Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in El Paso County

Property taxes in El Paso County are calculated "ad valorem," meaning they are based on the appraised market value of your property. The El Paso Central Appraisal District (EPCAD) is responsible for determining the value of all property within the county as of January 1st each year. Once these values are established, local taxing units—including the City of El Paso, the County, school districts, and special districts—set their respective tax rates. These rates are typically expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of property value. Your total tax obligation is the sum of the rates from all jurisdictions in which your property is located, applied to the taxable value after any exemptions are subtracted.

Available Exemptions

Texas law provides several exemptions that can significantly lower your property tax bill by reducing the taxable value of your home. In El Paso County, common exemptions include:

• General Residence Homestead: Available for your primary residence, this exemption removes a portion of the home's value from taxation by school districts and other local units.
• Over-65 Exemption: Homeowners aged 65 or older qualify for an additional exemption and a "tax ceiling" that freezes the amount of school district taxes they pay.
• Disability Exemption: Individuals meeting specific disability criteria under the Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Act may qualify for similar benefits as the senior exemption.
• Disabled Veteran Exemption: Veterans with service-connected disabilities, or their surviving spouses, may be eligible for an exemption based on the percentage of their disability rating.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

The El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector typically mails tax bills in October. While taxes are due upon receipt, the final deadline to pay without incurring penalties is January 31st of the following year. It is important to note the following regarding payments:

• Delinquency: Taxes become delinquent on February 1st. At this point, significant penalty and interest charges are added to the balance and increase each month the bill remains unpaid.
• Split Payments: Some taxpayers may qualify for a split-payment option if the first half is paid by November 30th.
• Quarter-Pay Plan: Homeowners with a senior or disability exemption can opt to pay their taxes in four equal installments throughout the year without penalty, provided the first payment is made by the January 31st deadline.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the El Paso Central Appraisal District has overvalued your property or if your assessment is inequitable compared to similar properties, you have the right to file a protest. The deadline to file a written protest is typically May 15th, or 30 days after the date the Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to you. The appeals process usually begins with an informal meeting with a district appraiser. If a resolution is not reached, you may present your evidence—such as photos of property damage or data on comparable sales—before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent body of citizens authorized to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the appraisal district.