El Paso County residents have experienced fluctuations in their property tax bills due to rising home appraisal values and higher local tax rates. Many homeowners are unaware that they may be overpaying on taxes and have the right to challenge their home assessment or apply for homestead exemptions. Ownwell helps you understand the property tax system and identify ways to reduce your tax burden and save money.
Understanding Property Taxes in El Paso County
Homeowners in El Paso pay over $1,000 more in property taxes each year than the average American:
The current median property tax rate in El Paso County, Texas, is 2.01%.
That's nearly double the national average of 1.02% for the rest of the United States.
El Paso property owners also contend with median home values of $205,170.
The combination of higher-than-average tax rates and rising home appraisals has resulted in an annual median El Paso County property tax bill of $3,563.
Fortunately, there are ways to lower your El Paso County tax liability.
How Property Taxes Are Determined
Texas property taxes are based on the assessed value of your home or business. Local government taxing entities set tax rates according to projected annual budgetary needs for services such as schools, utilities, and road maintenance. The estimated budget is divided by the total value of all taxable properties in a jurisdiction to determine the property tax rate, which is expressed as dollars per $100 of property valuation.
Example: El Paso County property taxes are figured at a rate of $0.0201 per $100 of assessed property value. An El Paso home with an appraisal value of $205,170 x $0.0201 = $4,124 in annual property taxes.
Because different counties and neighborhoods have drastically varying budgetary needs and home appraisal values, Texas property tax bills can fluctuate significantly across the state and even within the same county and city.
Available Exemptions for Homeowners
One way to lower your El Paso County, Texas, property tax is with a Texas homestead exemption. The state offers qualifying homeowners a $100,000 general homestead exemption for property tax reduction purposes. Residents can subtract applicable exemptions from the appraised value of their primary residence, reducing the amount subject to taxation.
Example: An El Paso homeowner with a $100,000 general homestead exemption and an appraised property value of $205,170-$100,000=$105,170 x $0.0201 = $2,114 in annual property taxes.
That's an annual savings of more than $2,000 simply by applying for homestead exemptions. Additional exemptions are available for property owners who qualify:
Over 65 or disabled: An additional $10,000 from local school district taxes
Over 65 or disabled (if offered): Minimum $3,000 from local taxing unit
Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses can benefit from other exemptions, as can the surviving spouses of Texas first responders killed in the line of duty.
How Do I Apply for Property Tax Exemptions in El Paso County?
Lower your property tax bill by filing for exemptions with the El Paso Central Appraisal District. April 30 is the deadline to file for the current tax year. Exemption applications received and approved before March 15 appear on your Notice of Appraised Value. Otherwise, approved exemptions are posted once approved.
Did you miss the deadline to file for an exemption? Ownwell helps you file retroactive exemptions up to two years after the deadline.
Importance of Property Tax Protests
An El Paso County property tax search reveals the importance of accurate property valuations. Real property values differ from a county's property tax assessment depending on property condition, estimated cost of repairs, and other factors. Consider protesting Texas property taxes if you believe your property appraisal is unfairly high.
How Your El Paso Property Tax Bill Is Calculated
Because your tax bill is calculated using the appraised value of your property, lowering the county's estimated appraisal value saves you money. Ownwell utilizes software and expert-led appeals to help homeowners and business owners reduce their tax liability.
Critical Deadlines and Consequences
There are important tax deadlines you must meet in El Paso County. Failing to appeal unfair property appraisals by the deadline forfeits your right to protest until the following tax year. Since appraisal increases are cumulative, it's critical to respond annually if your assessed property value is incorrect.
If you don't pay your property taxes on time, you run the risk of paying more because of accruing interest and late penalties.
January 1: The El Paso Central 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.
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.
Exploring Financial Relief Options
Don't simply accept high property tax bills. There are options you can pursue to lower your tax liability. Can't afford to pay your property tax bill in full by the deadline? Look into Texas property tax financial relief options to avoid paying more in interest and penalties.
Payment Plans and Assistance Programs
Texas residents can take advantage of Tax Code Section 31.031, which allows certain homeowners (those over age 65, the disabled, disabled veterans, and their unmarried, surviving spouses) to pay their homestead taxes in four quarterly installments without incurring interest or penalties.
The state also offers a tax deferral program that lets qualifying homeowners postpone tax payments on their primary residence until they sell the home or upon their death. Deferred taxes continue to accrue interest. Apply for a deferral by submitting a tax deferral affidavit to the El Paso Central Appraisal District.
How Ownwell Can Help With Protests and Retroactive Exemptions
Looking for financial relief from high El Paso County property tax bills? Ownwell can help. We offer assistance with property tax appeals and retroactive exemption filings. Get your free savings estimate today and take control of your property tax liability.
