Relocation Resources
Property Tax Rates by County in DFW
How property taxes work in Texas, what rates to expect in each DFW county, and how to reduce your tax burden through exemptions and protests.
Property taxes are one of the most significant ongoing costs of homeownership in Texas. Unlike states with income taxes, Texas funds local government primarily through property taxes which means rates are higher than in many other states. Understanding how property taxes work, what rates to expect, and how to manage your tax burden is essential for DFW homeowners.
How Property Taxes Work in Texas
Your property tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the combined tax rate of all taxing entities that apply to your property. Taxing entities typically include the county, city, school district, and special districts (MUD, hospital district, community college, etc.).
The combined rate is the sum of all these individual rates. A property in a city with a MUD (Municipal Utility District) will have a higher combined rate than a comparable property served by city utilities.
Approximate Combined Rates by County
The following are approximate combined property tax rates for typical residential properties in each county. Actual rates vary significantly by city, school district, and special districts. Always verify the exact rate for a specific property.
| County | Approx. Combined Rate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Collin County | 1.7%–2.2% | Generally lower rates; varies by city/ISD |
| Denton County | 1.8%–2.3% | Varies significantly by city and MUD |
| Dallas County | 2.0%–2.6% | Higher rates; varies by city/ISD |
| Tarrant County | 1.9%–2.5% | Varies by city and school district |
| Rockwall County | 1.8%–2.2% | Generally competitive rates |
| Ellis County | 1.7%–2.2% | Lower rates; growing area |
| Kaufman County | 1.8%–2.3% | Varies; some MUD areas higher |
| Parker County | 1.7%–2.2% | Generally lower rates |
Homestead Exemption
Texas homeowners who use their property as their primary residence are eligible for a homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of the property. The state homestead exemption is $100,000 off the school district taxable value.
Many cities and counties offer additional homestead exemptions. Apply for the homestead exemption through your county appraisal district after closing. The exemption applies to the tax year in which you qualify.
- State homestead exemption: $100,000 off school district taxable value
- County and city exemptions vary by jurisdiction
- Over-65 exemption: additional exemption for homeowners 65+
- Disabled veteran exemption: varies by disability rating
- Apply through your county appraisal district after closing
Assessment Cap
For properties with a homestead exemption, the assessed value cannot increase by more than 10% per year, regardless of market value increases. This cap provides significant protection in rapidly appreciating markets.
The cap applies only to the assessed value for tax purposes not the market value. When you purchase a property, the cap resets to the purchase price.
Protesting Your Assessment
If you believe your property's assessed value is higher than its market value, you have the right to protest. The protest deadline is typically May 15 or 30 days after you receive your notice of appraised value, whichever is later.
You can protest informally (meeting with an appraiser) or formally (before the Appraisal Review Board). Many homeowners use a property tax consultant who works on a contingency basis they only charge if they reduce your taxes.
- Gather comparable sales data (recent sales of similar properties)
- Document any condition issues that affect value
- File your protest before the deadline
- Consider a property tax consultant for complex cases
- The process is free and low-risk the worst outcome is no change
County Appraisal District Resources
Each county has an appraisal district that assesses property values and administers exemptions. Contact your county appraisal district for property-specific information.
- Dallas County: dcad.org
- Collin County: collincad.org
- Denton County: dentoncad.com
- Tarrant County: tad.org
- Rockwall County: rockwallcad.com
- Ellis County: elliscad.com
- Kaufman County: kaufmancad.org
- Parker County: parkercad.org
Questions about property taxes in a specific community?
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