Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Terrell County

Property taxes in Terrell County are based on the assessed value of your property, which is determined by the Terrell County Appraisal District (TCAD). The appraisal process involves evaluating the market value of your property as of January 1st each year. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate, known as the millage rate, to calculate your tax liability. The millage rate is set by local taxing entities, such as the county, school district, and municipal governments. These rates vary depending on the jurisdiction and funding needs of each entity. Property tax bills are typically mailed in October and are due by January 31st of the following year.

Available Exemptions

Texas offers several property tax exemptions to reduce your tax burden. These include:

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners who use their property as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your home by a fixed amount.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: For homeowners aged 65 or older, this exemption provides additional reductions in taxable value and may freeze school district taxes for qualifying seniors.
• Disability Exemption: Available to homeowners with disabilities, this exemption offers similar benefits to the senior citizen exemption.
• Veteran Exemption: Veterans with a disability rating of at least 10% may qualify for partial or full property tax exemptions, depending on their disability level.

To apply for exemptions, submit the appropriate forms to the TCAD by the April 30th deadline.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property tax payments in Terrell County are due by January 31st of each year. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is extended to the next business day. Taxpayers have the option to pay in full or in installments:

• Single Payment: Pay the full amount by January 31st to avoid penalties.
• Installments: Split your payment into four installments, due by January 31st, March 31st, May 31st, and July 31st. Note that a penalty applies to installment payments.

Late payments incur a penalty of 6% of the unpaid tax plus 1% interest per month. Delinquent taxes may also result in legal action or foreclosure.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been overvalued by the TCAD, you have the right to appeal the assessment. The process involves:

• Filing a Protest: Submit a written protest to the TCAD by May 15th or within 30 days of receiving your notice of assessed value, whichever is later.
• Informal Meeting: Meet with a TCAD appraiser to discuss your concerns and provide evidence supporting your claim, such as recent sales data or property damage.
• Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Hearing: If the informal meeting does not resolve the issue, present your case to the ARB, an independent panel that reviews property tax disputes.

If you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you may appeal to district court or pursue binding arbitration.