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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Brown County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by jurisdiction, typically 1.8-2.5% total combined rate including county, school district, and special districts
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Brown County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government operations and are administered by the Brown County Appraisal District, which assesses property values, and the Brown County Tax Assessor-Collector, which manages billing and collections.

The effective tax rate in Brown County varies by location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Property owners may pay taxes to multiple entities including the county, school districts, cities, and special districts such as hospital districts or water authorities. The total combined rate for most properties ranges from approximately 2.0% to 2.5% of assessed value, depending on the specific taxing districts where the property is located. All property owners receive a single consolidated tax bill that includes all applicable jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Brown County General Fund$0.39624County operations, law enforcement, courts
Brown County Debt Service$0.09858County bond payments and debt obligations
Total Brown County Rate$0.49482FY 2025-2026 approved rate
School Districts$1.20-$1.40Varies by district (Brownwood ISD, Bangs ISD, etc.)
Cities$0.35-$0.75Municipal services (varies by city)
Special Districts$0.10-$0.30Hospital districts, water districts, etc.

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (FY 2025-2026). Your total rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location. School district rates include both maintenance & operations and debt service components.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Brown 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, property improvements, or changes in property use that occur after the January 1st assessment date. When substantial improvements are completed during the tax year, the appraisal district may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the added value from improvements, applying the appropriate tax rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $50,000 addition is completed on July 1st, and the total tax rate is 2.2%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $550 (half-year proration). Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill, typically within 30-60 days of the improvement's completion or discovery by the appraisal district.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption (School): -$100,000
  • School Taxable Value: $200,000
  • County/City/Other Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$5,400-$6,300 (varies by location)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$450-$525

$600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption (School): -$100,000
  • School Taxable Value: $500,000
  • County/City/Other Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$12,000-$14,400
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,000-$1,200

$1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption (School): -$100,000
  • School Taxable Value: $900,000
  • County/City/Other Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$20,500-$24,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,710-$2,000

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and applies only to primary residences. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and other qualifying circumstances.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Brown County properties. Lenders collect 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment and maintain these funds in an escrow account. The lender pays property taxes directly to Brown County when bills become due on January 31st each year.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually to ensure adequate funding. If taxes increase significantly or the account balance is insufficient, lenders may require additional escrow payments or adjust monthly collections. Property owners receive annual escrow statements showing account activity, payments made, and any required adjustments. It's important to review tax bills even with escrow to verify accuracy, as assessment errors can lead to escrow shortages and higher monthly payments.

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 Brown County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by January 31, 2026. Tax bills are typically mailed in October 2025.

Q: What homestead benefits are available and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in school district taxable value for primary residences and caps annual assessment increases at 10%. You must file an application with the Brown County Appraisal District by April 30th of the tax year. This is NOT automatic.

Q: Are there other tax credits or exemptions available? A: Yes, including senior citizen exemptions (age 65+), disabled veteran exemptions, disability exemptions, and agricultural/timber exemptions. ALL require separate applications with specific deadlines, typically April 30th.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: The Brown County Appraisal District reviews all properties annually as of January 1st. However, homestead properties are protected by a 10% annual increase cap on assessed value.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Penalties begin February 1st: 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% July 1st and after. Interest accrues at 1% per month.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Brown County offers online payment options through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website. Credit card and electronic check payments are typically accepted with associated processing fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Brown County Appraisal Review Board by May 15th (or 30 days after receiving your notice of value). You can protest online, by mail, or in person.

Q: Why do I have multiple tax jurisdictions on my bill? A: Brown County properties may be served by county government, school districts, cities, and special districts (hospital, water, etc.). Each entity sets its own tax rate, resulting in one consolidated bill with multiple line items.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 - Approved Budgetbrowncountytx.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Methods and Assitance Program 2025 Reportcomptroller.texas.gov
03
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING City Council August 19, 2025brownwoodtexas.gov
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
Brown County Appraisal District Appraisal Manualcomptroller.texas.gov
09
County
Brown County Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Approved Budgetbrowncountytx.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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