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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bowie County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bowie 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
Varies by location, typically 2.2-2.8% effective rate (county base + school district + municipal + special districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bowie County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property owners in Bowie County pay taxes to multiple taxing entities, with the largest portion typically going to local school districts. The county follows Texas Property Tax Code requirements, including the 10% annual assessment increase cap for homestead properties and standardized exemption programs.

Effective tax rates vary significantly across Bowie County depending on your specific location, as different combinations of school districts, municipal boundaries, and special taxing districts create unique tax profiles for different areas. While the county's base tax rate provides a foundation, property owners may also pay additional assessments for emergency services districts, municipal utility districts, or other local improvement districts. Most tax benefits require formal application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County General Fund$0.423947Bowie County operations, law enforcement, courts
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding (largest component)
MunicipalVaries by cityCity services if within city limits
Emergency Services$0.029546Emergency services district (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesHospital districts, MUDs, other local districts

Levy Year: Tax Year 2025 (rates under review and subject to final adoption)

Note: The total effective rate varies significantly by location within Bowie County based on which combination of taxing entities serve your property. Properties may be subject to additional special district assessments depending on their specific location and the services provided in that area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bowie 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 Bowie County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, improvements, or assessed value outside the normal annual assessment cycle. Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that add value, ownership transfers that prompt reassessment, or corrections to previous assessments.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in July, and your total effective tax rate is 2.5%, you would owe approximately $1,250 × 6/12 months = $625 in supplemental taxes for that year. These supplemental bills are typically issued separately from your regular annual tax statement and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Less General Homestead Exemption: $25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $175,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at 2.4% effective rate): $4,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $350

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Less General Homestead Exemption: $25,000
  • Less Senior Exemption: $10,000 (if applicable)
  • Net Taxable Value: $465,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at 2.4% effective rate): $11,160
  • Monthly Escrow: $930

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with All Applicable Exemptions

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Less General Homestead Exemption: $25,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $875,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax (at 2.4% effective rate): $21,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,750

Note: All exemptions require formal application. Rates are estimates and vary by specific location within Bowie County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bowie County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in escrow to pay your annual tax bill when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by taking your previous year's tax bill and dividing by 12, often with a small cushion for potential increases.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If property taxes increase significantly due to rising assessments or rate changes, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. Property owners should verify that their lender receives and pays the correct tax bill, as errors can result in late payments and penalties. You can usually access escrow account statements through your lender's online portal or by request.

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 Bowie County for Tax Year 2025? A: Property taxes are due by April 2, 2026. This is the final due date to avoid penalty and interest charges.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and how do I apply? A: Texas offers a $25,000 general homestead exemption and up to $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. You must apply through the Bowie County Appraisal District by April 30th following the year you become eligible.

Q: How does the homestead cap work? A: The homestead cap limits annual assessment increases to 10% for your primary residence, regardless of market value increases. This is automatic for approved homestead properties but the homestead exemption itself requires application.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: You can appeal your assessment through the Bowie County Appraisal Review Board. Informal appeals typically must be filed by May 15th, with formal appeals due by May 31st or within 30 days of receiving your notice.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalties begin at 6% for the first month late, increasing to 7% the second month, 8% the third month, and 12% thereafter, plus attorney fees if the account goes to collection.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Bowie County typically offers online payment options through the tax collector's website. Check the official Bowie County website for current payment portal information and accepted payment methods.

Q: What special district taxes might I pay? A: Depending on your location, you may pay taxes to emergency services districts, hospital districts, municipal utility districts, or other special purpose districts. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill.

Q: Are there exemptions for disabled or elderly residents? A: Yes, additional exemptions are available for residents over 65 or disabled persons. These require separate applications with documentation and must be filed by April 30th with the Bowie County Appraisal District.

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
Tax Noticeco.bowie.tx.us
02
County
A tax rate of $0.423947 per $100 valuation ... - Bowie Countyco.bowie.tx.us
03
Tax Doc
A tax rate of $0.423947 per $100 valuation has been proposed by ...newtools.cira.state.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
Business Personal Property Rendition of Taxable Propertycomptroller.texas.gov
05
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
06
Bowie, Franklin, Lamar & Red River counties District & Capitol ...house.texas.gov
07
Tax Doc
Texas Property Tax Exemptionscomptroller.texas.gov
08
Application for Residence Homestead Exemptioncomptroller.texas.gov
09
County
Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria - Bowie Countyco.bowie.tx.us
10
County
bowie countynewtools.cira.state.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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