Residents of Denton County, Texas, face residential property tax bills that far exceed the national average for homeowners across the United States. Residential taxes are based on a percentage of the appraised value of a homeowner's property, so the higher the appraisal, the larger the tax bill. Denton County's median market value for homes is $438,301 — 77% higher than the Texas median ($247,950).
Texas' tax structure allows local entities to set individual percentage rates for services such as schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. These fluctuating rates and market values mean property tax bills vary widely across the state and even within the same county. If a rising Denton County property tax has impacted you, there are steps you can take to lower your property taxes.
Understanding the Importance of Property Tax Protests
The Denton Central Appraisal District is the entity responsible for assessing residential tax liability in Denton County. The county estimates annually what revenue it will need to fund government services for the upcoming fiscal year. The projected budget amount is divided by the total value of taxable properties in Denton County to determine the property tax percentage rate.
Tracking Property Tax Trends in Denton County
The national median property tax rate is 1.02%, while the current property tax rate in Denton County is 1.65%, nearly two-thirds higher than most Americans' residential property tax rates.
On average, homeowners in the United States pay $2,690 on property taxes each year.
The annual median Denton County tax bill is $6,260, a 79% difference in tax liability.
Currently, the average appraisal value for a home in Denton County is $438,301. With the high property tax rates and rising home prices, a homeowner in the county with a property valued at $438,301 would owe $6,260 a year in property taxes.
Common Reasons for Property Tax Increases
Increasing costs associated with local schools and other government services, as well as population growth and demand for ongoing economic development, contribute to higher tax assessments in Denton County.
Starting a Property Tax Protest
Many homeowners are overpaying on their Denton County property taxes due to inflated housing valuation assessments. If you believe your property tax appraisal is too high, you have the right to protest the county's assessment.
Overview of the Property Tax Assessment Process in Denton County
Property taxes in Texas are calculated by multiplying your home's assessed value by the tax percentage rates set by local entities in your area. Those numbers are added together to determine a total tax bill.
Although voters approve tax percentage rates for schools, county commissions, and emergency response services, the Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) is responsible for setting home appraisal values. This annual process begins on January 1 each year; after-tax percentage rates are determined before you receive a tax bill.
Your home's appraisal value is based on a number of factors:
The recent selling prices of comparable properties around you
The value of any improvements or upgrades you've made
The condition of the property
Appraisers only take the exterior of a property into consideration unless you've applied for building permits with the county to make renovations.
Once an appraised value for your home is determined, the appraisal district figures your tax liability using the method described above.
Familiarizing Yourself With Property Tax Exemptions
One way to lower your estimated property tax liability is to apply for a Texas homestead exemption. State law grants qualifying homeowners a $100,000 exemption on taxable residential property for school district taxes, which saves you money.
Example: With a Texas homestead exemption, a house appraised at $500,000 would only owe taxes on $400,000 of the appraised amount, a $1,650 savings.
To qualify for the general homestead exemption, you must prove the following:
You have an ownership interest in the property.
You resided there on January 1 of the tax exemption year, and the previous owner didn't already have a homestead exemption.
You use the property as your primary residence.
You don't claim a residential exemption in another state or on another Texas property.
If you're over age 65, disabled, or a disabled veteran or veteran's spouse, you may qualify for additional savings.
Did you miss the deadline to file for an exemption? Ownwell helps you file retroactive exemptions up to two years after the deadline.
Protesting Property Taxes
Another way to avoid overpaying property tax in Denton County, Texas, is to dispute a high appraisal valuation. Failing to protest an unfair appraisal not only means that you will pay higher property taxes during that tax year, but any previous hikes often impact future valuations.
Important Deadlines
January 1 | The Denton County Appraisal District sets property market values. |
January 31 | Previous year property tax payments are due (2025 taxes must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest). |
April 15 | Notice of Appraisal Value is mailed to property owners in mid-April. |
April 30 | Deadline to file for homestead exemptions for the current tax year. (Exemptions received before March 15 appear on your Notice of Appraised Value. Otherwise, approved exemptions are posted once they're processed). |
May 15 (or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later) | Deadline to file a protest of appraisal form. |
October 1 | Property taxes are assessed for the tax year and due January 31 of the following year. |
Gathering Documentation
Compile documents to support your claim. Use Zillow or another property search tool to find homes in Denton County that are similar in age, square footage, and features to yours. Compare your appraisal valuation to recent nearby sales. Property repair estimates and evidence of depreciation are also helpful for protesting an appraisal.
How To Protest Property Tax in Denton County
File a protest with the Denton County Appraisal District no later than May 15 or within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Appraisal Value. Missing the deadline forfeits your right to dispute the value of your property until the following year.
If the appraisal district lowers your valuation to an acceptable amount, you're done with the informal review process. When necessary, you can request a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Preparing for the Appraisal Review Board Hearing
Attend the formal hearing and present the evidence you've collected to demonstrate the true value of your home. Clearly and effectively communicate the reasons you believe the current property assessment is unfair.
The ARB will consider the evidence and come to a decision. If the ARB decides to stand by the original appraisal or doesn't lower it to your desired amount, you have the right to appeal the decision in district court or to enter into binding arbitration to resolve the dispute. However, you'll likely need an attorney if you go to arbitration or to appeal to your district court.
Hire a Professional Tax Protest Company
Appraised home values continue to rise across the country and in Denton County. The median list price of a residential property in Denton was $483,400 by February 2025, as compared to $475,000 in February 2024, a 1.68% year-over-year increase. You're probably paying more than ever in residential property taxes.
The tax professionals at Ownwell are experts in fighting high appraisal valuations and saving you money.
