Special Assessment
A charge levied only on the properties that benefit from a specific public improvement, based on benefit rather than value.
A special assessment is a one-time or limited charge imposed only on the properties that benefit from a public improvement, such as a new sidewalk, sewer line, or street paving. It is allocated by the benefit each property receives, not by its assessed value.
This is different from an ad valorem tax, which applies to all taxable property based on value.
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This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.