for 100% disabled veterans Exemptions for surviving spouses of service members killed in action Agricultural and Wildlife Exemptions For luxury properties with acreage, agricultural or wildlife management exemptions can dramatically reduce tax liability: Property is assessed based on productivity value rather than market value Must meet specific use requirements and application deadlines Requires annual reporting and compliance Important Note: While agricultural exemptions offer significant savings, converting these properties later may trigger substantial rollback taxes. Resources by County Travis County Travis Central Appraisal District Travis County Tax Office Tax Rate Information Property Tax Payment Portal: Travis County Tax Office Payment System Protest Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice receipt Homestead Exemption Filing: Online Application Williamson County Williamson Central Appraisal District Williamson County Tax Office Tax Rate Information Property Tax Payment Portal: Williamson County Tax Payment Protest Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice receipt Homestead Exemption Filing: Online Application Hays County Hays Central Appraisal District Hays County Tax Office Tax Rate Information Property Tax Payment Portal: Hays County Tax Payment System Protest Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice receipt Homestead Exemption Filing: Form Download Bastrop County Bastrop Central Appraisal District Bastrop County Tax Office Tax Rate Information Property Tax Payment Portal: Bastrop County Tax Payment System Protest Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice receipt Homestead Exemption Filing: Forms Available Here Tax Office Phone: (512) 332-7220 Appraisal District Phone: (512) 303-1930 Tax Office Address: 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop, TX 78602 Appraisal District Address: 212 Jackson Street, Bastrop, TX 78602 Gillespie County Gillespie Central Appraisal District Gillespie County Tax Office Tax Rate Information Property Tax Payment Portal: Gillespie County Payment System Protest Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice receipt Homestead Exemption Filing: Available at the Appraisal District office Kerr County Kerr Central Appraisal District Kerr County Tax Office Tax Rate Information Property Tax Payment Portal: Kerr County Tax Payment Protest Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after notice receipt Homestead Exemption Filing: Forms Available Here Additional Resources for Luxury Homeowners Property Tax Consultants Legal Resources Texas Property Tax Code Texas Comptroller Property Tax Assistance Texas Property Tax Assistance Property Classification Guide Tax Rate Calculators Texas Comptroller Tax Rate Calculator Smart Asset Property Tax Calculator Market Value Resources Zillow Home Value Index for Austin Redfin Austin Housing Market Data Austin Board of Realtors Market Reports Remember that for luxury properties in Central Texas, even a modest percentage reduction in appraised value can result in thousands of dollars in annual tax savings, making it well worth the effort to understand and engage with the property tax system.