Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes carry more of the load for schools and local services. A Houston-area bill can include the county, school district, city, flood control district and, in many newer subdivisions, a municipal utility district, and exemptions are not applied automatically.
This checklist helps you confirm the details before closing and claim the exemptions you qualify for afterward. It includes a taxing-unit worksheet, before-closing and after-closing lists, key numbers and dates, and questions for your agent, lender and appraisal district. Confirm all amounts and deadlines with the Harris Central Appraisal District or the appraisal district for your county, and see our relocation guide and Houston Relocation Planner for the wider move.
Who it is for: new homeowners, buyers still under contract and families relocating to Houston.
What is inside
- A taxing-unit worksheet for your address
- A before-closing checklist, including MUD and escrow questions
- An after-closing checklist for the homestead application and other exemptions
- Key numbers and dates: exemptions, the 10% cap, due dates and the protest deadline
- Questions for your agent, lender and appraisal district
- Space for notes
Questions this guide answers
- How are Houston-area property taxes calculated?
- What is the Texas homestead exemption, and how much is it?
- How do I apply, and when do I first qualify?
- What is the 10% homestead cap?
- When are property taxes due?
- How do I estimate taxes before I buy?
- What should I ask about MUDs and escrow?
