1. The Timeline: When to Act

• August: Official Proposed Tax Rates are published. This is when you can see if your taxing units are planning to increase your burden.
• Late August – September: Local taxing units must hold public hearings. This is your primary opportunity to speak or submit feedback.
• September 30: Most tax rates are finalized and adopted by this date.

2. How to Influence the Rate

When you visit the portals below, look for the "No-New-Revenue (NNR) Rate" versus the "Proposed Rate". If the Proposed Rate is higher, the taxing unit is asking for more money than they collected last year.

3. Take Action Now

Step A: Find Your Reps
Not sure who represents your specific district? Use the official state lookup tool:

Step B: Use This Script (Copy & Paste)

"Dear [Official Name],

I am a resident and property owner in your district. I am writing to express my strong opposition to any proposed tax rate increases that exceed the No-New-Revenue rate. At a time when local families are managing tight budgets, I urge you to prioritize fiscal restraint and seek operational efficiencies before asking taxpayers to cover further increases. Please vote to keep our tax rate at or below the NNR rate.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]"

4. County Resource Portals

Valuing the relationship over the transaction.
Alicia Duffy | Team Duffy | Texas Urban Living

Tax Rate Adoption: Make Your Voice Heard

Your property tax bill isn't set by the Appraisal District—it is determined by your local elected officials (City Council, School Board, County Commissioners). As they draft their budgets this month, you have the power to weigh in. Here is your action plan to ensure our taxes remain fair.

1. The Timeline: When to Watch

• August: Official Proposed Tax Rates are published on the Truth-in-Taxation websites[cite: 535].
• Late August – September: Local taxing units must hold public hearings to justify budget increases[cite: 547]. This is your primary opportunity to express your concerns.
• September 30: Tax rates must be adopted by most taxing units[cite: 51].

2. How to Analyze Your Bill

Compare the No-New-Revenue (NNR) Rate vs. the Proposed Rate[cite: 26]:

• NNR Rate: The rate needed to generate roughly the same revenue as last year[cite: 28].
• Proposed Rate: The rate they are requesting. If this is higher than the NNR rate, it is essentially a tax increase[cite: 28, 545].

3. Take Action

Step A: Submit Official Feedback
Visit your county's Truth-in-Taxation portal (links below) to view the public feedback forms for your specific taxing entities.

Step B: Email Your Officials
Don't wait for a hearing—email your representatives now using the template below.

4. Local County Portals & Contacts

"Valuing the relationship over the transaction."
Alicia Duffy | Team Duffy | 214-682-5009

The Homeowner's Action Plan: How to Lower Your Property Tax Rate

Your property tax bill isn't set by the Appraisal District—it is set by your elected officials (City Council, School Board, County Commissioners). They are currently building their budgets. Here is how you can have a say in the final rate.

1. The Timeline: When to Check

• August: This is the most important month. As property values are finalized, taxing units will publish their Proposed Tax Rates.
• Late August – September: Public hearings are held, and final votes take place. This is your window to act.

2. The Analysis: What to Look For

Check your property on the Texas Property Tax Transparency Portal.

Look at the No-New-Revenue (NNR) Tax Rate versus the Proposed Tax Rate.

• The NNR Rate: The tax rate that would give the taxing unit the same amount of money as last year.
• The Proposed Rate: The rate they are asking to adopt.
• The Goal: If the Proposed Rate is higher than the NNR Rate, you have a strong argument to ask them to justify the increase or find "operational efficiencies" (cuts) instead.

3. Take Action (Step-by-Step)

Step A: Submit Official Feedback
Use the "Public Feedback" form on your specific property page at the Collin County Tax Rate Portal.

• Select "No" if you oppose the proposed rate.
• In the comments, keep it professional: "I oppose the proposed tax rate because the increase exceeds the rate of inflation. Please seek further budget efficiencies before asking taxpayers to cover this increase."

Step B: Contact Your Elected Officials
Don't just use the form—send a direct email. It is the most effective way to be heard. Copy and paste the template below and send it to the contacts listed for your district.

Email Template (Copy & Paste)

Subject: Resident Concerns: Proposed Tax Rate for [Taxing Unit Name]

Dear [Council Member/Trustee Name],

I am a resident of [Your Neighborhood/Area] in Collin County. I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed tax rate increase for [Taxing Unit Name].

At a time when many families are managing tight household budgets, I am asking that you prioritize fiscal restraint and seek operational efficiencies rather than increasing the tax burden on your constituents. I urge you to adopt the No-New-Revenue rate (or lower) for the upcoming fiscal year.

Thank you for your time and your service to our community.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]

4. Who to Contact (Collin County Resources)