HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bandera County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district - combined rates typically range from 2.0% to 2.5% of assessed value
1st Due
Oct 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Bandera County, Texas fund essential local services including schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations. The property tax system operates on a calendar year basis, with taxes typically due on October 1st and becoming delinquent on February 1st of the following year. Property owners can expect effective tax rates that vary significantly based on their specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions.

The actual tax rate you pay depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, and other local authorities. Each district levies its own rate, which combines to create your total tax burden. Bandera County's property tax rates are generally competitive with other Texas Hill Country counties, though rates can vary considerably between different areas of the county based on local service needs and district boundaries.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund$0.4444Core county services, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictVariesLocal school district operations (rates vary by district)
City/Municipality$0.4700City services where applicable (City of Bandera shown)
Emergency Services DistrictVariesFire and EMS services
Other Special DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, hospital districts as applicable

Rates shown are for FY 2025. The county rate of $0.4444 per $100 of assessed value was approved for the 2025 tax year. Municipal and special district rates vary by location within Bandera County. Total effective rates typically range from approximately $1.50 to $2.50 per $100 of assessed value depending on your specific combination of taxing jurisdictions.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Oct 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
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 Texas are not common since the state operates on an annual assessment cycle. However, property owners may see mid-year adjustments in specific circumstances such as successful property tax protests that result in refunds, or corrections to assessment errors. New construction is typically assessed and added to the tax roll during the regular assessment cycle rather than through supplemental billing.

The most common mid-year tax changes occur when property owners successfully appeal their assessed values through the formal protest process. If an appeal results in a lower assessment, the county will issue a corrected tax bill or refund. Conversely, if the appraisal district discovers an error that resulted in under-assessment, they may issue a corrected assessment, though this is subject to statute of limitations provisions under Texas Property Tax Code.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $2.00 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $333

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $2.00 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $10,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $833

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: $2.00 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $18,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,500

Note: All exemptions require application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts. The 10% homestead cap limits annual assessment increases for qualified homesteads.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bandera County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, holding these funds in an escrow account to pay your taxes when due in October. Lenders typically analyze your escrow account annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balance.

Property taxes are due October 1st and become delinquent February 1st. Lenders generally pay taxes in late October or November to ensure timely payment while maximizing interest earnings on escrow funds. You should receive an annual escrow analysis showing how your funds were used and any adjustments to future payments. If your taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require additional monthly contributions or a lump-sum payment to cover any escrow shortage.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Bandera County? A: Property taxes are due October 1st each year and become delinquent on February 1st of the following year. Payments must be postmarked by the due date to be considered timely.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available? A: Texas offers a $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences. This exemption reduces your taxable value for school district taxes and MUST be applied for - it is not automatic. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans.

Q: How does the 10% homestead cap work? A: The homestead cap limits annual increases in assessed value to 10% for qualified homestead properties. This caps assessment growth, not the actual market value. You must file for homestead exemption to receive this protection.

Q: How do I apply for exemptions? A: Applications must be filed with the Bandera Central Appraisal District, typically by April 30th. Contact the appraisal district for specific forms and deadlines, as some exemptions have different filing requirements.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, Bandera County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the county tax assessor-collector's office for current payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Taxes become delinquent February 1st, and additional fees accumulate monthly. Extended delinquency can result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure proceedings.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Property owners can protest their assessed values with the Bandera Appraisal Review Board. Protests must typically be filed by May 15th or within 30 days of receiving your tax notice, whichever is later.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Bandera County? A: Different areas of the county are served by different combinations of taxing entities including school districts, municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, and municipalities. Each entity sets its own tax rate based on local service needs and budgets.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
City Council Regular Meeting | Bandera, TXbanderatx.gov
02
Tax Doc
Andrea K. Jankoski 2025 Tax Rates:banderacounty.gov
03
Tax Doc
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate 2025banderacounty.gov
04
Tax Doc
tax assessor-collectorbanderacounty.gov
05
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
06
Real & Personal Property Calendarbanderacounty.gov
07
Homestead Exemptions - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
COUNTY OF BANDERA, TEXASbanderacounty.gov
09
County
COUNTY OF BANDERA, TEXASbanderacounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate