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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Cherokee County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Cherokee 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
2.0-2.8% total effective rate (varies by taxing jurisdictions including county, school district, city, and special districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Cherokee 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 these services, with the tax burden distributed among all property owners based on assessed property values and applicable tax rates.

The effective property tax rate in Cherokee County varies significantly by location due to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions, including the county, school districts, cities, and special districts. Property owners can expect total effective rates ranging from approximately 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on their specific location within the county. The county portion represents just one component of the total tax bill, with school district taxes typically comprising the largest portion of most property tax bills.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Cherokee County$0.49000County general operations, roads, law enforcement
School Districts$1.00-$1.30Varies by district (maintenance & operations plus debt service)
Cities$0.20-$0.60Municipal services (varies by incorporated city)
Emergency Services$0.05-$0.15Fire protection, EMS districts
Other Special Districts$0.02-$0.10Water, MUD, hospital districts

Rates shown are for FY 2025 tax year. Total effective rates vary by property location within specific taxing district boundaries. The Cherokee County base rate of 0.49000% applies to the 2025 tax year from January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Cherokee 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 Cherokee County are additional tax assessments that occur when property changes ownership, undergoes new construction, or receives improvements after the January 1 assessment date. These taxes cover the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

Common triggers include property sales, completion of new construction, additions or major renovations, and subdivision of land. The Cherokee County Appraisal District calculates the supplemental tax by determining the difference in assessed value and applying the current tax rates for all applicable districts. For example, if a property sells in June for significantly more than its January assessment, a supplemental bill would be issued covering July through December at the higher assessed value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000 (school) / $300,000 (other districts)
  • Annual Tax: ~$4,900 (assuming 2.2% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$408

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000 (school) / $600,000 (other districts)
  • Annual Tax: ~$13,200 (assuming 2.2% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,100

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000 (school) / $1,000,000 (other districts)
  • Annual Tax: ~$22,000 (assuming 2.2% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,833

Note: Homestead exemptions require annual application and only apply to primary residences.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Cherokee County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual tax bill plus a cushion amount, typically 2-3 months of taxes. The escrow account accumulates funds throughout the year to pay taxes when due on January 31st.

Lenders must provide annual escrow analysis statements showing projected taxes, actual payments made, and any shortages or surpluses. Property owners should verify that their lender has current exemption information, as homestead and other exemptions can significantly reduce tax bills. When property values increase substantially, escrow payments may need adjustment to avoid shortfalls at tax payment time.

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 Cherokee County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st for the current tax year. Payments are accepted from September 30th through January 31st without penalty.

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 only. You must apply with the Cherokee County Appraisal District by April 30th following the first year you claim the exemption. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans.

Q: Does the homestead exemption cap my property tax increases? A: Yes, the homestead exemption includes a 10% annual cap on assessed value increases for your primary residence, but you must apply for and maintain the exemption to receive this protection.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Cherokee County reassesses all properties annually as of January 1st. The Cherokee County Appraisal District mails notices of appraised value in April/May.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Cherokee County Appraisal Review Board by May 15th (or within 30 days of receiving your notice). Informal hearings are available before formal ARB hearings.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Taxes paid after January 31st incur penalties starting at 6% for February, increasing monthly, plus interest charges on the unpaid amount.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, the Cherokee County Tax Assessor-Collector typically offers online payment options through their official website, though convenience fees may apply.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a city versus unincorporated Cherokee County? A: Yes, city residents pay additional municipal taxes on top of county, school, and special district taxes. Rural property owners typically have lower total tax rates as they don't pay city taxes.

Q: Are there additional exemptions for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, persons 65 and older or disabled may qualify for additional exemptions and tax ceiling freezes. Applications must be filed with the Cherokee County Appraisal District by the applicable deadlines.

Q: What special districts might affect my tax rate? A: Common special districts in Cherokee County include emergency services districts, municipal utility districts (MUDs), water districts, and hospital districts. Your specific tax rate depends on which districts serve your property location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Aggregated 2025 Tax Rate - Cherokee Countyco.cherokee.tx.us
02
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
03
County
Notice of 2025 Property Tax Rates for Cherokee Countyco.cherokee.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
County
cherokee county, texasco.cherokee.tx.us
06
County
Tax Assessor-Collector - Cherokee Countyco.cherokee.tx.us
07
homestead exemptionscherokeecountyga.gov
08
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
09
Formal meeting agendaleavenworthcounty.gov
10
2015-2016 reappraisal plancomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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