Last Updated: April 2026
Texas is one of the flagship no-income-tax states, and its combination of zero income tax, no estate tax, and strong job market has driven massive population growth over the past decade. But Texas is not tax-free — its property taxes are among the highest in the nation, and its reliance on property taxation to fund schools and local government means property owners carry a significant ongoing burden. This guide addresses what Texas residents need to know when evaluating a departure — including the hidden property tax story that often surprises people moving from income-tax states.
Texas's no-income-tax status is real and valuable. But for homeowners, the property tax burden is the primary ongoing tax cost:
A California homeowner earning $200,000 pays approximately $16,000/year in California income tax. Moving to Texas: $0 income tax, saving $16,000/year. However, a $600,000 California home (~0.75% effective Prop 13 rate for established residents) generates approximately $4,500/year in property tax. The equivalent $600,000 Texas home (1.63% effective) generates approximately $9,780 — a $5,280/year property tax increase. Net savings from California to Texas for this profile: approximately $10,720/year. The math strongly favors Texas for high earners despite the property tax premium.
Tennessee (~0.66% effective property tax) is dramatically cheaper on property taxes than Texas (~1.63%). Both have no income tax. For a $500,000 homeowner: Texas property tax ~$8,150 vs Tennessee ~$3,300 — Tennessee saves $4,850/year in property taxes. For a high earner moving from California, both are far cheaper on income tax; Tennessee is better on property tax and worse on sales tax (9.55% vs Texas 8.25%).
Florida (~0.91% property tax effective rate) is cheaper on property taxes than Texas (~1.63%). A $500,000 home: Florida ~$4,550 vs Texas ~$8,150 — Florida saves $3,600/year in property taxes. Both have no income tax. Florida's Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes cap can further reduce Florida property taxes for long-term residents. For pure tax comparison, Florida is slightly more favorable than Texas for homeowners.
Texas uses standard domicile-based residency. Since Texas has no income tax, departure is primarily about the new state's tax system:
Texas has no income tax return to file, so there is no part-year Texas return required on departure. Former Texas residents with Texas rental income, business income, or other Texas-source income after departure owe no Texas income tax (there is none).
If you sell your Texas homestead and move, you lose the homestead exemption and any accumulated senior tax freeze benefits. These are property-specific and cannot be transferred to another state. Quantify what you are giving up before departing — the senior freeze in particular can represent thousands of dollars in annual savings for long-term homeowners in appreciating markets.
Texas levies a Franchise Tax (also called the margin tax) on businesses operating in Texas with revenue above $1,230,000 (2024 threshold). This applies to LLCs, corporations, and partnerships doing business in Texas regardless of owner residency. Texas business owners who move out of state while operating Texas businesses continue to owe Texas franchise tax obligations.
CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate partnerships
★ 4.8 verified reviews · 3,758 reviews
Leaving Texas involves Texas franchise tax for business owners, homestead exemption calculations, and new state income tax setup. TaxHub connects you with state tax specialists.
⚠ Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.
Get Texas Tax Departure Planning Help →★ 4.8 Trustpilot · 1,625 reviews
Texans moving abroad face state residency termination and US expat filing requirements. Greenback specialises in US expat state tax exit planning.
⚠ Not the cheapest option — best for complex situations and expats who want a dedicated CPA.
Texas Tax Help for US Expats →Texas out-migration is driven primarily by: (1) Property taxes — as described above, Texas property taxes are among the highest in the US; retirees on fixed incomes find $8,000–$14,000/year property tax bills increasingly difficult; many move to Tennessee (lower property taxes, no income tax) or Arizona (lower property taxes, flat 2.5% income tax — small price for significant property tax relief); (2) Austin cost of living — Austin has become one of the most expensive cities in the South; home prices and rents have risen dramatically 2019–2024; (3) Climate — Texas summers (100°F+/38°C+ days from June through September) drive out-migration for retirees and remote workers seeking cooler climates; (4) Energy grid concerns — Winter Storm Uri (2021) and recurring grid vulnerability concerns have motivated some Texas residents to relocate; (5) Career — the Texas economy is strong but concentrated in energy, tech, healthcare, and finance; workers in other industries may find better opportunities elsewhere; (6) Urban environment — some residents leave major Texas cities for lifestyle preferences (Portland, Denver, Seattle attract younger Texans).
No — Texas has no state income tax of any kind. Social Security, private and government pensions, IRA distributions, and 401(k) withdrawals are all completely exempt from Texas taxation. Retirees in Texas pay zero state income tax regardless of income amount or source. The senior property tax freeze (available from age 65 for school district taxes) provides additional protection for long-term homeowners. The main retirement cost in Texas is property taxes on the home — which is why retirees increasingly compare Texas to Tennessee or Arizona, where property tax rates are lower and/or a modest income tax is offset by the property tax savings.
SB 2 (2023) was the most significant Texas property tax reform in decades: it raised the mandatory school district homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000. Here is how it works: your home's assessed value is $450,000. Your school district taxes only $450,000 - $100,000 = $350,000. At a school district tax rate of 1.0%, you pay $3,500 in school district taxes rather than $4,500 (savings: $1,000/year). The homestead exemption does not apply to city, county, or special district taxes — only school district taxes. Additional exemptions: age 65 or older adds another $10,000 exemption from school district taxes (total $110,000). Disabled persons: same as age 65 exemption. To qualify: the property must be your principal residence on January 1 of the tax year; you must have filed a homestead exemption application with your county appraisal district. The application is one-time for a given property unless you move.