Why Property Taxes In Texas Are Out Of Control Right Now

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It's no secret that Texas currently has one of the highest property tax rates in the country. According to the Texas Comptroller's Biennial Property Tax Report, single-family home values have been rising since 2010, resulting in an increase in property taxes levied by local governments in each of those years.

According to data published by SmartAsset, "Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. The average effective property tax rate in the Lone Star State is 1.60%, well above the national average of 0.99%."

Governor Greg Abbott has acknowledged the problem and is reportedly committed to cutting property taxes. "In Texas, we don't do things half-heartedly," he said. "We go big, and we make sure we accomplish our big vision—that includes delivering the largest property tax cut in the history of our state and expanding education freedom for all Texans."

The Governor also praised the Texas House of Representatives for passing HB 1/HJR 1 - bills that involve substantial property tax cuts for Texas residents. “The Texas House is the only chamber that passed a property tax cut bill that is germane to the special session that I called to provide Texans with property tax relief,” said Governor Abbott. “It provides more cuts to property tax rates than any other proposal at this time. It is supported by the most respected tax think tank in the state, as well as more than 30 homeowner, consumer, and business groups across the state."

"Property taxes are a rental housing provider's largest operating expense," said The Texas Housing Association in a statement. "We applaud Governor Abbott's plan to provide meaningful tax reform that benefits all taxpayers and achieves balanced relief that is fair for all Texans. We look forward to working with the Texas Legislature to get this done."

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