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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Carson County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Carson 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
$0.519967 per $100 of assessed value (varies by taxing district)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Carson 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, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes in Carson County are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate as of January 1st, with the tax year running from January 1 to December 31.

The effective tax rate in Carson County for fiscal year 2025-2026 is $0.519967 per $100 of assessed valuation, though actual rates paid by individual property owners vary significantly based on their location within specific taxing districts such as school districts, municipalities, and special service areas. Property owners should note that Carson County contains multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions, meaning your total property tax bill combines levies from the county, applicable school districts, cities or towns, and any special districts that serve your property.

Property values in Texas are reassessed annually by the county appraisal district, but homestead properties benefit from a constitutional cap limiting assessment increases to 10% per year, regardless of actual market value appreciation. This assessment limitation, along with various tax credits available through application, can significantly impact your final tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
County General Fund$0.519967Carson County operations, roads, law enforcement, courts
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district taxes (rates vary by district within county)
MunicipalVariesCity taxes for incorporated areas only
Special DistrictsVariesHospital districts, water districts, other special services
Total Effective Rate~$0.52-$2.50Combined rate varies significantly by location

Rates shown are for fiscal year 2025-2026. The county rate of $0.519967 represents the no-new-revenue rate adopted for FY 2025-2026. Total effective rates typically range from approximately $0.52 to $2.50 per $100 of taxable value depending on which combination of school districts, municipalities, and special districts serve your specific property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Carson 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 Carson County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, improvements, or construction completion. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: completion of new construction or major improvements, change in property ownership that removes certain exemptions or credits, subdivision of land, or correction of assessment errors. For example, if you complete a home addition in June that increases your property's assessed value by $50,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on that $50,000 increase for the remaining 7 months of the tax year at your applicable tax rate.

The supplemental tax calculation works as follows: (New Assessed Value - Previous Assessed Value) × Tax Rate × (Months Remaining ÷ 12). Using the example above with Carson County's base rate: $50,000 × $0.519967/$100 × (7÷12) = approximately $152 in additional county taxes, plus any applicable school district and other jurisdiction taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property (with Homestead)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Annual Tax (at $0.52/$100): $1,040
  • Monthly Escrow: $87

Example 2: $600,000 Property (with Homestead)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Annual Tax (at $1.50/$100 estimated): $7,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $625

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (Investment Property)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: No Homestead Available: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax (at $2.00/$100 estimated): $20,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,667

Note: Tax rates vary by location within Carson County. School homestead exemptions require application and apply only to primary residences. Additional exemptions for seniors, veterans, and disabled persons may be available with proper application.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Carson County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly deposits equal to approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, holding these funds in a separate escrow account until taxes become due.

Property taxes in Carson County are due in two installments: the first installment by September 1st and the second installment by December 1st. Your mortgage servicer will typically pay these installments directly from your escrow account on your behalf. Each year, your lender must provide an escrow analysis statement showing the account activity and any adjustments needed to your monthly payment amount.

If your escrow account develops a shortage due to increased assessments or tax rate changes, your lender may offer options to spread the shortage over 12 months or request immediate payment. Similarly, if your account has excess funds, you may receive a refund or see reduced monthly payments. Property owners should review their annual escrow statements carefully and contact their servicer with questions about payment timing or account balances.

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 Carson County for fiscal year 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: September 1st for the first installment and December 1st for the second installment.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do they apply automatically? A: The primary homestead benefit is a $100,000 school district exemption for your primary residence, plus a 10% annual assessment increase cap. These benefits require application with the Carson County Appraisal District and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead 10% assessment cap work? A: The homestead cap limits annual increases in your property's assessed value to 10%, even if market value rises more. This caps assessment growth but doesn't reduce current market value. You must apply for homestead designation to receive this benefit.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges starting February 1st. Penalties begin at 6% for the first month and increase monthly, plus 1% interest per month.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Carson County Tax Assessor-Collector's office to verify current online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Carson County Appraisal Review Board by May 15th (or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later).

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or veterans? A: Yes, additional exemptions may be available for seniors 65+, disabled veterans, and other qualifying groups, but all require separate applications with specific deadlines.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if rates stayed the same? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising property values, loss of exemptions, completion of new construction, or changes in special district boundaries affecting your property.

Q: Do I need to reapply for homestead exemptions annually? A: No, once approved, homestead exemptions typically continue automatically as long as you own and occupy the property as your primary residence.

Q: How are special district taxes determined? A: Special districts (hospital, water, etc.) set their own tax rates. Your total bill combines county, school, municipal (if applicable), and all special district taxes for your specific location.

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
This notice concerns the 2025 property tax rates for Carson ...co.carson.tx.us
02
Tax Doc
AG Paxton Prevails in Lawsuit to Protect Tax Cuts for ...texasattorneygeneral.gov
03
County
2025-2026 County Budgetco.carson.tx.us
04
County
carson county appraisal districtcomptroller.texas.gov
05
County
WHEREAS, the new policy manual will help Carson County ...newtools.cira.state.tx.us
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxescarsoncity.gov
07
Texasirs.gov
08
County
AG Paxton Applauds Final Judgment for Carson County ...texasattorneygeneral.gov
09
County
TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENT - Carson County Texasco.carson.tx.us
10
County
2018 Audit - Carson County Texasco.carson.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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