December 18, 2025
Property Tax
Disaster Provisions or a Tax Loophole? — Travis & Harris County, TX
In Travis County, Texas, officials recently approved a 9.12% increase in property taxes..
In Travis County, Texas, officials recently approved a 9.12% increase in property taxes citing disaster relief provisions, a move that has sparked lawsuits and community backlash (Austin American-Statesman).
Homeowners were surprised to see bills rise without a corresponding voter-approved rate increase, raising questions about the fairness of using emergency powers for budgetary needs.
How Disaster Provisions Were Repurposed
Disaster provisions exist to give governments flexibility after emergencies, such as storms or floods, to provide immediate aid. However, Travis County and other districts like Houston have used these provisions to increase tax revenue more broadly (Houston Chronicle).
In practice, this means residents may be paying higher taxes not because of property damage or new services, but because officials invoked a loophole in the law.
"Travis County used a disaster declaration meant to help flood victims as an excuse to raise taxes beyond what was necessary," Saum said. "We’re standing up for taxpayers who expect their leaders to act within the law, not around it."
Travis County spokesperson Hector Nieto said that the county suffered "incredible" damages during the July flood, an event that requires the use if resources from across the county.
The county responded saying that the tax code provided an avenue to assist in recovering the cost swiftly, citing legal authority to do so in a time of need like a disaster.
The Impact on Texas Homeowners' Property Taxes
Regardless of your position on the matter, the sudden increase disproportionately affects those who may not have the resources to absorb unexpected costs.
Seniors, families on fixed incomes, and first-time homeowners are particularly vulnerable. The lack of a public vote or clear explanation adds to the frustration, leaving residents feeling powerless.
How Property Tax Appeals Can Protect You
Filing an appeal allows homeowners to question whether the increase was applied correctly to their specific property.
Even though there isn’t much recourse for a tax rate increase for the average homeowner, an appeal can uncover errors in the assessed value of your property,. Challenging your home valuation by appealing every year can save you thousands of dollars cumulatively.
Expert Tax Appeal Guidance Matters
Abode Money equips homeowners with the tools and knowledge to navigate these tricky circumstances.
By analyzing assessment data and local precedents, we craft evidence-based appeals designed to protect residents from overpaying, regardless of the politics at play.
Final Takeaway
When disaster provisions are used to increase taxes beyond their original intent, homeowners have a right to push back. Appealing your assessment is not just a financial step—it’s a stand for fairness and transparency.
