HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Denton County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
18.5938¢ per $100 assessed value (County only - additional taxes apply for school districts and municipalities)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Denton County property taxes are a crucial revenue source that funds essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property owners in Denton County pay taxes to multiple entities based on their property's assessed value and location within various taxing jurisdictions. The county's property tax system operates under Texas Property Tax Code, with the Denton Central Appraisal District determining property values and various taxing entities setting their individual tax rates.

For fiscal year 2025-2026, Denton County has adopted a property tax rate of 18.5938¢ per $100 of assessed valuation, representing a reduction from previous years. However, property owners typically pay additional taxes to school districts, municipalities, and special districts, resulting in total effective tax rates that generally range from 2.0% to 2.8% depending on location. Denton County ranks as the second lowest in the region for county tax rates, reflecting the county's commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while providing quality services to its growing population.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Denton County18.5938¢County operations, public safety, judicial services
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding (typically 1.0-1.3% of total)
MunicipalVaries by cityCity services, infrastructure, police/fire
Hospital DistrictVariesLocal healthcare services
College DistrictVariesCommunity college funding
Emergency ServicesVariesFire protection, EMS services
Water/Utility DistrictsVariesWater, sewer, drainage services

Note: Total combined rates typically range from 2.0-2.8% depending on specific location and applicable districts

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Denton 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 Denton County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or improvements during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction or major renovations that add value to a property, changes in property classification, or corrections to previous assessments. These supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $50,000 addition to their home in July, and the total combined tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 × 2.5% = $1,250) × (6 months remaining ÷ 12 months = 50%) = $625 supplemental tax due for that tax year. Property owners receive separate supplemental tax bills that are typically due within 30 days of issuance.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district)
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% effective rate): $5,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $417

$600,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district)
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% effective rate): $12,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,042

$1,000,000 Property:

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district)
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.5% effective rate): $22,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,875

Examples assume 2.5% total effective tax rate and primary residence homestead exemption

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Denton County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely tax payments. Lenders collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account. Since Denton County property taxes are due January 31st annually, lenders typically make the payment in late January on behalf of homeowners. Property owners should receive a copy of the tax payment receipt from their lender.

Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis, usually sent in the fall, which estimates the coming year's tax bill and adjusts monthly payments accordingly. If your property value increases significantly or you receive supplemental tax bills, you may need to contact your lender to adjust escrow payments. Property owners can verify their tax payments were made correctly by checking with the Denton County Tax Assessor-Collector's office or viewing payment status online through the county's property tax portal.

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 Denton County? A: Property taxes are due by January 31st each year. If mailing payment, it must have a U.S. postmark by January 31st to be considered timely.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available? A: Primary residence owners can claim a $100,000 homestead exemption for school district taxes. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors (65+), disabled individuals, and veterans.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are assessed annually by the Denton Central Appraisal District, but homestead properties are protected by a 10% annual appraisal cap under Texas law.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Denton County offers online payment options through their official website. Online payment is recommended to avoid postal delays near the due date.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. Penalty is 6% if paid in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% in July and thereafter, plus annual interest.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Denton Appraisal Review Board by May 15th (or within 30 days of receiving your notice). Appeals can be filed online, by mail, or in person.

Q: Are seniors eligible for tax deferrals? A: Yes, individuals 65 years or older or those who are disabled can defer collection of taxes on their homestead property, though interest continues to accrue.

Q: What if I disagree with a supplemental tax bill? A: You can appeal supplemental assessments within 30 days of receiving the notice by contacting the Denton Central Appraisal District to request a review of the assessment.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Adopted FY 2025-2026 budget lowers county tax rate againdentoncounty.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Analysis for average homeownerdentoncounty.gov
03
Tax Doc
Property Taxes | Plano, TX - Official Websiteplano.gov
04
County
Denton County Tax Assessor-Collector Contactdentoncounty.gov
05
County
Denton County Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
06
Tax Doc
Consider paying property taxes online this yeardentoncounty.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
Exemptions & Deferralsdentoncounty.gov
09
Office ofdentoncounty.gov
10
denton central appraisal districtcomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate