Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Bell County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Bell County

In Bell County, Texas, property tax is imposed on real and personal property, including homes, commercial buildings, and land. The assessment process involves determining the value of your property, which is used to calculate the tax amount. The County Appraisal District (CAD) is responsible for appraising properties and determining their market value.

• The CAD uses a combination of factors, including sales data, property characteristics, and local economic trends to determine the market value of your property.
• The appraised value of your property is then multiplied by the total tax rate (millage rate) set by the taxing entities, including the county, school districts, cities, and special districts.
• The resulting tax amount is your property tax bill, which is typically due in two installments: May 1st and November 1st.

The millage rate in Bell County is set by the taxing entities and can vary from year to year. For the current tax year, the total tax rate is approximately 1.93% of the appraised value of your property.

Available Exemptions

The state of Texas offers various exemptions to reduce the amount of property taxes owed. The following exemptions are available in Bell County:

• Homestead Exemption: A homestead exemption is available for owner-occupied homes. The exemption reduces the taxable value of your home by up to $40,000, which can result in significant savings on your property tax bill.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Senior citizens who meet certain income and residency requirements may be eligible for a reduced tax rate on their property.
• Disability Exemption: Homeowners with disabilities may be eligible for a partial exemption on their property taxes.
• Veteran Exemption: Disabled veterans and surviving spouses of veterans who died in service may be eligible for a partial exemption on their property taxes.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax payments in Bell County are due in two installments: May 1st and November 1st. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Bell County Tax Office.

• Delinquent Payments: If you fail to make a payment by the due date, you may be subject to penalties and interest on the unpaid amount.
• Installment Payment Plan: You may be eligible for an installment payment plan, which allows you to make smaller payments over an extended period.
• Online Payments: Online payments can be made through the Bell County website or through a third-party payment processor.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you disagree with the assessed value of your property, you can appeal your assessment to the Bell County Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is responsible for hearing appeals and making decisions on the assessed value of properties.

• Deadline: The deadline to file an appeal is typically May 15th of each year.
• Form: You can download an appeal form from the Bell County website or pick one up in person at the Tax Office.
• Supporting Documents: You will need to provide documentation to support your appeal, including sales data, appraisals, or other evidence of the property's value.