In September 2024, the Hays County Commissioners Court passed a 2025 fiscal year budget that included a $0.0425 increase to residential property taxes. Homeowners in Hays County now pay $0.35 per every $100 of their home's appraised value, or approximately 1.71% of valuation in annual property taxes.
Although it doesn't seem like a large increase, higher housing prices have resulted in some residents experiencing a significant jump in their 2025 Hays County property tax bill. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to lower property taxes.
Understanding Property Taxes in Hays County
The Hays Central Appraisal District (Hays CAD) assesses property taxes for Hays County. Individual taxing units also have the option to collect taxes for local schools, road maintenance, and police and fire services. Each taxing unit sets its own tax rate based on budgetary needs.
Property taxes are figured as the sum of your home's appraised value, multiplied by the various tax percentage rates set by local entities. The higher your appraisal, the larger your tax bill. Figure out your estimated property tax using our Hays County property tax calculator.
Median home prices vary widely from city to city in Hays County. Our Hays County property tax page revealed that the median home value in the county is $409,280. However, the median property value in Kyle is $341,270, while Driftwood has a median home value of more than $900,000.
Because your home's value is partially based on comparable sales in your area, it's possible that you received an unfair valuation of your property, especially if you live in an area with rapidly rising housing costs, like Hays County.
So, when are they due? Property taxes for the previous tax year must be postmarked by January 31 of the following year for you to avoid paying even more in interest and non-payment penalties. For example, 2025 taxes are due on or before January 31, 2026.
If you own a commercial or investment property, consider using Ownwell today to protest your property taxes.
Homestead Exemption Explained
Filing a Texas homestead exemption is one way to reduce property taxes in Hays County. The state-wide school district homestead exemption reduces the appraised value of your home by $100,000. For example, a house valued at $700,000 is only taxed on $600,000 of valuation under a general homestead exemption. To qualify for a Texas general homestead exemption, you must prove the following:
You have ownership interest in the property.
You resided there on January 1 of the tax exemption year.
You use the property as your primary residence.
You don't claim a residential exemption in another state or on another Texas property.
Critical Documents for Filing Property Tax Exemptions
To apply for property tax exemptions, complete an Application for Residence Homestead Exemption and provide a copy of each property owner's driver's license or state-issued personal identification certificate to the Hays CAD office between January 1 and April 30. The address on the application must match the address on the owner's personal identification to qualify.
If you've already missed the deadline, don't fret. Ownwell will file retroactive homestead exemptions on your behalf up to two years after the deadline has passed!
Other Exemptions That May Apply
Qualifying residential property owners can apply for other exemptions for additional savings. All exemptions in Hays County require an affidavit on file with the Hays Central Appraisal District proving that you meet the exemption requirements. You may also be eligible to pay property taxes in quarterly installments in January, March, May, and July if you qualify for any of the following exemptions:
Over 65 or disabled: $10,000 from local school district taxes
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 federal 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
Strategies To Reduce Property Tax Liability
In addition to applying for exemptions, you can reduce your property tax bill by demonstrating that the assessed value of your home is not as high as the district appraisal office believes. While these strategies require vigilance, they're worth the effort and can potentially save you hundreds or thousands in property tax liability.
Even if you don't gain a large reduction each year, protesting your property taxes ensures that they're fair and accurate and often lowers your next year's assessed value more than non-protestors.
Review Recent Property Sales in Your Area
Home appraisals are partially based on current home sales in your area. Keep an eye on what properties are selling for around your neighborhood. Be sure to compare residences of similar size, age, and condition, especially if you live in an area surrounded by higher-value homes.
Your assessment valuation should reflect the true value of your property, not your neighbor's.
Keep Track of Improvement Values
If you acquired permits from the county to remodel or improve the property since it was last appraised, keep track of repair and improvement costs. Provide receipts and invoices, where possible, to demonstrate the true value of upgrades. If your improvement didn't require a permit, you don't need to submit any documents. Providing that information might raise your tax bill.
Contesting Property Assessments
If you believe your Texas property taxes are too high, you have the right to contest the property's valuation. The deadline to file a written protest of property assessment is May 15, or 30 days after the appraisal district mails your Notice of Property Value, whichever is later.
Hays County residents often receive their property value notices in the mail around April 1. Follow these steps to protest your property assessment:
File a Notice of Protest online, via email, by mail, or in person with the Hays CAD.
Resolve the valuation issue with an informal review before the Hays CAD.
If you can't reach an agreement during the informal review, request a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Attend the formal hearing and present evidence to the ARB, including property comparables, depreciation evidence, repair estimates, and other relevant information to demonstrate the true value of your home.
Appeal the ARB's decision in local district court if you still disagree with the assessed value of your home or property. Note that you'll likely need an attorney if you escalate to your district court.
Appealing an Exemption Denial
You can also appeal an exemption denial by following the same procedures and providing evidence for why you qualify for the property tax exemption.
Taking Control of Your Property Taxes
If you're concerned that your property taxes are unfairly valued, sign up for free today.
Our advanced software and team of property tax consultants have the experience and insight you need to contest unfair property valuation assessments.
Furthermore, we can help you retroactively apply for missed homestead exemptions for up to two years back.
See how much we can lower your Hays County property tax bill today!
