Travis County property taxes will increase in 2025

AUSTIN, Texas - Travis County swore in its new Tax Assessor Collector on Friday morning. 

Celia Israel will oversee billions of dollars in local property taxes and, even more this year than last.

"Today is about the next chapter. About the privilege that I feel of turning towards a brand-new opportunity to serve," Israel said.

The former Texas State Representative is now responsible for calculating and collecting property taxes in Travis County.

"This office gathers taxes from individuals who are struggling to make ends meet and have now found themselves living in one of the most expensive counties in the United States," Israel said.

Ricky Kemp said he works in the county but doesn’t live there.

"Too expensive," Kemp said.

He lives in Williamson County.

"Property taxes are cheaper, school taxes are cheaper," Kemp said.

Alex Politis rents in Downtown Austin. He said housing is too expensive here.

"It's kind of like you work here, you rent and that's about it. If you're ready to start a family, settle down, you go straight to Dallas," Politis said.

Homeowners in Travis County are going to be paying even more this year after new budgets and tax rates were approved.

Austin City Council signed off on a $5.9 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. It’s the largest in the city’s history. 

Travis County voters approved a tax rate increase to fund childcare, after-school programs, and workforce development for low-income families. Voters also approved a tax rate increase for AISD staff raises. The county’s hospital district, Central Health, approved a tax increase.

According to data from the Travis County Tax Office, the average property tax bill this year for homeowners is $1,123 higher than last year.

If you haven’t paid your property taxes since 2024, the deadline is January 31. If you can’t pay your bill, contact the Tax Assessor’s Office to set up a payment plan. The penalty for not paying can be up to 24% interest.