Texas Property Taxes for Home Sellers, 2026 Deadlines, Homestead, and What Transfers

Texas Property Taxes for Home Sellers, 2026 Deadlines, Homestead, and What Transfers

Property taxes are one of the biggest “wait, what?” moments for buyers moving to Texas, and that means sellers should be prepared to explain the basics clearly.

Homestead exemptions, the headline

Texas offers property tax exemptions for eligible homeowners, including residence homestead exemptions, but you usually have to apply through the county appraisal district. 
A common deadline to remember, exemption applications are generally due before May 1. 

Protesting your value

In many cases, the statutory protest deadline is May 15, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was sent, whichever is later, and deadlines shift if the date falls on a weekend or holiday. 

What sellers should know before listing

• The buyer’s taxes may not mirror your current bill, especially if you have a homestead cap and the buyer is purchasing at today’s market price

• It helps to share your current exemptions and an estimate of what changes post-sale

• Clean documentation reduces fear, and fear kills offers

Friendly note: This is general info, not tax advice. Your CPA or the appraisal district is the final word for your situation.

If you want a clean “buyer-friendly” way to explain your home’s taxes and exemptions in your listing strategy, reach out today!

With Love from ATX,

Khani Zulu Group