Property Tax Process
Your Guide to Property Tax Loans and Credit Scores
When considering a loan, most people are rightly concerned about their credit score. Defaulted payments or frequent credit checks can negatively impact your credit rating. However, property tax loans don’t normally show up on your credit report. Some property tax lenders, like Johnson & Starr, offer property tax loans to help you get your finances…
4 Myths about Texas Property Tax Loans
Texas property tax loans are often misunderstood. As a trusted property tax lender, Johnson & Starr aims to provide you with the right knowledge to help you determine what is true and what is not. In this blog, we’ll debunk the four most common misconceptions about property tax loans and give you a better understanding…
2023 and 2024 Texas Property Tax Penalty and Interest Chart
Don’t take overdue property taxes lightly in Texas. Paying them promptly is crucial because, beginning February 1st of each tax year, unpaid taxes are labeled delinquent and slapped with a 7% penalty. This isn’t a one-off; a 2% increase is added each month. Come July, if taxes remain unpaid, you face the year’s steepest penalty…
Understanding Harris County Property Taxes: Essential Tips for Homeowners
Harris County property owners should know the basics of property taxes to ensure effective financial and property management. This guide will help explain how property taxes are determined, important tax dates, and some essential tips for property tax delinquency. How Is Harris County Property Tax Determined? The Harris Central Appraisal District establishes taxable values and…
New Year Means New Texas Property Tax Law
After many months of negotiating, a property tax relief package known as Proposition 4 was passed with 83% of the vote from the Senate and House last November. This law became effective on January 1st, 2024, meaning Texas homeowners and businesses should have received a property tax cut in their 2023 property tax bill. Here’s…
3 Ways to Pass Your Texas Property to Your Children Tax-Free
Passing your Texas property down to your children is a great way to help secure your family’s financial future but it can also be complicated, especially when trying to pass it along tax-free. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to successfully do this, depending on how and when you want your children to receive…
Will Refinancing Affect My Property Taxes in Texas?
As a homeowner in Texas, you may choose to refinance your home for several reasons. Whether it is to lower your monthly payments, consolidate debt, speed up the process of paying off your mortgage, or put more cash in your pocket, most homeowners are looking to get the most out of their investment. But before…
At What Age Do You Stop Paying Property Taxes in Texas?
Oftentimes, Texans wonder at what age they will no longer have to pay property taxes. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid paying property taxes entirely–no matter your age. However, once you reach the age of 65 or older, you are eligible for some relief. This might entail property tax deferrals, senior homestead exemptions, or…
What to Know About the Texas Property Tax Relief Bill Before Voting in November
After many months of disagreement, Texas lawmakers finally came to a compromise on Thursday, July 13, 2023, when the Texas House passed Senate Bill 2, advancing the property tax relief bill to Governor Greg Abbott for his approval. This compromise includes an increased homestead exemption and will deliver more than $18 billion in property tax…
Real Estate Taxes Vs. Property Taxes in Texas. What’s the Difference?
If you own property in Texas, you are probably familiar with real estate taxes, or as some may refer to as property taxes. These two terms are often used interchangeably, however, they have different meanings and are not the same in certain situations. This is especially important for Texans when it comes time to pay…