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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bell County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bell County, TX. 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
Approximately 1.8% effective rate, varies significantly by municipality and special districts within Bell County
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bell County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property taxes in Bell County fund essential services such as public education, law enforcement, fire protection, road maintenance, and emergency services. The county's effective tax rate is approximately 1.8% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location within the county.

Property tax rates in Bell County differ across municipalities and special taxing districts within the county. Your actual tax rate depends on which city, school district, and special districts serve your property location. For the 2025 tax year, the total combined tax rate averages around $0.5225 per $100 of assessed value, but residents may pay more or less depending on their specific taxing jurisdictions. Bell County operates under Texas Property Tax Code provisions, including the 10% annual assessment increase cap for homestead properties and various tax credit programs that require property owner applications.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
School District~$1.20-$1.40Local independent school districts (varies by district)
County General~$0.35-$0.45Bell County operations and services
Municipal~$0.30-$0.70City services (varies by municipality)
Emergency Services~$0.08-$0.15EMS and emergency response districts
Community College~$0.10-$0.15Temple College district
Municipal Utility Districts~$0.20-$0.50Water, sewer, drainage (where applicable)
Other Special Districts~$0.05-$0.25Hospital, library, conservation districts

Total Combined Rate: ~$2.28-$3.60 per $100 of assessed value (FY 2025-2026)

Note: Actual rates vary significantly by location within Bell County. Properties in incorporated cities pay municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district assessments. Bell County MUD #1 and other special districts add additional levies in specific areas.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bell 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 property taxes in Bell County are additional tax bills issued when property ownership changes or when new construction is completed after the annual assessment date (January 1). These supplemental taxes ensure that property taxes are properly prorated based on current ownership and property improvements throughout the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The resulting tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date of the triggering event. For example, if you purchase a home in Bell County that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the increased assessed value portion. If this ownership change occurred in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 difference for the remaining 6 months of the tax year at your property's applicable tax rate.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Credit

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption Applied: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.50 per $100 (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $5,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $417

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior and Homestead Credits

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Senior Exemption (65+): -$10,000 (example)
  • Net Taxable Value: $490,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.50 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $12,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,021

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Standard Credits

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.50 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $22,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,875

Note: All tax credits require application and approval. Rates vary by specific location within Bell County. These examples use estimated combined rates for illustration.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bell County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to your estimated annual property tax bill divided by 12, plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Bell County Tax Office on your behalf when taxes become due.

Bell County property taxes are paid on a split-payment schedule with the first installment due February 1 and the second installment due July 1. Lenders typically make these payments before the due dates to avoid penalties. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were used and whether adjustments are needed for the coming year. You can verify that your taxes were paid properly by checking with the Bell County Tax Assessor-Collector's office or viewing payment records online through their 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 Bell County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by February 1, 2026, and second installment by July 1, 2026. Taxes become delinquent and incur penalties if not paid by these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Bell County offers several tax credits that require application, including the $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for those 65+, disabled veteran exemptions, and agricultural/wildlife exemptions. None are automatic - you must file applications with Bell County Appraisal District.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in taxable value for school district taxes on your primary residence. Additionally, it caps annual assessment increases at 10% for homestead properties. You must apply with Bell County Appraisal District and re-qualify annually.

Q: When are properties reassessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are reassessed annually as of January 1. You'll receive a notice of appraised value by April-May. You can appeal through Bell County Appraisal District if you believe the assessment is too high, with deadlines typically in May-June.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties of 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% in July and thereafter, plus 1% interest monthly.

Q: Can I pay my Bell County property taxes online? A: Yes, Bell County Tax Office provides online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Bell County? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different combinations of school districts, municipalities, and special districts. Rural areas, incorporated cities, and properties in Municipal Utility Districts each have different taxing authorities.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or major improvements are made after January 1. The supplemental amount covers the tax difference for the remaining months of the tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASEbeltontexas.gov
02
Special District Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
03
Killeen City Council adopts fiscal year 2025 budgetkilleentexas.gov
04
County
Bell County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
05
Tax Doc
Texas Property Tax Assistance Property Classification Guidecomptroller.texas.gov
06
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
Bell County Texas Appraisal District Exemptionstaxcutter.us
09
RQ-0594-KPtexasattorneygeneral.gov
10
Balance Sheet - Salado Texassaladotx.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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