United Independent School District (UISD) has promoted Elizabeth Garza to Tax Assessor-Collector, recognizing her more than two decades of dedicated service and leadership within the district’s Tax Office.

Garza brings 24 years of experience with UISD to her new role. She most recently served as Tax Manager, a position she held for the past 10 years. She was recognized as a United Cares Champion 2025, an honor based on taxpayer surveys highlighting her exceptional customer service.

“I consider this award one of my biggest accomplishments because it reflects the feedback of the taxpayers we serve,” Garza said. “Excellent customer service is the example I always want to set for my staff.”

As Tax Assessor-Collector, Garza will oversee the management, assessment, and collection of ad valorem property taxes while ensuring the district continues to receive the funding needed to support student success.

“Simon Sinek noted that ‘leadership is not about being in charge; it is about taking care of those in our charge,’” Garza said. “Having spent time in the classroom as a teacher, I truly understand their needs and how vital our resources are to their success. This role allows me to protect those resources on a larger scale. I feel incredibly honored by this promotion, but more than that, I feel a deep sense of purpose.”

Garza said her extensive experience within the department has prepared her to lead the office effectively.

“I have more than 20 years of hands-on experience within the tax office,” she said. “My journey started as a part-time teller, and I have worked hard to learn every facet of our operations to ultimately earn this position. I sat in those seats, so I understand the day-to-day realities of our staff and the exact mechanics of our system.”

Looking ahead, Garza plans to maintain the department's excellent customer service and strong tax collection rate.

“My primary goal in this new position is to ensure our department operates with a strict focus on accountability and operational excellence,” she said. “I plan to build upon our office’s already excellent collection rate by supporting our dedicated staff and ensuring we sustain our high level of efficiency. By maintaining these high professional standards, we guarantee that the district continues to receive the critical funding our students rely on every single day.”

Garza emphasized that her commitment extends beyond tax collection.

“Ultimately, my daily duties center on the management, assessment, and accurate collection of ad valorem property taxes, but my true focus is caring for the community we serve,” she said. “I look forward to guiding our tax office team with a collaborative spirit, ensuring full compliance with state law while keeping our shared mission at the heart of everything we do.”

Garza also shared several reminders for UISD taxpayers. The district accepts voluntary escrow payments throughout the year with no minimum payment or monthly requirement, allowing taxpayers to make payments at their convenience before taxes are due. UISD employees may also participate in payroll deduction to pay their property taxes. In addition, taxpayers now have the option to receive their annual tax statements electronically by email instead of through USPS mail delivery.

“Keeping our community informed about our services is important,” Garza said. “These options are designed to make paying taxes easier and more convenient for our taxpayers.”

Garza earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Texas A&M International University. She became a Registered Tax Assessor-Collector in 2019 and earned her Certified School Tax Administrator designation in 2025.

An empty nester, Garza is the proud mother of three adult children who all live out of state. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling.

UISD congratulates Garza on her promotion and looks forward to her continued success leading this department.