Bastrop County, Texas Property Taxes

In Bastrop County, TX, the property tax protest process is a crucial opportunity for homeowners to ensure fair taxation. Homeowners can appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property has been over-assessed. The process begins by filing a protest with the Bastrop County Appraisal District, typically by May 15th or within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. Once filed, the appraisal district reviews the protest and may offer an informal meeting to discuss the assessment. If a resolution isn’t reached, the case is escalated to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that listens to appeals.

During the ARB hearing, homeowners can present evidence such as recent sales data, property condition, or discrepancies in the assessment. The board then reviews the evidence and makes a decision, which could result in a reduction, no change, or an increase in the assessed value. This decision impacts the property tax bill for the year.

Ownwell assists homeowners throughout the appeal process, providing expert guidance and support. Our team of property tax consultants analyzes your assessment, gathers necessary evidence, and represents you during the informal meeting and ARB hearing. With our expertise, we aim to secure a fair assessment and potentially lower your property tax bill. By entrusting the appeal process to Ownwell, homeowners can navigate the complexities of property tax protests with confidence, ensuring they only pay their fair share.

Bastrop County offers several property tax exemption programs designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners. One of the most significant exemptions available is the Homestead Exemption, which applies to a homeowner's primary residence. This exemption reduces the assessed value of the property, thereby lowering the tax bill. To qualify, the property must be the homeowner's primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year, and the homeowner must not claim a homestead exemption on any other property.

Another valuable exemption is the Over-65 Exemption, which provides additional relief to senior citizens. Homeowners who are 65 years or older can apply for this exemption, which further reduces the property's assessed value. Similarly, disabled homeowners can benefit from the Disability Exemption, which is available to those who meet specific disability criteria.

Veterans in Bastrop County may also be eligible for the Disabled Veteran Exemption, which offers varying levels of tax relief based on the extent of their service-related disabilities.

Applying for these exemptions typically involves submitting an application to the county appraisal district, along with any required documentation. Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating this process by ensuring they understand eligibility requirements and helping them complete the necessary paperwork. By leveraging Ownwell's expertise, homeowners can maximize their savings through these valuable exemption programs.