BuildingourFuture

$1.2565. Our school tax rate is significantly lower than the surrounding districts of Deer Park (1.2822), Goose Creek (1.3574), and Pasadena (1.3353).

How would a bond election affect my taxes?

It is important to La Porte ISD and our community stakeholders to find a plan that would not increase the school tax rate. We are working with our financial consultant to determine our bonding capacity ceiling and ensure we stay below that amount that would result in a tax increase.

Why do school bond ballots say “this will be a tax increase” even when the school district has said it won’t increase the tax rate?

Since LPISD’s last bond election, the legislature passed a new law requiring school districts to include the language “THIS IS A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE,” even when the district is not expecting a rate increase. This is because the issuance of new bonds increases the term of the debt repayment at the current rate.

What about my property values?

La Porte ISD does not set your property values; the Harris County Appraiser determines that. LPISD can only set the school district tax rate and must seek voter approval to increase.

If my tax bill is higher, why isn’t the district receiving more money?

The district does not make more money when property values increase due to two factors:

Property Tax Compression: Property Tax Rate Compression was implemented in the 2019 legislative session under HB3 and SB2. As property values go up, the M&O tax rate goes down, resulting in neutral revenue for the district.

Recapture: La Porte ISD is classified as “property wealthy” and subject to the state’s Recapture (”Robin Hood”) Tax. In the 2021-2022 school year, La Porte ISD’s Robin Hood payment was $48 million. This is more than 40% of our locally generated operating tax revenue.

What if I’m 65 years old or older and receive the “senior citizen exemption” and my home values go up? Would my school taxes go up?

For residents 65 years and older, their school district tax bill will not increase, even if their property values increase (excluding major property improvements) as long as an approved Homestead and Over-65 Exemption application is on file with the Harris County Appraisal District, and the property has been owned as of Jan. 1 of the tax year.