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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Calhoun County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.5% to 2.2% of assessed value (varies by school district, city, and special districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Calhoun County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate and personal property, with the total tax rate varying significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing entities.

The effective tax rates in Calhoun County typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.2% of assessed value, depending on which city, school district, and special districts serve your specific property location. The largest component is usually the school district tax, followed by county, municipal, and various special district assessments. Property owners should note that Texas law caps annual assessment increases at 10% for homestead properties, but this protection requires filing a homestead exemption application and is not automatic.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Calhoun County ISD0.6322School district tax for FY 2025-2026 school year
Calhoun County~0.35-0.45County operations and services
MunicipalVariesCity taxes where applicable (Port Lavaca, Port O'Connor, etc.)
Emergency Services DistrictVariesFire and emergency medical services
Hospital DistrictVariesLocal hospital and healthcare services
Water/Utility DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, and utility infrastructure

Total Effective Rate Range: ~1.5% - 2.2%

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly by property location within Calhoun County based on which combination of taxing entities serve that area. The school district rate of 0.6322 applies to properties within Calhoun County ISD boundaries for the 2025-2026 school year. Contact the Calhoun County Appraisal District for your specific property's tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Calhoun 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 Calhoun County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's taxable status or value during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property ownership changes that remove existing exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the change in assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in March and your total tax rate is 2.0%, you would owe approximately $1,500 in supplemental taxes ($100,000 × 2.0% × 9/12 months remaining). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have the same payment terms as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.8%
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $300

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.9%
  • Annual Tax: $9,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $792

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property (No Homestead)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 2.1%
  • Annual Tax: $21,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,750

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and only applies to primary residences. Tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Calhoun 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, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. The servicer typically pays your property taxes directly to the county tax collector when due.

In Texas, property taxes become due on October 1st and are delinquent if not paid by January 31st of the following year. However, taxpayers can split payments with a first installment due by November 30th and the second by June 30th if the total tax bill exceeds $500. Lenders usually pay the full amount by the January 31st deadline. Property owners should verify their escrow payments annually when they receive their tax assessment, as significant changes in property value or tax rates may require escrow payment adjustments to avoid shortfalls.

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 Calhoun County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes become due October 1st and are delinquent after January 31st. If your total tax bill exceeds $500, you can split payments: first half by November 30th and second half by June 30th.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and how do I apply? A: The primary homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in assessed value for school district taxes on your primary residence. You must file an application with the Calhoun County Appraisal District by April 30th. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors (65+), disabled veterans, and disabled persons.

Q: Does the homestead exemption cap my property tax increases? A: Yes, Texas law limits annual assessment increases to 10% for homestead properties, but this protection requires filing a homestead exemption application - it's not automatic. This caps assessment growth, not market value.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Calhoun County? A: Properties are reassessed annually by the Calhoun County Appraisal District. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April, with protest deadlines usually falling in late May or early June.

Q: What penalties apply for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes incur a 6% penalty in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% in July and thereafter. Interest accrues at 1% per month, and attorney fees may be added if legal action is required.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, most Calhoun County taxpayers can pay online through the county tax collector's website. Payment options typically include ACH transfers and credit/debit cards, though convenience fees may apply for card payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from Emergency Services Districts, Hospital Districts, Municipal Utility Districts, or other special purpose districts. These vary significantly by location within the county and are listed separately on your tax bill.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can protest your assessment with the Calhoun County Appraisal Review Board. Protests must typically be filed by late May (exact deadline varies annually). You can appear in person or submit evidence by mail to support your case for a lower valuation.

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