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Updated 2025 Tax Year

El Paso County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

El Paso County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, where taxes are the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, county government operations, municipal services, and various special districts. Property taxes in El Paso County fund everything from education and public safety to infrastructure maintenance and emergency services. The county follows Texas Property Tax Code regulations, which include important protections for homeowners such as the 10% annual appraisal cap for homestead properties.

Property owners in El Paso County can expect effective tax rates typically ranging from 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing entities that serve their property. The City of El Paso has recently proposed reducing its property tax rate to $0.759649 per $100 of valuation for Fiscal Year 2026, which would be the lowest rate in over a decade. However, total tax bills may still increase due to rising property values throughout the county, even with lower tax rates from individual jurisdictions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
School District$1.0500-$1.3500Funds local public education, typically the largest component
County$0.4500-$0.6000El Paso County general operations and services
City$0.7596City of El Paso municipal services (proposed FY 2026 rate)
Community College$0.1500-$0.2500El Paso Community College District
Hospital District$0.0800-$0.1200El Paso County Hospital District
Special Districts$0.0200-$0.1000Water, fire, MUD districts (varies by location)
Total Estimated$2.50-$2.80Combined effective rate varies by property location

Note: Rates vary by specific location within El Paso County based on which taxing jurisdictions serve each property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in El Paso 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 El Paso County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there's a change in property ownership or significant improvements to existing properties during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. New construction, additions, or change of ownership that increases the property's assessed value will trigger a supplemental tax bill.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference in assessed values, applying applicable exemptions, and multiplying by the combined tax rate for the remaining months of the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $350,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 difference for the remaining 7 months of the tax year. This supplemental bill would be separate from the regular January 31 tax bill and would be due within 30 days of the assessment notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.60% effective rate): $5,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $433

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.60% effective rate): $13,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,083

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Annual Tax (at 2.60% effective rate): $23,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,950

Tax calculations assume 2.60% combined effective rate and include the $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in El Paso County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. The lender collects these funds throughout the year and pays your property taxes directly to the El Paso Central Appraisal District by the January 31 deadline. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available when taxes are due.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis, usually around the anniversary of your loan, to determine if your monthly escrow payment needs adjustment based on changes in your property tax bill. If your taxes increase due to higher assessments or rate changes, your monthly payment will increase accordingly. Conversely, if taxes decrease, you may receive a refund or reduced monthly payments. You have the right to request information about your escrow account balance and can verify that payments were made correctly by checking with the tax collector's office online or by phone.

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 El Paso County? A: Property taxes are due January 31 each year. Payment plans are available with installments due January 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31.

Q: What homeowner exemptions are available? A: Primary residence owners can receive a $100,000 school district homestead exemption. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled persons.

Q: How do I apply for a homestead exemption? A: File an application with the El Paso Central Appraisal District by April 30. The exemption continues automatically each year once approved.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Penalties and interest begin accruing February 1. A 6% penalty is added in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, and 12% in May, plus 1% interest per month.

Q: How can I pay my property taxes? A: Taxes can be paid online, by mail, in person at the tax office, or through your mortgage lender's escrow account.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the El Paso Appraisal Review Board by May 31 (or within 30 days of receiving your notice). You can protest online, by mail, or in person.

Q: Does the 10% assessment cap apply to my property? A: Yes, if you have a homestead exemption, your assessed value for tax purposes cannot increase more than 10% per year, regardless of market value increases.

Q: Can I get a payment plan for my property taxes? A: Yes, you can split your payment into four installments due January 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31. You must make the first payment by January 31 to qualify.

Q: What services do my property taxes fund? A: Property taxes fund public schools, county services, city services, community college, hospital district, and various special districts depending on your location.

Q: How is my property's assessed value determined? A: The El Paso Central Appraisal District appraises all properties annually based on market value as of January 1, using sales comparisons, cost approach, and income methods as applicable.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
City Proposes to Lower Property Tax Rate for Fiscal Year ...elpasotexas.gov
02
Tax Doc
Notice About 2025 Tax Rateselpasotexas.gov
03
Tax Doc
Tax & Budgetelpasotexas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Deadline Approachingelpasotexas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Deadline Approachingelpasotexas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Payment Plans - Tax Officeelpasotexas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemptions - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
09
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
10
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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