A recent news headline from The Texas Tribune recently read, "Voters OK property tax breaks for Texas homeowners, businesses." Last fall, voters in Texas approved an amendment to raise the state’s homestead tax exemption, meaning the amount of a home’s value that can’t be taxed to pay for public schools, from $100,000 to $140,000. Homeowners above the age of 65 or with disabilities should see even bigger tax cuts, after voters signed off on a separate amendment as well. Voters also OK'd an amendment to exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from being taxed by school districts, cities, counties or any other taxing entity.

For the average homeowner, this means a savings of approx. $350-$500 this year in taxes. I've heard from a lot of my home buyers, who are now homeowners, that say that this is very important to them. To qualify for a homestead exemption, your home/property must be your principal residence (not a business) and owned by you as of January 1st of the current tax year. While these savings are obviously good news for homeowners, there will most likely be impacts on other parts of society, due to the fact that these tax breaks are now embedded in the state’s constitution. Texas lawmakers will most likely have to cut other parts of the state budget, should coffers come up short.

Another way to potentially save some money on your property taxes is by protesting the value of your home with the Dallas Central Appraisal District. If you think your house is worth less than the appraisal value, reach out to me and I can assist you in protesting your property tax value. If your house is worth more, then you may have a case to potentially test the sale of your home either off or on the market. 

Just a note: 2025 property taxes for the 2024 tax year must be paid by January 31st, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest. Most people pay through their mortgage payments, but either way, make sure you are good before Saturday.

Here are some other key dates for 2026:

April 15th - Dallas Central Appraisal District is expected to send 2026 appraisal values and make them available online

May 15th - Deadline to file a protest for 2026 property values with the Dallas Central Appraisal District

June 30th - Deadline for the second installment for those using the half-payment option

November 30th - Deadline for the first half-payment for the 2026 tax year (typically Nov 30, though sometimes Dec 1st)