State lawmakers are trying to reform a complicated taxing system where everything from suburban growth to gentrification and a homeowner’s age influence how much Texans pay their local governments.
housing
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
Texas officials call it “property tax relief” — but legislation won’t lower tax bills or decrease budgets
The fight over property tax rates is really about state leaders telling local officials how much their revenues can grow before voters get to step in.
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
How do Texas governments calculate your property taxes? Here’s a primer.
Several government entities — from appraisal districts to city councils — play independent roles that collectively determine how much money Texas landowners owe local governments each year.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
The state of Gov. Greg Abbott’s emergency items: Will property tax and school finance get reformed?
The governor has laid out his legislative priorities. In our latest “Under the Dome” episode, we look at the challenges lawmakers face in addressing the issues of property taxes and school finance.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Here’s your property tax cut, maybe. Heads up — it’s expensive.
A new proposal to cut school property taxes in Texas perfectly outlines the political problem facing lawmakers: It’s terribly expensive, and other taxes have to be raised to pay for it.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Days after heated meeting, Texas Senate property tax committee passes 2.5-percent rollback rate bill
The Senate panel’s vote came despite fierce pushback from city and county leaders, who say a lower election threshold on increased property tax revenues could hamstring their budgets.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Gov. Greg Abbott names school finance, property tax reform emergency items
The governor focused on bread-and-butter policy in a forum that has often featured a lot of red meat.
Posted in
Economy
Gov. Abbott, other Texas officials urge feds to clear way for Harvey money
The state has been waiting a year for the federal government to set rules for how $4.3 billion in disaster recovery grants can be spent.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Analysis: Something’s missing from the opening bid for property tax “relief” in Texas
The property tax legislation unveiled by state leaders this week carries an implicit promise — that local school districts will get more state money — but doesn’t say where that money might come from.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2019
Texas leaders want voters to OK property tax revenue growth over 2.5 percent. They couldn’t get 4 percent in 2017.
The leaders of both legislative chambers say they will be united this year — even if cities and counties push back — and that local officials should come to Austin with solutions in hand if they don’t like new proposals.
