Are you looking at your Round Rock tax notice and wondering why it changed again this year? You are not alone. With fast growth in Williamson County, appraisals and tax rates can feel complicated. This guide breaks down how your property taxes work, what exemptions can lower your bill, how to protest an appraisal, and what to expect at closing. Let’s dive in.
How Round Rock property taxes work
In Texas, property taxes are set and collected locally. The Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) estimates each property’s market value. Then your taxing units set their own tax rates and collect the tax based on your taxable value.
Typical taxing units for Round Rock homeowners include Williamson County, the City of Round Rock, your school district, and sometimes a Municipal Utility District or other special district. School district taxes usually make up the largest portion of a typical bill. Because Round Rock is growing, appraisals can rise when new sales data or construction changes neighborhood values.
If you want a plain-language overview of Texas property taxes, the Texas Comptroller’s property tax resources are a great place to start.
How your bill is calculated
Your total property tax is based on a simple formula:
- Taxable value equals your appraised value minus any exemptions you receive.
- Annual tax equals your taxable value multiplied by the combined rate for all taxing units that apply to your property.
Rates are expressed per $100 of value. Each taxing unit adopts its rate annually. The state also calculates a “no-new-revenue” rate and a “voter-approval” rate. If a unit chooses a rate above its voter-approval rate, an election is usually required. This rate-setting happens separate from your appraisal, so taxes can change due to value, rates, or both.
Before you estimate your bill, confirm three things:
- Your appraised value from your WCAD notice.
- Your exemptions, such as a residence homestead or over-65.
- Every taxing unit that applies to your property and each unit’s current rate.
You can verify your appraisal and exemptions through WCAD.
Common exemptions you can use
Exemptions lower your taxable value. You must apply with WCAD and provide supporting documents.
Residence homestead exemption
This exemption applies to your principal residence and reduces taxable value. Some portions may specifically reduce school taxes. It does not apply automatically when you buy a home, so make sure you file after closing.
Over-65 and disabled person exemptions
If you are 65 or older, or you qualify as a disabled person, additional exemptions may apply. In many cases you may also receive a school tax ceiling that limits future increases to that portion of your bill.
Disabled veteran and surviving spouse exemptions
Texas offers significant exemptions for qualifying disabled veterans, which can reach a full exemption in some situations. Surviving spouses of certain veterans may qualify to retain benefits.
Other relief and deferrals
Less common for typical homeowners, but certain properties may qualify for partial exemptions such as historic or charitable-use properties. Tax deferral programs may be available for eligible elderly or disabled homeowners. Check local rules.
How and when to apply
File exemption forms with WCAD. You will need documentation like a driver’s license that matches the property address, the deed, proof of age or disability, or veteran documentation. Some exemptions have deadlines to affect the current tax year, and some may apply retroactively in limited cases. If you buy a home, reapply for the homestead exemption because exemptions do not automatically transfer.
MUDs and special districts
Many Round Rock subdivisions use Municipal Utility Districts or other special districts to finance infrastructure. MUD rates can be higher than city or county rates and can significantly affect your total tax bill. Always check your WCAD record and closing documents to confirm if a special district applies to your property.
Appraisals, protests, and appeals
The annual timeline
WCAD typically mails notices of appraised value in the spring. Your notice lists important deadlines for informal review and for filing a formal protest with the Appraisal Review Board, often called the ARB. If you miss the deadline, you usually lose appeal rights for that year.
Start with an informal review
If your value seems high or your property details are wrong, request an informal conference with an appraiser. Bring comparable sales, photos, and any corrections to the property record. Many issues are resolved at this step.
File a formal protest if needed
If you are not satisfied, file a protest by the deadline and prepare for an ARB hearing. The ARB is an independent panel that decides value and exemption disputes. You can represent yourself, hire an attorney, or use a licensed property tax consultant.
What evidence helps
- Recent comparable sales with dates
- Photos that show defects or needed repairs
- Independent appraisal reports
- Documents supporting exemption eligibility
After the ARB decision
If you disagree with the ARB’s ruling, limited post-ARB options exist, such as binding arbitration or an appeal to district court. These paths are more formal and often require legal assistance.
For appraisal notices, deadlines, and protest instructions, check WCAD’s website.
Bills, payments, and penalties
The Williamson County Tax Office issues tax statements and collects payments. Bills are usually sent in the fall. Taxes for the year are typically due in the winter that follows, with many counties using January 31 as the delinquency date. Penalties and interest begin after delinquency. Payment options commonly include online, by mail, and in person, and some counties allow installments. Confirm the current schedule and accepted payment methods with the county tax office.
Unpaid property taxes can result in penalties, interest, tax liens, and eventual tax foreclosure if not resolved.
Buying or selling in Round Rock
Property taxes are generally prorated at closing using the prior year’s bill or an agreed estimate, since bills come out after the valuation year. If you are buying, confirm current and prior tax amounts, check for any MUD or special district, and remember to file a new homestead application after closing. If you are selling, make sure any exemptions tied to your prior residence are updated as required.
Budgeting and planning tips
- Anticipate shifts in appraised values during periods of rapid growth and new construction.
- Build room in your budget for possible tax increases from appraisal changes or future rate adjustments.
- Keep records each year: notices, protest documents, exemption forms, and paid receipts.
Where to verify current rates and rules
- For appraisal notices, parcel data, exemptions, and protest steps, visit the Williamson Central Appraisal District.
- For city budget and tax rate information, use the City of Round Rock website.
- For school district tax information, see Round Rock ISD.
- For statewide explanations of rates, exemptions, and taxpayer rights, read the Texas Comptroller’s property tax guidance.
If you are weighing a purchase or sale, it helps to plan taxes alongside your financing. Reach out for local guidance tailored to your address and neighborhood.
Ready to make a plan that fits your budget and timeline? Connect with Unknown Company for friendly, local help and Get a Free Home Valuation.
FAQs
Why did my WCAD appraisal increase this year?
- Appraisals reflect recent sales, construction, and corrected property data. In a fast-growing area, new comps can push values up. You can request an informal review or file a protest by the deadline on your notice.
Do I have to file for a homestead exemption after buying?
- Yes. Exemptions do not transfer automatically. File a new residence homestead application with WCAD after closing to reduce your taxable value when eligible.
Who sends the bill and when are taxes due in Williamson County?
- The county tax office sends bills, typically in the fall. Taxes are usually due in the winter that follows, with many counties using January 31 as the delinquency date. Check the county for current deadlines.
What is a MUD and how does it affect my taxes in Round Rock?
- A Municipal Utility District funds neighborhood infrastructure. If your property sits in a MUD, that district adds its own rate to your combined tax rate, which can increase your total bill.
How can I estimate my Round Rock property taxes accurately?
- Confirm your appraised value and exemptions on WCAD, list each taxing unit that applies to your address, and use the current year’s rates for each unit. Multiply your taxable value by the combined rate to estimate the bill.
