Katy Property Taxes

Katy Property Taxes–Unfortunately, property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the country. But before you panic, just remember that we don’t have a state income tax in Texas…so one sort of offsets the other. I tell my out-of-state clients to find out the state income taxes they paid last year and add that to their property taxes, and then compare that number to the property taxes here.

Each Katy subdivision (and there are over 200!) has different property tax rates…and they can change from year to year. Subdivisions in our newest neighborhoods, like Firethorne and Tamarron, tend to have the highest property tax rates (3.2 to 3.6) and subdivisions in our older neighborhoods, like Kelliwood or Nottingham Country, tend to have the lowest tax rates (2.2 to 2.8).

Older homes within the same neighborhood
may have lower tax rates than newer homes in newer sections.

The tax rate in a subdivision tends to go down over time. That doesn’t mean your taxes go down over time, because the home value is probably increasing, but your tax rate will probably decline with time.

One thing I like to point out though…our newer homes tend to be much more energy-efficient than our older homes; so you will save money in energy costs when you buy a newer home. That may help partially offset the higher taxes.

There are tax benefits and other benefits in owning your own home (which can make up for the high Katy property taxes). Please read The Benefits of Home Ownership to learn more. 

Something else you need to know…the tax appraised value on a home does not usually equally the market value of the home in Texas. If a home is older, it’s tax appraised value may be significantly lower than it’s market value. So don’t use those numbers when calculating a sales price!

⇒ See How to Price a Home Correctly

Unlike many other states, your home’s tax appraised value cannot increase more than 10 percent in a single year:

      property tax limits

        Source: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/valuing-property.php

 

You can read more about Texas property taxes so you are well-informed. 


Homestead Exemption

As a home owner in Texas, your Homestead Tax Exemption is a large exemption to reduce the amount of Katy property taxes that you pay. Applying for a Homestead Tax Exemption (info) is a one-time activity in Texas that home owners need to do the first year they buy a home…not something you do every year. The deadline is typically April 30 each year and you can’t apply until you have lived in the house on December 31st. 

Your application must include a copy of your Texas Driver’s License or DPS Identification Card and the address on the driver’s license or identification card MUST be the same as the address on which you are filing an Application for Residence Homestead Exemption (because you can only get this exemption on ONE home you live in).

Download the form to fill out and send in. You can get the appraisal district’s name and number here: Fort Bend County Appraisal District
 
If you have questions, please call the Tax Assessor-Collector Office at 281-341-3710 or go to: https://www.fbcad.org/homestead-filing-requirements
 
 
More info…
katy taxes homestead exemption
 

Subdivision Property Taxes

To get up-to-date Katy property tax rates, search for the subdivision (or the neighborhood name) below. When you view a neighborhood page, look at the “Subdivision Tax Rates” section and add up the five or six different tax types (city, school, drainage, levee, etc.) to determine the overall tax rate for the subdivision.

NOTE: This tool works best on a desktop…not a smart phone.

NOTE: If this tool (widget) doesn’t work correctly, please go to: Subdivision Lookup

 


Buying & Selling Real Estate Is a Huge Investment
Don’t You Deserve a Five Star Real Estate Agent?

Sheila Cox
832-779-2890

Sheila Cox Realtor
Author of KatyHomesForSaleTX.com…so you know that I know this area! Winner of Five Star award every year since 2010.


REALTORS DON’T “JUST” SELL HOUSES

Real estate agents don’t “just” sell houses; we sell a SERVICE to effectively guide home buyers and sellers through the entire real estate transaction, which usually takes several months. We are more like real estate consultants than we are salespeople. That’s probably why 86 percent of all home buyers and sellers choose to hire a real estate agent when buying or selling a home!

Buying or selling a home is not like buying or selling a TV, a computer, or a car. You can’t buy/sell a home on the Internet with a couple of clicks. There are MANY legal aspects, deadlines, and requirements that most people are not trained to handle. What’s more…mistakes along the way can cost you thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. The financial risk is much greater than just about anything else you may buy.

That’s why you need your own dedicated, experienced real estate agent
looking out for YOUR best interests.

Please read the list of my value-added services for home buyers


FREE GUIDES & REPORTS by Sheila Cox, Five Star Realtor

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Katy Relocation Guide
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Katy Market Report
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Katy Flood Report
Katy Schools Report

 


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Why You Should Hire Sheila Cox As Your Agent

sheila cox five star realtor5Candid Advice—I promise to give you candid advice on all homes and areas so you can make the best decisions. I won’t ignore potential defects that can cost you money, or effect your resale value, in the future…I point them out to you! My job is to protect you from defective homes as much as possible while helping you make a sound financial investment. (Read client testimonials)

Local Area Expertise—This isn’t just my business…it’s where I work and live (for 20+ years) so I really know the area. I will help you narrow your options and find the best neighborhood for you based on your specifications. For long-term resale value, the neighborhood you choose is just as important as the home you buy. (Download my Ultimate Katy Guide)

Great Pricing Data—I will give you the most in-depth data you have ever seen…to help you make the wisest decisions. This includes a professional CMA when you are ready to purchase a specific home…so you don’t pay too much. (Also see Pricing a Home Correctly)

Premium Customized Home Searches—Yes, you can search on your own, but no other home search available can filter down to the school level…and filter out the subdivisions that may be known to flood. Plus my search includes “Coming Soon” homes not listed on other  websites. (Request a Premium Customized Home Search)

Video Home Tours—If you or your spouse lives out of the state or country, then you will enjoy my detailed video home tours. I have sold multiple homes to out-of-area clients “site unseen” by providing High Definition video walkthroughs of potential homes. My videos show front and back yards, closets, pantries, laundry rooms, and the garage…as well as the entire home. This gives you a complete picture of the house (unlike those silly Matterports). I also point out any potential defects or deferred maintenance that I see. (view sample video walkthrough)

Easier Process—Moving your family (and possibly changing jobs) is stressful enough. I’m your transaction manager and will guide you, step-by-step, through the process so you never miss an important deadline. I assist with inspections, repair negotiations, home warranties, HOA compliance inspections, hazard insurance, surveys, appraisals, title commitment, home warranties, title commitment, and more. (Get Details of My Value-Added Services)


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