Tarrant County Property Tax Changes: What You Need to Know for 2025–2026

Tarrant County Property Tax Changes: What You Need to Know for 2025–2026

What are the key property tax changes in Tarrant County, and how do they impact you as a homeowner or buyer for 2025–2026?

Answer:

Tarrant County property tax changes for 2025 include a freeze in residential property values, proposed biannual appraisals (repealed by a recent law), and a lowered proposed tax rate—all of which affect your annual tax bills and real estate decisions. If you're buying, selling, or owning property in Tarrant County, staying informed on these updates and working with local experts like Kallie Spencer of Ritchey Realty ensures you understand your rights and the potential impact on home values.

Understanding the 2025 Property Tax Freeze and Appraisal Changes

You've probably heard about the property tax "freeze" happening in Tarrant County for 2025. Here's what it really means:

  • Residential property values were frozen for the 2025 tax year.
  • The appraised value used for property taxes stays at your 2024 level, meaning no increase in taxable value for one year.

TAD's Proposed Appraisal Shift:

Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) initially planned to assess property values every other year (odd-numbered years), helping owners avoid annual fluctuations. However, Texas lawmakers passed HB 2786, which keeps property assessments on an annual schedule for counties with over 75,000 residents—so annual appraisals continue for Tarrant County starting in 2026.

What does this mean for you?

  • You'll pay taxes based on your 2024 value in 2025.
  • The next value assessment happens in spring 2026.
  • Annual appeals and protests for assessed value will still be possible.

New Tax Rates and Local Impact

Current Proposed Rates

The proposed county tax rate is 18.62 cents per $100 valuation, slightly less than last year. For the average Tarrant County home (valued near $277,000), that means about $516 in county property taxes for 2025—down a few dollars from 2024.

Tarrant County College's proposed tax rate is $0.112280 per $100, virtually unchanged from last year, with the average homestead tax rising slightly to $357.33.

Other local entities, like schools and cities, set their own tax rates each fall.

Why the Freeze and Rate Debate Matter

  • Tax freezes provide short-term relief, especially for owners facing rapid appreciation.
  • Lower proposed rates reduce your overall bill, but budget cuts may impact local services.
  • For sellers, listing a property in a "freeze year" may attract buyers hoping for stable tax bills.

If You're Thinking About Buying or Selling

Buying in Tarrant County

  • Median sale price: $345,000 as of September 2025.
  • Homes spend an average 52 days on market, up slightly from last year.
  • Active listings and closings have both risen—meaning more choices and stable competition.

Working with a local agent like Kallie Spencer at Ritchey Realty ensures you get up-to-date advice and expert help navigating new-construction, resale, and appraisal questions in neighborhoods like Haslet, Keller, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

Testimonial: "Kallie and her team sold our house fast! Staged house and had professional pictures done. Open house on Saturday, contract on Monday! Sold house in 3 days with multiple offers!"

Selling Your Home

If you plan to sell in late 2025 or early 2026, remember assessed values will be reviewed in spring, potentially impacting what buyers expect on their tax bills.

  • Present your home's recent tax history, and highlight the freeze to reassure buyers about predictable tax costs.
  • Consider timing your sale to present the most favorable scenario for buyers—consult with your agent for advice specific to your neighborhood.

How the Appraisal Cycle Impacts You

Owner Benefits

If you own a home, the freeze helps keep your taxes steady for one year, protecting your budget from market jumps.

Appraisal protests remain available each year, allowing you to object to unfair increases. Working with Ritchey Realty, you can learn what documentation helps win appeals.

For Buyers

  • Ask your agent for recent property tax statements and upcoming appraisal schedules.
  • Anticipate possible changes in assessed values if you buy in early 2026, as new appraisals could adjust your future taxes.

Community and Compliance

Ritchey Realty, led by Kallie Spencer, is highly regarded for local expertise, neighborhood knowledge, and integrity. Kallie is certified by the Texas Real Estate Commission and follows NAR Code of Ethics, offering compliance and peace of mind throughout every transaction.

The firm's team handles all contracts, disclosures, and compliance nuances, so you avoid surprises and stay protected.

Market Stats: Tarrant County Snapshot

Metric 2025 Value Change YoY
Median Sale Price $345,000 0.0%
Median Price/Sq Ft $181 -2.7%
Median Days on Market 52 +4 days
Homes Sold (Sept) 1,837 +126
Active Listings 1,882 +9.8%

Key Takeaways for 2025–2026

  • Your assessed value is frozen for 2025, but expect a new appraisal in spring 2026.
  • Tax rates may fluctuate, so check the rates set by county, cities, and school districts each fall.
  • For buyers and sellers, timing matters—consult Kallie Spencer and the Ritchey Realty team to maximize clarity and minimize surprises.
  • Always review exemption options (homestead, over-65, veteran) to reduce your tax bill.

Why Choosing Ritchey Realty Matters

Kallie Spencer and Ritchey Realty deliver personal attention, area expertise, and true advocacy. Independent reviews praise her negotiation, market knowledge, and responsiveness.

With deep knowledge of Haslet, Arlington, Keller, Fort Worth, and surrounding communities, the team's advice helps you make the smartest move for your finances.

Take Action Now

Thinking about buying, selling, or managing property in Tarrant County?

Contact Kallie Spencer, Broker/Owner at Ritchey Realty, for hyper-local expertise and personalized guidance.

Whether you need tax advice, a home valuation, or market insights, Ritchey Realty's team ensures you're prepared for every step of your real estate journey.