Dallas County approves 15.4% property tax rate hike

Dallas County commissioners voted 3-2 to adopt a 2026 property tax rate that is 15.4% higher than last year’s rate, setting off a November election because the new levy exceeds the voter-approval threshold. The increase will raise county tax bills for many homeowners, though the exact change will vary by property value and exemptions.

Why it matters: - Dallas County’s new tax rate will increase the county portion of many property tax bills in 2026. - The adopted rate also triggers a tax-rate election on Nov. 3, 2026, giving voters a chance to reject it. - The move comes as homeowners face higher taxable values and continued pressure from inflation.

What happened: - Dallas County Commissioners voted 3-2 on Tuesday, Aug. 11, to adopt a property tax rate of $0.248650 per $100 of taxable value for 2026. - The new rate is up from $0.215500 in 2025, an increase of about 15.4%. - The adopted rate applies only to the Dallas County portion of property taxes. - Cities and school districts set their own property tax rates separately.

The details: - Dallas County says the adopted fiscal year 2027 budget will raise about $189.4 million more in property-tax revenue than the prior year, a 22.51% increase. - Dallas County says an average home valued at $350,000 will see an annual increase of about $116.03 on the county portion of its property tax bill. - The county says the median homestead taxable value will rise from $259,385 in 2025 to $268,056 in 2026. - At the adopted rate, tax on that median homestead would rise from $558.97 to $666.52. - The adopted rate includes a maintenance-and-operations rate of $0.238566 and an interest-and-sinking/debt rate of $0.010084. - The $116.03 estimate applies only to the Dallas County portion of the bill, and individual results will vary based on taxable value and exemptions.

Between the lines: - The county crossed its voter-approval tax rate, which is why a tax-rate election is now required. - If voters reject the adopted rate, Dallas County’s tax rate will revert to the voter-approval rate. - Patrick O’Connor, president of O’Connor, called the increase “regrettable” and said governments should look for lower-cost options before raising taxes.

What’s next: - Dallas County’s tax-rate election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026. - Homeowners will see their final bills shaped by the county rate, property values and any applicable exemptions. - Property owners seeking help can enroll in O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program. More information