PROPERTY TAX

What are property taxes?

Property taxes are local taxes on property ownership. The taxes serve as a significant source of revenue for local governments, such as The Woodlands Township, cities of Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah and Conroe ISD. Texas does not levy a state property tax.

How are taxes determined?

Property taxes pay for a variety of services, facilities and operations, including:

  • Operation of public school districts
  • Public works department
  • Roads and street maintenance
  • Police and fire protection
  • Community maintenance services
  • Capital improvement projects

Protest and appeals

Property taxpayers have the right to protest and appeal the appraised value of their home. If a taxpayer disagree with the findings of the appraisal review board, he may appeal the ruling to the state district court, to an independent arbitrator appointed by the comptroller's office or to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Exemptions

Homestead Exemption

A general homestead exemption lowers taxes for homeowners. An exemption removes part of the value of a property from taxation and lowers the homeowner's taxable base.

For instance, if a home is worth $200,000 and qualifies for a $20,000 exemption, the homeowner would pay taxes on the home as if it were worth $180,000. Percentage-based exemptions are the only property tax exemptions allowed by state law.

According to the state comptroller, there are no specific qualifications for the general homestead exemption other than the owner having an ownership interest in the property and uses the property as the owner's primary residence.

  • Veteran's exemption - State law allows partial property tax exemptions for property owned by disabled veterans and surviving spouses and children of deceased disabled veterans. The amount of the exemption is determined based on a percentage of service-connected disability a veteran receives.
  • Age 65 or older, and disabled persons exemption - o qualify for the age 65 or older exemption, an owner must be age 65 or older and live in the house. Those who qualify may receive exemptions from school and county taxes, and from any other entity that approves such exemptions, such as a city or township. A disabled person must meet the definition of disabled for the purpose of receiving disability insurance benefits under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance Act. School districts are required to offer an additional $10,000 exemption on residence homesteads to homeowners age 65 or older, or who are disabled.

Local taxes

  • City of Conroe $0.420
  • Conroe ISD $1.280
  • Lone Star College System $0.108
  • Magnolia ISD $1.389
  • Montgomery County $0.477
  • Montgomery County Hospital District $0.072
  • City of Oak Ridge North $0.482
  • Rayford Road MUD $0.580
  • City of Shenandoah $0.240
  • S. Montgomery County MUD $0.217
  • Tomball ISD $1.360
  • Woodlands Road Utility District No. 1 $0.360
  • The Woodlands Township $0.250
  • Harris County $0.629