Property taxes can represent a significant part of your annual tax burden in Montgomery County—or anywhere else in Texas. As a homeowner, you should thoroughly understand the assessment process, protest opportunities, and critical deadlines to avoid penalties.
Key Property Tax Deadlines in Montgomery County
- Important Tax Payment Dates
- November 30, 2023 - Initial half-payment deadline for 2023.
- January 31, 2024 - Final day for settling 2023 tax dues without added charges. (If there is a pending lawsuit from previous years, legal fees are appended to the 2023 tax statement on February 1, 2024.)
- March 31, 2024 - Last day to settle 2023 commercial personal property taxes before incurring legal charges.
- May 15, 2024 - Last day to property tax protests with Travis Central appraised district. You can file your protest online.
- June 30, 2024 - Deadline for second half payment. The last opportunity to arrange payments for overdue 2023 taxes to circumvent legal charges is July 2, 2024.
Note: If the date falls on a weekend, it extends to the subsequent working day.
- Quarterly Payment Schedule
- Initial Payment by: January 31, 2024;
- Second Payment by: March 31, 2024;
- Third Payment by: May 31, 2024;
- Fourth Payment by: July 31, 2024.
Note: In case the date falls on a weekend, it’s extended to the immediate next working day.
- Quarterly Installments:
- A delay in any quarterly installment results in an initial 6% charge for the first month, coupled with 1% monthly interest until the balance is cleared.
- Remember, participation in the Quarterly Installment Plan in February comes with an added 7% charge. See penalty and interest chart.
Source: Montgomery County Tax Office Website
The Property Tax Process in Montgomery County
- Assessment: Every 1-3 years, the current value of your property will be assessed, based on its location, condition, and overall market in the area, based on the sale of comparable homes.
- Notification: Based on your local taxing unit's property tax rate and the valuation of your home, you will receive a property tax bill in the mail in October or November.
- Payment: Property taxes may be paid at any Montgomery County tax office in the form of checks, cash, money orders, and/or credit/debit cards.
- Delinquency: After the deadline of January 31st, delinquent payments will incur a penalty of 6% and an interest charge of 1%, which both increase at a rate of 1% per month until the total tax bill is cleared. Installment payments are available for those with Over 65 or Disabled Person exemptions.
Homestead Exemptions in Montgomery County
- Introduction & Benefits: Applying for a homestead exemption can offer significant savings on the full taxable value of your home, thus reducing your property tax burden.
- Qualification Criteria: In Montgomery County, if you own and occupy your home as of January 1st, you are eligible for the general homestead exemption. There are also exemption opportunities for seniors, those with disabilities, military veterans, and their surviving spouses.
- Application Process: You may apply for an exemption by mail, online, or in person at the Montgomery Central Appraisal District office in Conroe, Texas. A decision will be made on your application within 90 days.
Tips for Montgomery County Homeowners
- Maximizing Savings: If you disagree with the value assessment of your property, an appeals process is available, so don't be afraid to protest the amount owed. Also, exemptions can save thousands of dollars each year and can be applied for retroactively. Seeking out professional help is an excellent way to ensure that you're only paying your fair share.
- Staying Informed: The Montgomery County and Central Appraisal District websites are regularly updated with key information, or you can subscribe for any changes on tax policies in the county.
- Seeking Assistance: When it comes to protesting a valuation or having a hearing before an Appraisal Review Board, many homeowners turn to professional tax services, like Bezit, which are deeply familiar with the property tax landscape in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County Property Tax FAQ
- What is property tax in Montgomery County?
- Property tax is an annually assessed levy on property you own in Montgomery County. Property taxes are the main sources of public funds in the county for schools, infrastructural projects, parks, and emergency services.
- How is my property assessed for tax purposes in Montgomery County?
- The value of your property will be evaluated every 1-3 years by a County Assessor, based on the location of the property, its condition, and the values of comparable properties in the area.
- Where can I find what I owe in property taxes online?
- After the elected officials of the various taxing units decide on the tax rate in September, tax bills will be mailed out in October or November. In most cases, a property will be taxed by multiple taxing units in Montgomery County. You can also find the total owed online, or by consulting with a professional tax service.
- How do homestead exemptions work in Montgomery County?
- If you own and occupy your residence by January 1st of the tax year, you may be eligible for up to a 20% reduction in the taxable value of your home, which could save you thousands of dollars in property taxes.
- Who qualifies for a homestead exemption in Montgomery County?
- If you own and occupy your residence as of January 1st, you are eligible for a homestead exemption. Exemptions are also available for seniors, those with disabilities, military veterans, and their surviving spouses, among others.
- How do I apply for a homestead exemption in Montgomery County?
- You can apply for a homestead exemption online, by mail, or in person at any Montgomery County tax office.
- How much does it cost to apply for a homestead exemption in Montgomery County?
- There is no fee for a homestead exemption application.
- If my house is valued at $500K in Montgomery County, how much would a homestead exemption save on property taxes?
- A general homestead exemption could lower your property's taxable value by $100,000 (20%), so there is no reason not to apply if you qualify in Montgomery County.
- Where can I learn more or get help with my property taxes in Montgomery County?
- Any Montgomery County tax office or the Central Appraisal District can handle questions and queries about property tax issues. You can also turn to tax professionals, like the team at Bezit, who can guide you through the necessary applications, appeals, and payments.