Property Taxes

Property taxes are local taxes based on the value of property that provide the largest source of money local governments use to pay for schools, streets, roads, police, fire protection and many other services. State law establishes the process followed by local officials in determining the value for property, ensuring that values are equal and uniform, setting tax rates and collecting taxes

The Texas Constitution sets out basic rules for property taxes in our state:

Taxation must be equal and uniform. No single property or type of property should pay more than its fair share.
Generally, all property must be taxed based on its current market value. That’s the price it would sell for when both buyer and seller seek the best price and neither is under pressure to buy or sell.
Each property in a county must have a single appraised value. This means that the various local governments to which you pay property taxes cannot assign different values to your property; all must use the same value. This is guaranteed by the use of county appraisal districts.
All property is taxable unless federal or state law exempts it from the tax. These exemptions may exclude all or part of your property’s value from taxation. Exemptions must be authorized.
Property owner have a right to reasonable notice of increases in their appraised property value.

Property Tax appraisal is the sole responsibility of Orange County Appraisal District. If there are questions concerning the appraisal of property or exemptions for tax purposes please contact the Appraisal District.