Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Galveston County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

Authority	Avg. Rate
County General Fund	0.45%
School District (Avg)	1.20%
City / Local (Avg)	0.35%

How Property Tax Works in Galveston County

In Galveston County, property taxes are administered by the Galveston Central Appraisal District (GCAD). The assessment process involves determining the value of your property, which is then multiplied by the applicable millage rates to calculate your tax liability. Here's a step-by-step explanation: * The GCAD appraises properties annually, usually between January and May. They consider factors such as property size, location, and improvements to determine the market value of each property. * The appraisal district then calculates the taxable value of each property by applying a percentage, known as the effective tax rate (ETR). For the 2022 tax year, the ETR in Galveston County was 0.946%. * The taxable value is then multiplied by the millage rate, which is set by local taxing entities such as the county, school districts, and municipalities. The resulting amount is your property tax liability.

Available Exemptions

Texas offers several exemptions to reduce property taxes for eligible homeowners. These exemptions are: *

• Homestead Exemption: Eligible homeowners may be exempt from up to $40,000 of their property's value, reducing their tax liability.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners 65 and older may be exempt from up to $65,000 of their property's value if they meet income requirements.
• Disability Exemption: Homeowners with disabilities may be exempt from up to $12,000 of their property's value if they meet certain requirements.
• Veteran Exemption: Eligible veterans may be exempt from up to $12,000 of their property's value, or 10% of the property's value, whichever is greater.

To qualify for these exemptions, you must meet specific requirements and file an application with the GCAD by the applicable deadline.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Galveston County property taxes are due annually on February 1. Payment deadlines and installment options are: *

• Delinquent Payments: If you miss the February 1 deadline, you'll be charged a penalty of 6% of the unpaid amount plus interest at a rate of 1.5% per month.
• Installment Payments: You may pay your property taxes in two installments: the first on February 1 and the second on July 1. Each installment is due on the respective deadline.
• Online Payments: You can pay your property taxes online through the GCAD website, by phone, or in person at the appraisal district office.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you disagree with your property assessment, you can appeal to the Galveston Central Appraisal Review Board (CARB). Here's a step-by-step guide: *

• Review the Notice: Carefully review the appraisal notice and make sure you understand the basis for the assessment.
• Meet the Deadline: Submit a written protest to the CARB within 30 days of receiving the appraisal notice.
• Gather Evidence: Collect evidence to support your appeal, including comparable sales data, photos, and any other relevant information.
• Attend the Hearing: You'll be scheduled for a hearing before the CARB, where you'll present your case and respond to questions from the board.
• Receive the Decision: The CARB will review your appeal and make a decision. If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can appeal to the district court.

If you have any questions or need help with the appeals process, contact the Galveston Central Appraisal District or seek assistance from a qualified tax professional.