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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Colorado County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.464913 per $100 assessed value (varies by location within special taxing districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Colorado County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes are the primary source of funding for local government services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. The county's property tax system is administered by the Colorado County Appraisal District, which determines property values, while individual taxing entities set their own tax rates within state guidelines.

For the 2025 tax year, Colorado County adopted a tax rate of $0.464913 per $100 of assessed valuation, representing an increase from the previous year. However, property owners throughout the county may pay different effective rates depending on their location within various special taxing districts, including school districts, municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, and other local governmental entities. The actual tax burden varies significantly based on which combination of taxing jurisdictions serve each property, making it essential for property owners to understand their specific tax obligations based on their precise location within Colorado County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100 ValuationDescription
Colorado County$0.464913County operations, roads, law enforcement, court system
School DistrictVaries by districtEducational services, facilities, transportation
Municipal/CityVaries by locationCity services, utilities, local infrastructure
Emergency Services DistrictVaries by districtFire protection, emergency medical services
Municipal Utility DistrictVaries by districtWater, sewer, drainage infrastructure
Other Special DistrictsVariesHospital districts, library districts, conservation districts

Rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2025, adopted in September 2024. Total effective tax rates typically range from $1.50 to $2.50 per $100 of assessed value depending on the combination of taxing entities serving each property location. Property owners should consult their individual tax statements for their specific rate breakdown, as special district boundaries create significant variation in tax burdens throughout Colorado County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Colorado 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 Colorado County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use between regular assessment periods. The most common triggers include property ownership transfers, completion of new construction or major improvements, changes in property classification, or corrections to previous assessments. Colorado County has invoked Section 6.031 of the Texas Property Tax Code, which allows for these mid-year adjustments.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the Colorado County Appraisal District calculates the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value, then applies the current tax rate to determine the additional tax owed. For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in March and the total tax rate is $2.00 per $100 valuation, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,000 ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $2.00) for the remaining months of that tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax payments, usually 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $100,000 (school district portion)
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000 (for school taxes), $300,000 (for other entities)
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $2.00 per $100
  • Annual Tax: ~$4,600
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$383

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $100,000 (school district)
  • Additional Local Exemptions: $10,000 (estimated county/city)
  • Net Taxable Value: ~$500,000 (school), ~$590,000 (other)
  • Annual Tax: ~$11,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$983

Example 3: $1,000,000 Commercial Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • No Homestead (commercial property)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: $2.10 per $100
  • Annual Tax: ~$21,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,750

Note: All exemptions require annual application and approval. Actual rates vary by specific location within Colorado County due to special district variations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Property tax escrow accounts are managed by mortgage lenders to ensure timely payment of property taxes on behalf of homeowners. In Colorado County, lenders typically collect 1/12 of the estimated annual property tax amount with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. Since Colorado County property taxes are due by January 31st annually, lenders usually make the full tax payment in January to avoid late penalties.

Lenders are required to provide annual escrow account statements showing the previous year's tax payments and adjusting the monthly collection amount based on any changes in assessed values or tax rates. Property owners should review these statements carefully, as Colorado County's recent tax rate increases may require escrow payment adjustments. If property taxes increase significantly due to rising assessments or new special district taxes, lenders may require a one-time escrow shortage payment or spread the shortage over 12 months. Property owners can contact their lender's escrow department to verify that sufficient funds are being collected, especially if they've received homestead or other exemptions that should reduce their tax liability.

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 Colorado County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: Property taxes are due by January 31, 2025. If January 31st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What homestead benefits are available and do they apply automatically? A: Texas homestead benefits include a $100,000 school district exemption for primary residences and a 10% annual cap on assessment increases. These are NOT automatic - you must file an application with the Colorado County Appraisal District by April 30th annually.

Q: How does the 10% homestead cap work? A: The homestead cap limits annual increases in your home's assessed value to 10%, not the market value. If your home's market value increases by 20%, your assessed value can only increase by 10% for tax calculation purposes. This requires an approved homestead application.

Q: What other tax exemptions are available? A: Additional exemptions may include over-65 homeowner exemptions, disability exemptions, veteran exemptions, and agricultural/timber exemptions. Each requires a separate application and has specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Colorado County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the tax office at propertytaxes@co.colorado.tx.us for current payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can file an appeal with the Colorado County Appraisal Review Board if they believe their assessment is incorrect. Appeals must typically be filed by May 15th following the assessment notice.

**Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late?**A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges as specified in the Texas Property Tax Code. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to tax lien proceedings against the property.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if I have a homestead exemption? A: Tax increases can result from rising tax rates (like Colorado County's recent rate increase), new special district assessments, or property improvements. The homestead cap only limits assessment increases to 10% annually, but doesn't protect against rate increases or new district taxes.

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