The result
Tarrant County grew.
Its tax base didn’t.
An analysis of TAD data shows how the 2026 appraisal freeze reshaped what local governments could (and couldn’t) fund.
The appraisal freeze was supposed to create stability. Instead, it created winners, losers, and a shrinking tax base, putting pressure on taxing authorities across Tarrant County to make difficult decisions.
Read the analysis →Tarrant County Grew. Its Tax Base Didn’t.
How TAD’s 2026 appraisal freeze affected the county
Compiled by Ambika Sharma. Sources: Tarrant County FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report; TAD certified value as of Sept. 1, 2025 vs. TAD certified grand totals by taxing entity, July 24, 2026; TAD Chief Appraiser’s Report, Aug. 2026.
2024: the warning
Two years ago, nine Tarrant County school presidents told TAD what the freeze would do to their budgets: more than $80M in projected first-year losses across just those nine districts, led by Fort Worth ISD at $45M. They called the board’s approach a “shocking lack of understanding.” The roll below is the aftermath.
Read the 2024 report →Most School Districts Lost Significant Taxable Base.
Nearly 70% of school districts lost taxable value with TAD’s 2026 freeze
Compiled by Ambika Sharma. Source: TAD certified value as of Sept. 1, 2025 vs. TAD certified grand totals by taxing entity, July 24, 2026.
A shrinking tax base puts pressure on taxing authorities to raise the tax rates
Candidates split on annual appraisals; Sharma cites 30% discount for richer homes
Fort Worth Report
Oct 6, 2026
Keller approves 1.34-cent rate increase, $111.9M budget
Fort Worth Report
Oct 3, 2026
Fort Worth approves $3.33B budget and tax rate increase, names appraisal freeze
NBC DFW
Sept 16, 2026
TCC trustees approve tax hike 5-1 as taxable values fall $39B
Fort Worth Report
Sept 13, 2026
Growing or shrinking, Fort Worth-area school districts face the same budget squeeze
Fort Worth Report
Sept 7, 2026
Eagle Mountain Saginaw school district brings tax rate increase to the voters in November
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
Aug 10, 2026
Tarrant County’s Most Impacted Cities
Fort Worth flat, Arlington down. The Mid-Cities declined. The far-north exurbs boomed.
Compiled by Ambika Sharma. Source: TAD Certified Value, Totals by Tax Authority for Roll Instance, Sept. 1, 2025 vs. TAD certified grand totals by taxing entity, July 24, 2026. Cities sorted by magnitude of change, largest swing first.
On top of all this
190,000+
single-family homes were potentially over-appraised in 2025.
These homeowners may have paid more in property taxes than they would have if their homes had been reappraised.
Take action →The bottom line
A lower taxable base doesn’t make the cost of providing public services disappear.
Local governments still have to balance their budgets. That can mean difficult choices:
- Higher tax rates
- Less spending
- Reduced services
- Other sources of revenue
The important question is:
How did TAD’s appraisal policies affect the taxable base, and who ultimately paid the price?
See the data →What should happen next?
Tarrant County deserves an appraisal system that is accurate, transparent, accessible and consistent.
Accurate appraisals
Use reliable, current market data and sound appraisal practices.
Equal and uniform treatment
Taxpayers should be treated consistently and fairly across the county.
A voice for taxpayers
Make TAD easier for ordinary property owners to navigate, from understanding an appraisal to participating in the protest process.
Meaningful public input
Public comment should be more than a box to check. Taxpayers should have clear opportunities to understand what the Board is considering, ask questions and provide input before important decisions are made.
A TAD that serves everyone
Taxpayer assistance should be bilingual and accessible, including clear information in English and Spanish and help navigating the appraisal and protest process. You shouldn't need to be a lawyer, an appraiser, or fluent in government jargon to understand what TAD is doing with your property.
The goal is simple