Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Howard County

Property taxes in Howard County, Texas, are based on the assessed value of your property and the combined millage rates set by local taxing entities. The Howard County Appraisal District (HCAD) determines your property's market value annually, which is then adjusted by any applicable exemptions. The taxable value is multiplied by the total tax rate (expressed in mills, where 1 mill = $0.001 per $1 of value) to calculate your tax bill. Key taxing entities include:

• Howard County
• Local school districts
• City governments (if applicable)
• Special districts (e.g., emergency services, water)

Tax rates vary depending on your property's location within the county. For example, Big Spring ISD and Coahoma ISD may have different school tax rates.

Available Exemptions

Texas offers several property tax exemptions to reduce taxable value. Howard County residents may qualify for:

• Homestead Exemption: Primary residences receive a minimum $40,000 reduction in taxable value for school taxes (additional benefits may apply).
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Homeowners aged 65+ qualify for an additional $10,000 homestead exemption and may defer taxes until the property is sold.
• Disability Exemption: Disabled homeowners receive similar benefits to seniors, including potential school tax freezes.
• Veteran Exemptions: Disabled veterans may qualify for partial or full exemptions based on disability rating, while surviving spouses of veterans killed in action are also eligible.

Applications for exemptions must be filed with HCAD by April 30.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Howard County property taxes are due annually by January 31. Payment options include:

• Full Payment: Pay the entire bill by January 31 to avoid penalties.
• Installment Plan: Split payments into four installments (due Jan. 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31) if approved. A 7% penalty applies to each installment.

Late payments incur a 6% penalty in February, increasing to 12% after July 31. Delinquent taxes may result in additional fees, liens, or foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property is overvalued, you can appeal HCAD's assessment:

• File a Protest: Submit a written protest to HCAD by May 15 (or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed).
• Evidence Gathering: Provide comparable sales, photos of damage, or appraisal reports to support your claim.
• Hearing Process: Present your case to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), which will issue a decision.

If dissatisfied with the ARB's ruling, you may pursue further action through binding arbitration or district court.