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Investing to support the American way of life is a privilege.
Property taxes are the local taxes that preserve where we live. They
are based on the value of property and accessed accordingly, to
balance the weight of the expense in a fair manner.
They are used to maintain city streets, county
roads and bridges. They support our police departments and fire
protection. These taxes make many of the deeply needed emergency and
human services a reality. A large percentage helps pay for our public
schools. Aristotle said, “All who have meditated on the art of
governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends
on the education of the youth.”
The Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office
takes pride in serving the constituents of this county. This page provides
basic information about property taxes, rates, exemptions, deferrals,
tax certificates, payment, tax sales and taxing units. For a detailed
description of the Texas Property Tax System, download Taxpayers'
Rights, Remedies and Responsibilities , published by the State of
Texas.
Throughout the summer of each year, many homeowners
are involved in protesting property value. A brief video is available
for review on this subject. View
video about property appraisals. View
video about sales price disclosure.Download a free
video player.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free
to contact us: visit | phone | mail
| e-mail Remember that
this is your office.
Local Government Tax Rate Adoption:
Get Involved in the Process
Many home and business owners complain about taxes long after
the time for input has passed -- when they receive their tax bill. The
time for input on how much local governments should spend is in the
summer and early fall.
Truth in Taxation Laws
Texas' Truth in Taxation Laws provide for taxpayer input into the tax
rate adoption process that ultimately determines how much we pay in
local government taxes. The laws define procedures every taxing unit
must follow to levy a tax. Examples are publications that list fund
balances and debts, notices of public hearings and formal actions
taxpayers may take to limit a tax increase. The purpose of Truth in
Taxation Laws is to involve taxpayers in the decision making of how
public funds should be spent.
Property Values
The tax calendar begins with setting property values, which runs early
in the year through May. In June and July, the appraisal roll is
finalized by appraisal district and the chief appraiser turns the roll
over to each taxing unit. The appraisal roll contains all changes in
value such as new property and increases or decreases in value. Value
is determined from market data (for homesteads) and cost or income
data (for business property ).
The Effective Tax Rate
Each tax year local taxing unit officials, such as City Council and
Commissioners' Court, examine the needs of operating budgets and debt
payment in relation to the total taxable value of properties located
in the taxing unit's jurisdiction. Taxing unit officials must adhere
to specific procedures established in Truth and Taxation Laws when
they decide tax rates; the process used is dependent on benchmark
rates known as the effective tax rate and the rollback rate.
The effective tax rate is the rate that would
provide the taxing unit with approximately the same amount of revenue
it had the year before on properties taxed in both years. For example,
if property values go up, the effective tax rate goes down. Comparing
the effective rate to the taxing unit's proposed tax rate is an
indicator of whether there will be a tax increase.
Rollback Rate
The rollback rate is the rate that would provide the taxing unit
approximately the same amount of revenue it spent the previous year
for day-to-day operations plus an extra 8% (8 cents for schools)
cushion, and sufficient funds to pay its debts in the coming year.
If a unit adopts a tax rate that is higher than
the rollback rate, voters in the unit can circulate a petition calling
for an election to roll back - or limit - the size of the tax
increase.
Local Rates
For many taxing units located in Travis County, the effective tax rate
and rollback rate are published in the Austin American-Statesman
during the month of August each year. The ad usually lists fund
balances, debts, effective and roll back rates for local taxing taxing
units. Tax rates are also announced on the Travis County web site as
they are determined.
Homeowners over 65 and individuals with
disabilities have an option to defer payment of taxes on their
homestead at a lower rate. Property tax deferrals allow qualified
homeowners to pay taxes without penalty at any time, using 8% interest
per annum rather than the standard 24% penalty and interest. Deferrals
cannot be applied retroactively to delinquent taxes from past tax
years, only to those currently due. In other words, any tax that is
delinquent before the deferral period begins is not eligible for the
8% interest per annum.
Homeowners and those who assist or care for them
are advised that the deferred status changes immediately upon the sale
or change of property ownership. On the 181st day after the deferred
status changes, all standard penalty and interest charges for all
years are due.
View the Deferral
Video. Download a free video player
Apply for a property tax deferral at the Travis Central Appraisal District.
Click here to view the application
for property tax deferral. Aplicación en
español.
For further assistance, contact the Travis Central Appraisal District,
Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at (512) 854-9138.
A tax certificate is a document showing the
current status of taxes; if delinquent, the certificate shows
penalties and interest that are due according to tax records.
The fee to obtain a certificate is $10.00 per
certificate; prepayment is required if requesting three or more.
To order a tax certificate for real or personal property
located in Travis County you may contact the Tax Office at (512) 854-9473 for the form
required or simply print the form that must be faxed or emailed back.
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