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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Caldwell County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
43.91¢ per $100 valuation (county only), total effective rate varies by location/district, typically 2.0-2.5% overall
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Caldwell County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Caldwell County are administered according to the Texas Property Tax Code and collected annually based on the assessed value of real and personal property as of January 1st each year.

For the 2025 tax year, Caldwell County adopted a no-new-revenue tax rate of 43.91 cents per $100 of property valuation. However, property owners should note that their total tax rate will be higher, as this county rate represents only one component of the overall property tax bill. The actual effective tax rate varies significantly by location within the county due to overlapping special taxing districts including school districts, municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, and incorporated cities, with total rates typically ranging from 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value depending on your specific location and applicable districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Caldwell County$0.4391County services, roads, law enforcement, courts
School District$1.00-$1.40Local school district operations and debt service (varies by district)
Emergency Services District$0.10Fire and EMS services (where applicable)
Municipal Utility District$0.20-$0.75Water, sewer, drainage infrastructure (where applicable)
City/Municipality$0.30-$0.65City services for incorporated areas only

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 tax year. Your total tax rate depends on which taxing districts serve your specific property location. School district rates vary between districts within Caldwell County. Special district rates apply only to properties within those district boundaries.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Caldwell 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 Caldwell County are triggered when there is a change in property ownership or when new construction/improvements are completed after the January 1st assessment date. When you purchase property or complete construction, the county assessor calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the supplemental tax owed.

For example, if you purchase a home in March 2025 that was previously assessed at $250,000 but now appraises at $350,000 due to improvements, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $100,000 difference. At a combined tax rate of 2.2%, this would result in a supplemental tax bill of approximately $2,200, prorated for the remaining months of the tax year (in this case, about $1,833 for the 10 remaining months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $4,400
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $367

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Additional Over-65 Exemption: -$10,000 (example)
  • Net Taxable Value: $490,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $10,780
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $898

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 2.2%
  • Annual Tax: $19,800
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,650

All exemptions require application and approval. Rates vary by specific taxing districts serving your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Caldwell County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays the county directly when taxes become due on February 1st each year.

Lenders typically review escrow accounts annually and may adjust your monthly payment based on changes in assessed value or tax rates. You'll receive an escrow analysis statement showing any shortage or surplus in your account. If your property taxes increase significantly, you may need to make up any escrow shortage either through a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments over the following year. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payment, as you remain ultimately responsible for property tax obligations even when using an escrow service.

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 Caldwell County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by February 1, 2025. Payment is required even if you haven't received a tax bill.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and how do I apply? A: The primary homestead exemption is $100,000 off assessed value for school district taxes on your primary residence. You must apply with the Caldwell County Appraisal District by April 30th. This exemption also caps annual assessment increases at 10%.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or disabled veterans? A: Yes, homeowners over 65 may qualify for additional exemptions that require separate applications. Disabled veterans may qualify for exemptions based on disability percentage. Contact the Caldwell County Appraisal District for specific amounts and application requirements.

Q: How does the 10% homestead cap work? A: The homestead cap limits annual increases in your home's assessed value to 10%, regardless of market value changes. This requires filing a homestead exemption application and only applies to your primary residence.

Q: When does the county assess property values? A: Property is assessed annually as of January 1st. The appraisal district must provide property value estimates by April 30th each year.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Contact the Caldwell County Tax Assessor-Collector for specific penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Caldwell County typically offers online payment options through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website. Check the county website for available payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can file a protest with the Caldwell County Appraisal Review Board. The deadline for filing protests is typically May 15th or 30 days after receiving your notice of appraised value, whichever is later.

Q: Do special districts affect my tax rate? A: Yes, your total tax rate depends on which special districts serve your property, including emergency services districts, municipal utility districts, and school districts. Properties in different areas of the county may have significantly different total tax rates.

Q: What happens if I don't receive a tax bill? A: You are still responsible for paying taxes by the February 1st deadline even without receiving a bill. Contact the Caldwell County Tax Assessor-Collector's office to obtain your tax amount and payment information.

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