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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Deaf Smith County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.483676 per $100 (county only), total effective rates 1.5-2.2% including school and city taxes
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Deaf Smith County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including county government operations, public schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on market value as determined by the county appraisal district, with various credits and exemptions available to qualifying property owners.

The county's property tax rate for fiscal year 2025-2026 is 0.483676 per $100 of assessed value for the county portion alone. However, your total effective tax rate will be significantly higher when combined with school district taxes, city taxes (if applicable), and special district assessments. Most property owners in Deaf Smith County can expect total effective rates ranging from 1.5% to 2.2% depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing entities that serve their property. It's important to note that actual rates vary considerably by location within the county due to different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts serving different areas.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionLevy Year
Deaf Smith County0.483676County operations, roads, law enforcementFY 2025-2026
School District~$1.00-$1.30Varies by district (Hereford ISD, etc.)FY 2025-2026
City Taxes~$0.50-$0.80Municipal services (varies by city)FY 2025-2026
Hospital District~$0.15-$0.25Local hospital services (if applicable)FY 2025-2026
Water/MUD Districts~$0.10-$0.40Water and utility services (location-specific)FY 2025-2026

Note: The rates shown are estimates for planning purposes. Your actual tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing entities serving your property location. School district rates typically represent the largest portion of your total property tax bill. Contact the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District for your property's exact taxing entity combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Deaf Smith 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 Deaf Smith County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, completion of new construction, or other improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These supplemental bills are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your total effective tax rate is 2.0%, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately $750 (($50,000 × 0.02) × 75% of the year remaining). The supplemental tax becomes due immediately upon assessment and is separate from your regular annual property tax bill. New construction and improvements are typically discovered through building permits or annual property inspections conducted by the county appraisal district.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 1.85%
  • Annual Tax: $3,700
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $308

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 1.90%
  • Annual Tax: $9,500
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $792

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead and Over-65 Exemptions

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Additional Over-65 Exemption: -$10,000 (estimated)
  • Net Taxable Value: $890,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 1.95%
  • Annual Tax: $17,355
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,446

Important Note: All exemptions require annual application and approval. Tax rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Deaf Smith County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual tax bill. These funds are held in an escrow account and the lender pays your property taxes directly to the county when due.

Property taxes in Texas are generally due by January 31st annually, though some counties offer split payment options with deadlines of October 31st and May 31st. Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, and you'll receive a refund if there's an overage or may need to pay additional amounts if there's a shortage. It's important to notify your lender immediately of any changes to your property tax exemptions or appeals, as this affects your monthly escrow payment calculations.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Deaf Smith County for FY 2025-2026? A: Based on research data, the first installment is due October 31st and the second installment is due May 31st if paying in two installments. However, verify current deadlines with the Deaf Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector office.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and do I need to apply? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in assessed value for school district taxes on your primary residence. This exemption MUST be applied for - it is not automatic. Additionally, it includes a 10% annual cap on assessment increases. Apply at the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District office.

Q: Are there tax credits available for seniors or disabled veterans? A: Yes, Texas offers additional exemptions for residents over 65, disabled persons, and disabled veterans. These require separate applications with supporting documentation. Contact the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District for specific amounts and application procedures.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Deaf Smith County? A: Properties are appraised annually by the Deaf Smith County Appraisal District. Assessment notices are typically mailed in spring, with appeals due by May 31st or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Texas law imposes penalties and interest on delinquent property taxes. Penalty rates typically start at 6% for the first month and increase over time, plus attorney fees may apply for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Most Texas counties offer online payment options. Contact the Deaf Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector office or visit their website for available online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase even though I have a homestead exemption? A: The homestead exemption caps assessment increases at 10% annually, but doesn't freeze your taxes completely. Increases can occur due to rising tax rates, new debt service, or the 10% cap on assessment growth.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts like hospital districts, water districts, or municipal utility districts add separate tax rates to your bill. These vary significantly by location within Deaf Smith County and fund specific local services in your area.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
DEAF SMITH COUNTY ADOPTED BUDGET FISCAL YEAR ...co.deaf-smith.tx.us
02
County
Notice About 2025 Tax Rates - Deaf Smith County, Texasco.deaf-smith.tx.us
03
Tax Doc
Order Adopting Tax Rate 2025.pdfco.deaf-smith.tx.us
04
County
Deaf Smith County Appraisal Districtcomptroller.texas.gov
05
County
Deaf Smith County Texas Annual Financial Reportco.deaf-smith.tx.us
06
County
Proposition 1 - SJR 59 - Deaf Smith County, Texasco.deaf-smith.tx.us
07
2024 Deduction Detail - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
09
METHODS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2016 REPORTcomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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