Short-term rental property taxes in Texas

State checkup now · packet coming

Texas revalues every year and protests are routine. Sale prices aren’t public, but you can protest if your value is higher than similar properties’ values, using the appraisal district’s own records. Most rental furnishings now fall under a $125,000 exemption.

Rental areas

GalvestonGalveston CountyState checkup now · packet coming
Hill Country (Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Wimberley)Gillespie, Comal, Hays countiesState checkup now · packet coming
AustinTravis CountyState checkup now · packet coming
Port Aransas, South PadreNueces, Cameron countiesState checkup now · packet coming

Ways to lower the bill in Texas

Protest on unequal appraisal
Show your value is higher than the median value of comparable properties, adjusted for differences, using the appraisal district’s published values.
When: By May 15, or 30 days after your notice if later
Texas unequal appraisal (Tax Code 41.43(b)(3))
Protest on market value
Your own purchase price, a recent appraisal, photos of condition and repair bids are all evidence.
When: Same deadline
Use the furnishings exemption
From 2026, up to $125,000 of a business’s income-producing personal property at each location is exempt. Below that, file the short certification instead of a full rendition. Confirm with your district how it applies to rentals.
When: Rendition or certification by April 15
Texas HB 9: $125,000 business personal property exemption

Get the Texas packet when it opens

A Texas protest packet (unequal appraisal grid from district data) is being built for the spring 2027 notices.

General information as of November 2026, not legal or tax advice. Your county’s notice and rules control, and deadlines can change.