Local Notes
Small Texas details that matter.
Short notes for property tax quirks, appraisal deadlines, insurance catches, homebuyer details, and local context that does not need a full guide yet.
Fresh from the counties
Anderson County · Property tax
Two Offices Handle Your Property Taxes in Anderson County
The Anderson County Appraisal District sets property values, and a separate Tax Assessor-Collector office handles billing and payment — both are in Palestine.
Colorado County · Property Tax
Who Sets Your Property Value in Colorado County
The Colorado County Appraisal District sets the value of your property each year, and that value drives what you owe in taxes.
Gillespie County · Property Tax Exemption
Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill
If your home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your tax bill.
Jim Hogg County · Groundwater
Your Water Well Falls Under the Brush Country District
Jim Hogg County has no public water in rural areas, so most properties rely on private wells regulated by the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District.
Motley County · Place Identity
Motley County: Below the Caprock, Thin Soil, Big Sky
Motley County sits just below the Caprock escarpment in northwest Texas — its rolling plains, dry climate, and ranching roots define life here today.
Tarrant County · Winter Weather
Ice Storms Are a Real Hazard in Tarrant County
Tarrant County can experience damaging ice storms and freezing temperatures in winter, which can disrupt power, roads, and water pipes.
Browse by topic
Texas-wide notes
Property tax
Texas does not have a state property tax
The bill is local, but the rules are state-shaped.
Homestead
The school homestead exemption is now $140,000
For a qualifying residence homestead, the school-tax taxable value starts much lower than market value.
Appeals
The protest deadline is usually May 15 or 30 days after notice
The deadline is easy to miss because it is tied to the appraisal notice.
Appraisal
Texas appraisal value is generally a Jan. 1 snapshot
The value date is not the day you get the notice.
Local districts
MUDs and PIDs can change the monthly feel of a house
A newer subdivision can carry extra district taxes or assessments.
Closing
The owner title policy is negotiable, but local custom is real
Texas contracts and local practice often decide who pays.
Vehicles
Most Texas cars no longer need the old safety inspection
The registration bill still has inspection-related wrinkles.
Insurance
Coastal homes need a windstorm conversation
A normal homeowners quote may not answer the wind and hail question.
Gulf Coast
Insurance
Flood risk is not only a coastal problem
Hill Country creeks and Houston bayous can both make flood insurance worth checking.
Everyday cost
Texas sales tax stacks state and local pieces
The statewide 6.25 percent rate is not always the register total.
Places
A Texas mailing address is not a city-limit answer
Postal identity, city services, zoning, police, STR rules, and taxes can split apart.
New homes
New construction tax bills can start incomplete
The prior bill may show land only or partial improvement value.