Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Cottle County

Property tax in Cottle County, Texas, is a significant source of revenue for local governments, including the county, schools, and special districts. The assessment process involves several steps:

• Property owners are required to file a tax statement with the Cottle County Appraisal District (CAD) each year, listing their real and personal property.
• The CAD determines the market value of each property, which serves as the basis for taxation.
• The county commissioners court sets the tax rate, measured in mills, to determine the amount of taxes owed.
• The total value of a property, multiplied by the tax rate, equals the total tax liability.

Cottle County has adopted a rollback tax rate, which is the rate at which the tax revenue from all taxable values would increase by one cent if there is a 10% increase in the value of the total taxable property in the county. The local tax rate is typically expressed in terms of a combination of the county's maintenance and operations (M&O) rate and the interest and sinking (I&S) rate.

Available Exemptions

The state of Texas offers various exemptions to help property owners reduce their tax liability. The following exemptions are available in Cottle County:

• Homestead Exemption: Eligible homeowners can claim a $5,000 exemption on their primary residence.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Property owners who are 65 or older may be eligible for a 50% exemption on their residence homestead, up to $65,000.
• Disability Exemption: Property owners who are 65 or older and have a disability may be eligible for a 50% exemption on their residence homestead, up to $65,000.
• Veteran Exemption: Eligible veterans may be eligible for a 100% exemption on their residence homestead if they have a 100% disability, or a 50% exemption if they have a 10% to 99% disability.

To claim one of these exemptions, property owners must submit an application to the Cottle County Appraisal District by the deadline, typically in May or June of each year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax payments in Cottle County are due on November 30th and May 1st of each year. The county offers a payment plan that allows property owners to split their tax bill into two installments:

• 50% of the total tax amount is due by November 30th.
• The remaining 50% is due by May 1st.

Property owners who fail to pay their taxes by the deadlines may face penalties, interest, and even foreclosure. It's essential to contact the Cottle County Tax Assessor's office to discuss payment options and potential consequences.

Appealing Your Assessment

Property owners who disagree with their assessed value or exemption status may appeal to the Cottle County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) within 30 days of receiving their notice of value. The ARB will review the appeal and make a decision, which can be further appealed to the State Office of Property Tax Appeal (SOPA) if desired. It's recommended to consult a qualified tax professional to navigate the appeals process.