Q: When are property taxes due in Cooke County?
A: Property taxes are due February 1st for Tax Year 2025. The tax office typically mails bills in December, and payments are considered delinquent if received after the February 1st deadline.
Q: What homestead exemptions are available and how do I apply?
A: Texas offers a $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences. You must file an application with the Cooke County Appraisal District by April 30th. This exemption reduces your taxable value and caps annual assessment increases at 10%. Additional exemptions are available for seniors (65+), disabled veterans, and disabled persons, but each requires separate applications.
Q: How does the 10% homestead cap work?
A: Once you receive homestead exemption approval, your property's assessed value for tax purposes cannot increase by more than 10% annually, regardless of market value increases. This caps assessment growth but does not reduce market value - it only limits taxable value increases for tax calculation purposes.
Q: When does the county assess property values?
A: The Cooke County Appraisal District assesses all properties annually as of January 1st. New assessment notices are typically mailed in April and May. Property owners have until May 31st to file protests with the appraisal review board if they disagree with their assessed values.
Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments?
A: Penalties begin accruing after February 1st. The penalty structure typically includes 6% after February 1st, 7% after March 1st, 8% after April 1st, and additional interest charges. Attorney collection fees may also apply to severely delinquent accounts.
Q: Can I pay property taxes online?
A: Yes, Cooke County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Payment methods usually include electronic bank transfers and credit cards, though credit card payments may include processing fees.
Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill?
A: Your location determines which special districts serve your property, such as school districts, emergency services districts, municipal utility districts, or hospital districts. Each adds its own tax rate to your total bill. The same property value can have significantly different tax bills depending on these district combinations.
Q: Are there exemptions for disabled veterans?
A: Yes, Texas offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The exemption amount depends on the disability rating from the VA. Veterans with 100% disability ratings or those who are unemployable due to service-connected disabilities may qualify for total exemptions. Applications must be filed with the appraisal district and require VA documentation of disability status.
