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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dallas County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.0% to 2.8% effective rate (varies by location)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dallas County operates under Texas's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, school districts, and special districts. Property owners in Dallas County pay taxes to multiple entities, including the county, local municipalities, school districts, and various special districts such as community colleges and hospital districts. The Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) assesses property values annually, with a 10% annual assessment cap for homestead properties to provide stability for primary residence owners.

The effective tax rate in Dallas County typically ranges from 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on the specific taxing entities that serve your property location. This rate varies significantly based on which city, school district, and special districts your property falls within. For example, properties within Dallas city limits face different rates than those in Rowlett or other municipalities. Texas law provides meaningful relief through homestead exemptions, including a substantial $100,000 school district exemption for primary residences, which can significantly reduce your annual tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General$0.23 - $0.25 per $100Dallas County operations, sheriff, courts, infrastructure
School District$1.20 - $1.45 per $100Local school district operations and debt service
City/Municipality$0.55 - $0.81 per $100Municipal services, police, fire, parks (varies by city)
Community College$0.09 - $0.15 per $100Dallas County Community College District
Hospital District$0.05 - $0.08 per $100Parkland Health & Hospital System
Special Districts$0.01 - $0.10 per $100MUDs, emergency services, library districts
Total Combined$2.13 - $2.84 per $100All taxing entities combined

Note: Rates shown are per $100 of assessed valuation and vary by specific location within Dallas County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dallas 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 property taxes in Dallas County are triggered when there's a change in property ownership or new construction that increases the property's assessed value mid-year. When you purchase a property or complete significant improvements like additions or major renovations, DCAD may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the remainder of the tax year. This ensures that property taxes reflect current ownership and property conditions rather than outdated assessments.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, applying the applicable tax rate, and prorating it for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in June that DCAD reassesses from $400,000 to $500,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $100,000 difference for July through December (6 months). At a combined rate of 2.5%, this would result in a supplemental bill of approximately $1,250 (($100,000 ÷ 100) × $2.50 × 6/12 months).

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property (with homestead exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less School Exemption: -$100,000
  • Less Other Exemptions: -$25,000 (county/city)
  • Net Taxable Value: $175,000
  • Annual Tax: $4,375 (at 2.5% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $364

$600,000 Property (with homestead exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less School Exemption: -$100,000
  • Less Other Exemptions: -$25,000 (county/city)
  • Net Taxable Value: $475,000
  • Annual Tax: $11,875 (at 2.5% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $990

$1,000,000 Property (with homestead exemption)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less School Exemption: -$100,000
  • Less Other Exemptions: -$25,000 (county/city)
  • Net Taxable Value: $875,000
  • Annual Tax: $21,875 (at 2.5% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,823

Note: Examples assume 2.5% combined effective rate and standard homestead exemptions. Actual rates vary by location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dallas County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a separate account to pay your annual property tax bill when due on January 31st. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential tax increases.

The Dallas County Tax Office works directly with mortgage servicers to ensure accurate and timely payments. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking the payment status online or contacting the tax office directly. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, remember that the entire annual amount is due by January 31st, with no option for installment payments. Late payments incur penalties and interest charges starting February 1st.

For tax payment verification and online account access, visit the official Dallas County Tax Office portal at https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/tax/ to confirm payment status and obtain tax certificates when needed for refinancing or other purposes.

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 Dallas County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st each year, with the entire annual amount payable in one payment. There are no installment options available.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available? A: Primary residence owners can receive a $100,000 school district exemption, plus additional county and city exemptions typically totaling $25,000-$40,000. You must apply by April 30th of the tax year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Dallas Central Appraisal District by May 31st (or within 30 days of receiving your notice). You can protest online at https://www.dallascad.org/ or schedule an informal hearing.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Penalty and interest charges begin February 1st. Penalties are 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% in July and thereafter, plus 1% interest monthly.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are accepted through the Dallas County Tax Office website. Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are accepted, though convenience fees may apply.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are reassessed annually by DCAD, but homestead properties have a 10% annual cap on assessment increases, providing protection against dramatic value spikes.

Q: What if I disagree with my exemption denial? A: You can appeal exemption denials to the Dallas County Appraisal Review Board within 30 days of receiving the denial notice.

Q: How do I transfer exemptions when buying a new home? A: Homestead exemptions don't transfer automatically. You must file a new exemption application for your new primary residence by April 30th and remove the exemption from your previous home.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Dallas County Assessordallascad.org
02
County
Dallas County Tax Collectordallascounty.org
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Rowlett, TX - Official Websiterowletttx.gov
04
2 5 1 d$ E I - City Secretary's Office - City of Dallasci.dallas.tx.us
05
Frequently Asked Questions - CivicPlus.CMS.FAQrowletttx.gov
06
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
Contract 1165 Dallas County, Property Tax Assessment ...publicrecords.farmersbranchtx.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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