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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Carter County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of market value (varies by school district and special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Carter County, Oklahoma operates on a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Carter County are based on an assessed value system, with the state's base assessment rate around 1% of market value, though actual tax rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to various special taxing districts.

The effective property tax rates in Carter County typically range from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, depending on which school district, municipality, and special assessment districts apply to your property. These rates can vary considerably between different areas of the county, as each taxing jurisdiction (school districts, municipalities, fire districts, etc.) sets its own levy rate. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate by checking with the Carter County Assessor's office, as rates are subject to annual changes based on local government budget decisions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Due to the varying nature of special taxing districts within Carter County, specific tax rates for the current levy year are not uniformly available. Property tax bills in Carter County typically include several components:

ComponentRateDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, other special assessments

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by location within Carter County depending on which special taxing districts apply to your property. For current FY 2025-2026 rates specific to your property location, contact the Carter County Assessor's office directly at the county courthouse or check your most recent property tax statement.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Carter 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 Carter County may be levied when there are changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental assessments are calculated based on the increased assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in June that increases your assessed value by $50,000, and your total tax rate is 1.1%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $275 for the remaining six months of that tax year ($50,000 × 1.1% × 6/12 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from regular annual tax bills and have their own payment due dates.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (est. 11-12%): $35,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $34,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $340
  • Monthly Escrow: $28

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (est. 11-12%): $70,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $69,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $690
  • Monthly Escrow: $58

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (est. 11-12%): $116,000
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applied): -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $115,000
  • Annual Tax (at 1.0% rate): $1,150
  • Monthly Escrow: $96

Note: These examples use estimated rates and assessment ratios. Actual rates vary by location within Carter County. Credits shown require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Carter County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. The lender holds these funds and pays your property taxes directly to Carter County when they become due on November 1st. Since Carter County allows split payments, some lenders may choose to pay the first installment by January 1st and the second installment later in the year.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your tax payments are calculated and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may increase accordingly. Property owners should review their annual tax statements to ensure escrow payments are adequate and to verify that all applicable tax credits have been properly applied to reduce the tax bill.

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  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Carter County? A: Property taxes are due November 1st following the levy date. You can pay in two equal installments, with the first half payable before January 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax credit is the homestead exemption for owner-occupied residences. This credit requires a separate application filed with the Carter County Assessor and is NOT automatic. Senior citizens (65+) may qualify for additional credits. All credits require application.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: The homestead credit provides a dollar amount reduction on your tax bill and may include assessment increase limitations. It does not reduce your property's market value but reduces the actual taxes owed. You must file an application with the county assessor to receive this credit.

Q: What happens if I file for homestead credit after March 15th? A: If you file after March 15th, the Carter County Assessor will grant the exemption beginning with the following tax year, provided you otherwise qualify.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Oklahoma law requires annual assessment, but Carter County follows state guidelines for assessment timing and methodology. Contact the Carter County Assessor for specific revaluation schedules in your area.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Contact the Carter County Treasurer's office for current penalty and interest rates applied to late property tax payments.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Check with the Carter County Treasurer's office for available online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be subject to additional taxes from school districts, fire districts, municipal taxes, and other special assessments depending on your location within Carter County. These vary significantly by area and are listed separately on your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
State
HOME_IncomeLmts_State_OK_...huduser.gov
02
Tax Doc
Sales Tax News Release January 2026 - Oklahoma.govoklahoma.gov
03
Tax Doc
House Studies Property Tax Reformokhouse.gov
04
County
carter county, oklahomadigitalprairie.ok.gov
05
County
Delinquent Taxes - Carter County Clerkcarter.countyclerk.us
06
County
Carter County Assessorcartercountyok.us
07
2026-2027 Form 921 Application for Homestead Exemptionoklahoma.gov
08
State
Overview of State Issuesoksenate.gov
09
2026 Form 994 Application for Property Valuation Limitation ...oklahoma.gov
10
County
CARTER COUNTY - Oklahoma Digital Prairiedigitalprairie.ok.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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