Tax Information

The property tax is the City's primary source of revenue. The tax is expressed as a rate in dollars and cents per $100 of taxable value. For example, the 2022 tax rate is $0.245975, meaning 24.5975 cents per $100 of taxable property value. The City levies one uniform tax rate each year, however the amount any individual property owner will pay depends on the taxable value of their property. The University Park City Council sets the property tax rate each year during consideration of the City budget. The City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and 2022 tax rate on September 20, 2022.

Taxing Entities & Amounts

University Park is not the only taxing entity that appears on a resident's property tax bill. In fact, the City represents only 13% of the total property tax. The Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD), Dallas County, and several other taxing districts within the County also levy taxes on University Park residents.

The following chart shows that the school district collects approximately 56% of local property taxes. Much of the tax money collected by HPISD is sent to the State of Texas for distribution to other school districts.

For tax purposes, the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) measures and records the value of all real and business personal property (BPP) in University Park. State law requires that properties be reappraised at least every three years. DCAD attempts to value property on a 100% market basis. The combined value of all real and BPP property in University Park becomes the tax base upon which the City Council sets a tax rate.

DCAD mails out appraisal notices each year if a property's appraised amount changes. Homeowners wishing to contest their appraised value may contact DCAD. The protest process may involve appearing before an Appraisal Review Board (ARB), whose decision may only be modified by lawsuit.

DCAD maintains an extensive website that includes a database of all real property in Dallas County. The database can be searched by owner name, property address, or account number. The site also includes information about valuation methods, protest process, and frequently asked questions. Visit the DCAD website or contact DCAD at:
Dallas Central Appraisal District
2949 Stemmons Freeway

Phone: 214-631-0910

Hours
Monday through Thursday
7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Friday
7:30 am to 5 pm

Many property owners are eligible for exemptions, which reduce a property's taxable value. The most common exemption is the homestead exemption, which is equal to 20% of a property's total assessed value. For example, a house with a $500,000 assessed value would have a taxable value of $400,000, since 20% of $500,000 is $100,000. Property owners must reside in the property on January 1 to be eligible for a homestead exemption that year.

In addition to the homestead exemption, the City also allows a substantial exemption for homeowners over 65 years of age. This exemption is adjusted annually, and approximates 25% of the prior year market value of an average single-family residence. A disabled homestead exemption of the same amount is also available for those persons who qualify.

The Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) maintains records of all exemptions. Property owners must file for the specific exemption they wish to obtain.

For further information, contact the Dallas Central Appraisal District at:
Dallas Central Appraisal District
2949 Stemmons Freeway

Phone: 214-631-0910
DCAD Website

Hours
Monday through Thursday
7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Friday
7:30 am to 5 pm

The Dallas County Tax Office (DCTO) performs property tax collection for the City of University Park, as well as Dallas County and the Highland Park Independent School District. Tax bills are mailed in October each year and are due by January 31. Taxes may be paid by mail, in person at a DCTO main or branch office, or by the Internet with a credit card (visit the DCTO page). Tax payments may also be brought to University Park City Hall for forwarding to DCTO. All tax payments delivered to City Hall are considered "received" as of the date delivered to City Hall.

Real property accounts with unpaid taxes after July 31 are considered delinquent and are forwarded to a law firm for collection. Penalty and interest charges are assessed monthly against all delinquent accounts.

For further information, contact the Dallas County Tax Office:
John R. Ames, CTA
Dallas County Tax Assessor/Collector
1201 Elm Street
Suite 2600
Dallas, TX 75270

Phone: 214-653-7811
DCTO Website

The City receives 1.00% of each sales dollar spent in University Park. The total sales tax rate of 8.25% is composed as follows.