HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bastrop County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.5% to 3.2% combined rate (varies by location and overlapping districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bastrop County, Texas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county uses an assessed value system where properties are appraised annually by the Bastrop Central Appraisal District, with tax rates applied to the net taxable value after any applicable exemptions and credits.

Property owners in Bastrop County face varying effective tax rates depending on their location within the county, as rates include components from multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions including the county, school districts, cities, municipal utility districts, and other special purpose districts. The combined rates typically range from approximately 2.5% to 3.2% of assessed value, though homeowners may benefit from various exemptions and assessment caps that can significantly reduce their actual tax burden. Most exemptions and credits require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 tax levy year:

ComponentRate per $100Description
Bastrop County$0.42870General county operations, roads, law enforcement
School Districts$1.15-$1.35Varies by district (Bastrop ISD, Elgin ISD, etc.)
Cities$0.35-$0.65Municipal services (varies by city)
Emergency Services$0.08-$0.15Fire and EMS districts
Water/Utility Districts$0.45-$0.85MUDs and water control districts
Other Special Districts$0.02-$0.25Hospital districts, conservation, etc.

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly by property location within Bastrop County due to different combinations of overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Your exact rate depends on which city, school district, and special districts serve your specific address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jan 31
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 primarily triggered by new construction, substantial improvements, or changes in property use that occur during the tax year. When improvements are completed or property changes hands with new construction, the appraisal district may issue a supplemental assessment for the additional value added during the year.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July (mid-tax year), you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately 50% of the additional tax liability, calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ $100) × your combined tax rate × 0.5 (for half-year). With a 2.8% effective rate, this would result in approximately $700 in supplemental taxes due. These supplemental amounts are typically added to your regular annual tax bill rather than billed separately.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market/Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (general) + $100,000 (school)
  • Net Taxable Value: $175,000 (county/other) + $200,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax: ~$5,950 | Monthly: ~$496

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead + Over 65 Exemptions

  • Market/Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead + Over 65 Exemptions: $35,000 (general) + $110,000 (school)
  • Net Taxable Value: $565,000 (county/other) + $490,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax: ~$14,750 | Monthly: ~$1,229

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

  • Market/Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $25,000 (general) + $100,000 (school)
  • Net Taxable Value: $975,000 (county/other) + $900,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax: ~$27,100 | Monthly: ~$2,258

Note: Examples assume combined rate of 2.8% and require exemption applications to be filed.

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 Bastrop County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, holds these funds in escrow, and pays your taxes directly to the county when due. Texas property taxes are due January 31st each year, so lenders typically pay in January.

Lenders conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump-sum payment or increased monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even with an escrow account. You can check payment status online through the Bastrop County Tax Assessor-Collector's website.

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 Bastrop County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due January 31, 2026. There is no split payment option - the full amount is due on the single due date.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do I need to apply? A: Bastrop County offers a $25,000 general homestead exemption and Bastrop ISD offers a $100,000 school homestead exemption for primary residences. Additional $10,000 exemptions are available for residents over 65 or disabled persons. ALL exemptions require application and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption cap work? A: Texas law limits annual assessment increases to 10% for homestead properties, regardless of actual market value increases. This cap applies to the assessed value used for taxation, not the market value, and requires filing a homestead exemption application.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: The Bastrop Central Appraisal District appraises all properties annually. You'll receive a Notice of Appraised Value each spring, typically in April or May.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalty and interest begin accruing February 1st at 6% annually, plus additional penalty fees. Properties become subject to tax liens and potential foreclosure for extended delinquency.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Bastrop County offers online payment options through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website. Processing fees may apply for electronic payments.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can protest your appraisal with the Bastrop Appraisal Review Board. Protests must typically be filed by May 15th (or within 30 days of receiving your notice).

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I didn't make improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, increased tax rates adopted by taxing jurisdictions, or expiration of temporary exemptions. The 10% homestead cap helps limit increases for primary residences.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
county. THIS TAX RATE WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR ...co.bastrop.tx.us
02
County
order setting the bastrop county, texas tax rate for 2024-2025co.bastrop.tx.us
03
Tax Doc
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASEco.bastrop.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
Bastrop Central Appraisal Districtcomptroller.texas.gov
06
Bastrop - 011 - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
Bastrop CAD Exemptionselgintexas.gov
09
County
Tax Assessor-Collector - Bastrop County Texasco.bastrop.tx.us
10
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.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