Ft Worth Times

Texas property taxes have become a subject of discord as home value appraisals have grown higher, culminating in a rise in property tax assessments. 

A newly released report by the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association (TTARA) asserted that spikes in the amount of spending sought by local jurisdictions are a key factor in increasing property tax rates. The desires of citizens in Texas for more spending can also be a contributing factor on this issue, according to some sources. 

"The simple truth is, no matter what your appraisal, property tax bills would not be going up unless local jurisdictions wanted to spend more money," TTARA officials said in a press release. "Regardless of your 2022 appraisal, right now, your 2022 tax bill is zero. Your tax bill won’t be set until the jurisdictions in which you reside decide how much money they want to raise and set their tax rates."

The report said that citizens of Texas can anticipate feelings of sticker shock when they receive their 2022 property tax bills. In particular, Arlington's property tax shot up by 37.3%, from $128.9 million to $190.6 million, between 2016 and 2020, according to a report published by the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF). The total sum of population and inflation for the area rose by 7.8% during that time span, creating a difference of 29.5%.

Appraised property values are anticipated to increase all around the state of Texas by margins of 20% to 50% during 2022, according to The Texan. Property values are a main element in determining the rate of property taxes. The biggest hikes are expected in the largest cities in the state. 

The Texas government provides property tax facts for its citizens to view online, as well as the opportunity for them to comment on their own property tax rates.