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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cochise County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cochise County, AZ. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location due to overlapping special taxing districts (school, fire, municipal improvement districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cochise County, Arizona operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes are the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property owners in Cochise County can expect an effective tax rate that varies significantly based on their specific location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and municipal improvement districts.

The county assesses property taxes based on a percentage of the property's full cash value, with residential properties typically assessed at 10% of market value. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location, meaning two similar homes in different areas of Cochise County may have substantially different tax bills. Most tax credits and exemptions require annual application and are not automatically applied to your assessment.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100 AV)Description
Total Combined Rate$2.6720Average combined rate for FY 2025-2026
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding (largest component)
Community CollegeVariesCochise College district assessment
Special DistrictsVariesFire, library, flood control, lighting districts
Municipal BondsVariesVoter-approved debt service

Note: The $2.6720 rate represents an average for Cochise County during the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual rate will vary based on your property's location within specific taxing districts. Contact the Cochise County Assessor at (520) 432-8950 for your property's exact tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cochise County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Cochise County are additional tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the property's new assessment.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate to that difference, and prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously under-assessed, you would receive a supplemental bill covering February through June (the remainder of the tax year). The Cochise County Board of Supervisors may also implement up to a 2% property tax increase in August of each fiscal year, which could trigger additional supplemental assessments.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $30,000
  • Less: Widow/Widower Credit (if applicable): -$4,117
  • Net Taxable Value: $25,883
  • Annual Tax ($25,883 × 2.6720%): $692
  • Monthly Escrow: $58

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $60,000
  • Less: Disability Credit (if applicable): -$4,117
  • Net Taxable Value: $55,883
  • Annual Tax ($55,883 × 2.6720%): $1,493
  • Monthly Escrow: $124

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (10%): $100,000
  • Less: Applied Credits: $0 (assuming no qualifying credits)
  • Net Taxable Value: $100,000
  • Annual Tax ($100,000 × 2.6720%): $2,672
  • Monthly Escrow: $223

All credits shown require annual application and qualification verification through the Cochise County Assessor's office.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cochise County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Cochise County when due. Cochise County property taxes are payable in two installments: first half due November 3, 2025, and second half due May 1, 2026 (for bills over $100).

Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment if tax amounts change. You can verify that your lender paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Cochise County Treasurer's office or viewing payment records online. If you pay your own taxes (no escrow), you're responsible for meeting the payment deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Cochise County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: First half is due November 3, 2025, and second half is due May 1, 2026, for tax bills over $100. Bills under $100 are due in full by November 3, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Arizona offers a $4,117 assessed value credit for qualifying widows/widowers or individuals with 100% disability. This credit requires annual application through the Cochise County Assessor's office and is not automatically applied.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Arizona's homestead exemption protects up to $150,000 in home equity from creditors but does not reduce your property taxes. You must file for this protection, and it only applies to your primary residence.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property assessment appeals are handled at the county level. Contact the Cochise County Assessor's office at (520) 432-8950 for appeal forms and deadlines, which typically fall in the spring following the tax year.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. First half payments made after November 3 and second half payments after May 1 are subject to additional fees.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Cochise County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Contact the Treasurer's office at (520) 432-8940 for online payment procedures.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Cochise County? A: Tax rates differ based on special taxing districts serving your area, including school districts, fire districts, library districts, and municipal improvement districts. Each district sets its own levy rate.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Arizona law requires properties to be valued annually, but the County Assessor determines the assessment schedule. Contact the Assessor's office for specific timing regarding your property's reassessment cycle.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
cochise county property tax statement 2025 - Tax Bill - az.govparcelinquirytreasurer.cochise.az.gov
02
Tax Doc
Exhibit 1 Taxing District Tax Authority Number Property ...cochise.az.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Tax Ratescochise.az.gov
04
Individual / Organization Exemptionscochise.az.gov
05
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONazleg.gov
06
Tax Doc
Arizona Property Tax Exemptionsazdor.gov
07
County
Cochise County - az.govcochise.az.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax | Arizona Department of Revenueazdor.gov
09
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQcochise.az.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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