Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, leading to rising home values and higher property tax bills. Property owners are often surprised by ballooning taxes and may not realize there are options available to reduce their property tax burden. Understanding the appraisal process and strategies for challenging an unfair property assessment can help Fort Bend County residents lower their tax liability.
Anticipated Changes to Texas Property Tax Laws in 2025
The effective median Fort Bend County property tax rate is 1.87%, almost double the national average of 1.02%. Property tax rates in Texas are determined by local taxing entities that provide services for the counties, local school districts, cities, and special districts. Each Fort Bend County taxing entity creates an annual budget, which is divided by the total value of all properties in an area to determine the local tax rate. Since budget needs and home values vary widely from area to area, tax rates can be quite different, even within the same county.
Home appraisals also contribute to the amount of taxes property owners pay. Fort Bend Central Appraisal District determines property values for Fort Bend County, TX property taxes. The median home market in Fort Bend County is $380,524. The amount you owe in property tax is figured by multiplying the tax rate by your property's appraised value.
Example: A home valued at $380,524 x 1.87% = $7,116 annual tax bill.
2023 homestead exemption changes homeowners should be aware of:
In 2023, the Texas legislature passed a mandatory five-year verification requirement for homestead exemptions that went into effect in September 2023.
Homeowners are now required to verify their homestead exemption status at least once every five years. County appraisal districts will send out verification notices, which property owners should respond to immediately.
Failing to respond will result in a loss of the exemption, which will raise your property taxes.
Anticipated changes to Texas property tax laws will impact Fort Bend County residents in 2025 and beyond:
In February 2025, the Texas legislature proposed increasing the general homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
Under this proposition, exemptions for Texans over 65 would jump from $110,000 to $150,000. The changes equate to a median annual savings of $496.57 for all qualifying Texas homeowners and a $666.93 median savings for seniors in the state.
If passed, the increased exemption amounts will apply retroactively to 2025 tax bills.
How To Pay Your Fort Bend Property Taxes
Pay your Fort Bend County property taxes via cash, check, or credit card in person at the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District. You can also mail payments to the appraisal district office. The deadline to pay property taxes for the previous tax year is January 31 (2025 property taxes must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2026, to avoid accruing interest and penalties).
You may also pay online using a credit card or electronic check. Fort Bend Central Appraisal District assesses the following payment service fees on property taxes:
Credit card transactions: 2.29% of the total with a minimum fee of $2.75
PIN debit card transactions: $2.75 flat fee
Non-consumer (commercial, corporate, and business) cards: 3.95% of the total
Non-domestic (international) cards: 3.95% of the total
E-checks: No associated service fee
Economic Factors Influencing Property Tax
Several notable economic factors are at play when it comes to rising property taxes. Fort Bend County has experienced significant growth over the past several years. The county's population is projected to double by 2050 to almost 2 million residents, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the country.
A Fort Bend County property tax search also reveals that residents have a median income of $113,409, significantly higher than the Texas median income of $72,284. Home appraisals are based on nearby property comparisons, and residents with higher incomes tend to build homes with higher tax assessments, driving up home values in the area.
Industry Diversity in Fort Bend County
Due to increased commercial development, Fort Bend has become a major hub for highly skilled, diverse workers. Road projects that increased access to nearby Houston have created further opportunities for industry growth. As a result, companies continue to relocate and expand business to Fort Bend County, increasing overall residential and commercial property values there.
Population Growth Trends
The population of Fort Bend increased 50.7% between 2010 and 2022, from 590,177 residents to 889,146. By comparison, the U.S. population only grew 7.7% over the same period. Population-driven tax increases stem from the need to provide services to a larger number of residents. As population, housing, and infrastructure increase, tax rates for roads, utilities, and schools usually also increase.
Employment Trends
Fort Bend County enjoys strong job growth and positive employment trends that outpace Texas and the US averages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fort Bend County enjoyed a 2.2% increase in employment from 2023 to 2024. Fort Bend employment trends suggest that more people are spending money and living in the community.
Strategies to Reduce Your Property Tax Burden
Lower your tax burden by applying for a property tax exemption. Homestead exemptions reduce a property's appraised tax value. For example, a homeowner with a primary residence valued at $500,000 only pays taxes on $400,000 with a $100,000 Texas homestead exemption. Qualifying Fort Bend County homeowners may apply for additional property tax exemptions to increase savings:
Over 65 or disabled: $10,000 from local school district taxes (these two can't be combined)
Over 65 or disabled: Minimum $3,000 from local taxing unit (when offered)
100% disabled veteran: 100% of property value
Disabled veteran with home donated by charitable organization: Exemption determined by service-connected disability rating
Surviving spouse of a U.S. Armed Services member killed in action: 100% of property value
Surviving spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty: 100% of property value
April 30 is the deadline to apply for homestead exemptions for the current tax year, but Ownwell can help you file up to two years after the deadline has passed.
You also have the right to protest your property appraisal if you believe it to be unfairly high. File property tax appeals with the local appraisal district and provide evidence of your claims, including property comparables, repair estimates, and evidence of depreciation. The deadline to file a protest of appraisal form is May 15, or 30 days after your valuation notice is mailed, whichever is later.
If you fail to meet the deadline, you must wait until the following tax year to protest your property assessment.
Property Tax Deadlines
There are several important Fort Bend County property tax deadlines to be aware of:
January 1: The Fort Bend Central Appraisal District sets property market values.
January 31: Fort Bend County taxes 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 tax statements are mailed out, with taxes due January 31 of the following year.
Lower Your 2025 Property Tax with Ownwell
Consider hiring a property tax service to reduce your tax liability in 2025 and beyond.
At Ownwell, we specialize in assisting property owners with tax appeals and retroactive exemption filings. Our goal is to save you money, and you pay nothing if you walk away without a lower tax bill.
