Resident guide · Checked against the source

Austin property tax help: who handles what?

Find the right Travis County office for a property tax bill, exemption, payment plan, mailing-address change, or value protest.

Short answer

Two local offices handle different parts of a Travis County property tax question. Travis Central Appraisal District handles appraised values, ownership records, exemptions, and protests. The Travis County Tax Office handles statements, balances, payments, receipts, payment plans, and tax-account mailing addresses.

Who this is for

Austin and Travis County property owners who need to understand a bill, check an exemption, update a tax account, arrange payment, or respond to an appraised value.

Next steps

  1. For a statement, balance, receipt, payment, payment plan, or tax-account mailing address, start with the Travis County Tax Office account search.
  2. For appraised value, ownership, exemptions, or an application, use TCAD's property and exemption guidance.
  3. If you disagree with the appraised value, follow TCAD's protest process and the deadline on the current official notice.
  4. Save the confirmation, receipt, or filing proof, then recheck the official record instead of assuming a change was applied.

Have this ready

  • The property address, tax account number, or TCAD property identifier
  • The current statement, appraisal notice, exemption letter, or account screen
  • Documents the official office requests for an exemption or record correction
  • A saved confirmation, receipt, or protest filing record after you act

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Sending a bill or payment question to TCAD when the Tax Office controls the account
  • Assuming a homestead exemption or tax ceiling is automatic after moving
  • Paying a third party for an application TCAD accepts for free
  • Treating an estimate or an old notice as the current bill or deadline

Official sources

Checked August 10, 2026. Recheck the official page monthly and when the official page changes.

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