Property taxes are the largest source of funding for Texas public schools. More than half (52 percent) of the funds for public schools in our state are generated by local property taxes.

What determines whether or not your school district is wealthy?
The value of all the property located within your school district determines how "wealthy" it is. Different types of property are considered:

• Residences
• Businesses
• Natural resources (such as oil and minerals)

Where your taxes come from
You and your family pay taxes on your property on an annual basis. Taxes are sent to the county tax assessor.

The county determines how much your house and property are worth. The county then figures out how much you will pay in taxes on your property. Your school district decides the tax rate for education.

Property taxes are used to pay for a variety of services that the public benefits from including, most importantly, public schools.

Figure out how much of your taxes go to your neighborhood schools
You can calculate how much of your taxes go to your neighborhood schools by: Dividing the value of your property into "taxable units" (of $100 each) and multiplying the number of units by the tax rate.

Quick example
A $50,000 house divided by $100 (taxable units) = 500 taxable units ($50,000 ÷ 100 = 500). If you multiply 500 taxable units by a $1.50 tax rate, it equals $750 in tax (500 x $1.50 = $750).

Learn more about the issue.
     How Your Schools are Funded
     State Role in Equalizing Funding
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