With an average tax rate of 2.18%, Dallas County residents pay an average of $2,827 a year in property taxes.
If you’re a homeowner, you will be responsible for paying a percentage of your home’s value in property taxes each year. Knowing exactly how much you need to pay can be a bit tricky though since taxes rates vary depending on which county you live in and the value of your home. On top of that, rates in any given county can change from year to year.
Estimating your property tax responsibility is an important part of planning your annual budget. To make things simpler, insurance comparison app Jerry
has compiled this quick guide with everything you’ll need to know about property tax in Dallas County, Texas
. Property tax 101
First-time homeowners may not be familiar with some of the basic principles involved in property taxes. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know:
Your local government collects property taxes from homeowners to pay for public works and community services
Property taxes are typically collected for any non-exempt real property, such as homes, buildings, or land
A local tax assessor will determine your property tax obligation based on current market values and the local tax rate
Property taxes rates can change frequently based on current market conditions and your local government’s budget
In other words, property taxes are how your local government ensures that all long-term residents that have a vested financial interest in the community contribute to its upkeep and improvement.
MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?
What is the property tax rate in Dallas County?
The average property tax rate in Dallas County is 2.18% of assessed home values. This is significantly higher than the Texas state average of 1.81% and nearly double the national average of 1.1%. Assuming that that rate does not significantly change, the average homeowner in Dallas County can expect to pay around $2,827 each year in property taxes.
How Dallas County property taxes are determined
Unlike most states, Texas does not have a state income tax. The state government makes up this lost revenue with higher than average property tax rates.
In Dallas County, property taxes are levied once a year. Your exact tax obligation will be determined by multiplying the assessed value of your property by the millage rate in your tax jurisdiction.
The assessed value of your property will be determined by the Dallas County Appraisal District (DCAD). In Texas, the assessed value is usually based on the fair market value as of the first day of the tax year.
The effective tax rate or “millage rate” is determined by local taxing districts. Your home may fall into multiple districts. If so, you will be taxed for each one.
What do Dallas County property taxes pay for?
Since there are no income taxes in Texas, the property taxes are used to pay for virtually every government-related expense from law enforcement to education. According to the Dallas Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
from 2021, there are eight strategic priorities for government spending. These are: Environment and Sustainability
Government Performance and Financial Management
Housing and Homelessness Solutions
Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture
Transportation and Infrastructure
Workforce, Education, and Equity
These are just board categories. If your want to see a detailed spending report for Dallas County, it is available to the public and linked above.
MORE: How to deduct a car accident from your taxes
How to pay property taxes in Dallas County
Dallas County property taxes are paid in a single annual payment which must be submitted between October 1st and January 31st.
Dallas property owners have several methods by which they can pay their annual property taxes. Payment can be submitted online, by mail, in person, over the phone, or through a bank transfer. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Online: The fastest way to pay your property taxes is by going to https://www.dallasact.com/act_webdev/dallas/index.jsp
. You can pay online using Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, or eCheck. By mail: You can pay by mail using a check, cashier’s check, or money order. Make checks payable to JOHN R. AMES, CTA, TAX ASSESSOR/COLLECTOR, and make sure to include your name, phone number, and address. Mail your payment to this address: Dallas County Tax Office, P.O. Box 139066, Dallas, TX 75313-9066
In-person: You can pay your property taxes in person at one of the county tax office locations
. Accepted forms of payment include cash, cashier’s check, check, convenience, credit card check, money order, and Credit/Debit Cards. Over the phone: You can pay over the phone using a credit/debit card by calling 240-777-8898 or 866-863-8323.
Through a bank transfer: If you would like to pay your taxes directly through your bank using an ACH or wire transfer, you’ll need to call customer care at 214-653-7811. Let them know how you’re intending to pay and they will tell you how to proceed.
How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in Texas
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