FAQs Archive | Page 2 of 12 | Travis Central Appraisal District

Q: Do I need to apply for the circuit breaker limitation?

You are not required to submit an application to receive a circuit breaker limitation. The appraisal district will automatically apply and calculate these benefits every year.

Q: How is the circuit breaker limitation calculated?

Real property valued at $5 million or less will benefit from a 20 percent limitation on the net appraised value used to calculate property taxes. Each property that qualifies will have a net appraised value that will be the lesser amount of: last year’s net appraised value PLUS 20 percent of that value PLUS the market value of all new improvements on the property OR this year’s market value

Q: Why doesn't my property have the 20 percent circuit breaker limitation applied to my net appraised value?

Your property may not have a limitation applied if it is valued above $5 million, you have not owned the property for at least one full calendar year, you are currently benefiting from a homestead exemption limitation, or you removed exemptions you previously had on the property. Your property’s market value must increase to current market value before a limitation can be applied.

Q: I have an over 65 exemption. How was my tax ceiling calculated?

Over 65 senior tax ceilings, also known as a tax freeze, are recalculated on an annual basis due to the passage of Proposition 1 in May 2022 and Proposition 4 in November 2023. The specifics of how a tax ceiling is recalculated can be found in Section 11.26 of the Property Tax Code . TCAD is unable to provide a specific breakdown of these calculations for your property. However, we do provide our estimates of your ceiling amount on our website and at TravisTaxes.com. The official calculation of property's tax ceiling and property tax bill is done by the Travis County Tax Office.

Q: My exemption application was denied. Can I appeal?

Yes. If your exemption is denied, you will receive a written notice in the mail. That notice will include a brief explanation of why the application was denied and how you can appeal.

Q: My hearing hasn't started on time. How long do I have to wait?

The ARB is an independent entity. TCAD staff are unable to address long wait times. The ARB must postpone a hearing upon request by the property owner if the hearing has not started within 2 hours or more after its scheduled start time. The postponement request from the owner appearing in-person must be made prior to the owner leaving the building. The postponement request from an owner appearing via phone must be emailed to tarbcontact@gmail.com by the end of the day of the scheduled hearing. Property owners must attach a phone screen shot showing a wait time of 2 or more hours from the scheduled hearing start time. A property owner should be prepared to again wait a minimum of 2 hours from the rescheduled hearing start time. A property owner or a designated property tax consultant who leaves before 2 hours have passed from the scheduled hearing start time may not reschedule their hearing. The property owner forfeits the protest.

Q: Can I withdraw my protest or cancel my hearing?

Yes. If you filed an online protest, you can withdraw your protest using the online portal. Otherwise, you can contact the ARB directly at tarbcontact@gmail.com. Please provide your name, property address, PID and hearing date.