Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Denton County

In Denton County, property taxes are levied based on the assessed market value of your property as of January 1st each year. The Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) is responsible for appraising all property within the county. Once DCAD determines the appraised value, local taxing jurisdictions—such as school districts, cities, and the county itself—set their respective tax rates. In Texas, these rates are expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of property value, which functions similarly to millage rates used in other states. Your total tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property's taxable value, which is the appraised value minus any qualified exemptions, by the combined tax rates of your local taxing entities.

Available Exemptions

Texas offers several property tax exemptions that can significantly lower your taxable value. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence. Key exemptions available in Denton County include:

• General Residence Homestead Exemption: Lowers the school district taxable value and caps annual assessment increases at 10%.
• Over-65 Exemption: Provides additional school tax exemptions and freezes the school tax ceiling, ensuring school taxes do not increase.
• Disability Exemption: Available to individuals meeting the Social Security Administration definition of disability.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Offers partial or total property tax exemptions depending on the veteran's service-connected disability rating.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax bills in Denton County are typically mailed out in October and are due upon receipt. The final deadline to pay without penalty is January 31st of the following year. Taxes become delinquent on February 1st, at which point substantial penalties and interest begin to accrue monthly. For qualifying seniors aged 65 and older or disabled homeowners, Denton County offers a quarter-payment installment plan. This option allows eligible taxpayers to split their tax bill into four equal payments due in January, March, May, and July without incurring late fees.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the Denton Central Appraisal District has overvalued your property or treated it unequally compared to similar properties, you have the right to protest. Property owners typically receive their Notice of Appraised Value in April or May. You must file a written protest with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) by May 15th, or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later. The process begins with an informal conference with a DCAD appraiser to attempt to resolve the dispute. If an agreement cannot be reached, you will present your evidence, such as recent sales data or photos of property damage, during a formal hearing before the independent ARB.