Texas’ property tax is big and fast-growing. In 2016, more than 5,100 local tax jurisdictions levied more than $56 billion in property taxes, making it the single largest tax imposed in the Lone Star State. Of the total levy, school district taxes accounted for the bulk of the burden at $29.9 billion followed by cities ($9.2 billion), counties ($9 billion), and special districts ($8 billion). On a per capita basis, Texas’ property tax is large enough to collect more than $2,000 from every man, woman, and child in the state or more than $8,000 from a family of four.
Higher Taxes on the Horizon: City of Eagle Pass
Many city, county, and school district officials are right now deciding where to set tax rates for the next fiscal year. In some cases, these local decisions will push property taxes higher, creating new challenges for families struggling with affordability. Given the very real prospect of tax hikes on the horizon, now is the time...