End-of-Year Texas Property Tax Tips

For Homeowners

Photograph problems before January 1. Foundation movement, roof damage, flooding, worn finishes. Dated photos and repair estimates are evidence of condition on the valuation date.

Time your improvements. A remodel or pool finished before January 1 is valued for the coming year. One finished after isn’t valued until the following year.

Check your exemptions. Make sure your homestead is on the account, and that you’ve added the over-65 exemption if you turned 65 this year.

Pull your property record. Check square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, and features against the house. Errors are easiest to fix early.

For Business Owners

Retire what’s gone. Equipment sold, scrapped, or retired before January 1 shouldn’t be on next year’s rendition.

Watch inventory on January 1. Inventory on hand that day is taxable. If your stock peaks around the new year, ask about the September 1 inventory option.

Start the rendition file. The rendition is due April 15. A fixed-asset list that matches what’s in the building makes it fast.

For Commercial Property Owners

Close out the year’s numbers. A rent roll as of January 1 and a full-year operating statement are the core of an income approach protest.

Document vacancy and concessions. Lost tenants, free rent, and leasing costs this year belong in next year’s protest.

Record deferred maintenance. Roofs, parking lots, and building systems that need work affect value on January 1.

For Everyone

Pay by January 31. Penalties start February 1.

Ask your CPA about the timing of payment. Whether paying in December or January matters for federal income tax depends on your situation. We don’t give income tax advice.

Sign up before the season starts. Enrollment opens October 1 and closes five days before the protest deadline.

This article is general information about Texas property tax, not legal advice. Rules and deadlines can change with each legislative session.