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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fayette County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Fayette 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
0.41196% per $100 of taxable value (varies significantly by location and special districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fayette County, Texas operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value, with the total tax rate consisting of multiple components from different taxing entities including the county, school districts, cities, and various special districts.

The effective property tax rate in Fayette County for 2025 is approximately 0.41196 per $100 of taxable value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. This rate is lower than the Texas state average of around 1.8%, making Fayette County relatively affordable for property owners. The county follows Texas state law regarding assessment caps, homestead protections, and exemption programs, with most tax relief programs requiring separate applications and not being automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund0.41196FY 2025-2026 base county operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding (rates vary significantly by district)
City/MunicipalityVaries by cityMunicipal services if within city limits
Emergency Services DistrictVaries by ESDFire and emergency medical services
Water/Utility DistrictsVaries by districtWater, sewer, and utility infrastructure
Total Composite Rate~0.41196+Actual rate depends on specific taxing districts

Note: The 0.41196 rate shown represents the county portion only. Total effective rates typically range higher when including school districts and special districts. The No-New Revenue Tax Rate is 0.39353, and the Voter Approval Tax Rate is 0.41196 for FY 2025-2026.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fayette 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 Fayette County are additional tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use after the original tax roll is prepared. Common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove agricultural exemptions, successful appeals that increase assessed values, or corrections to assessment errors.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the county calculates the difference between what was originally owed and what should be owed based on the change. For example, if a new home construction is completed mid-year with a $200,000 assessed value, and the total tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $5,000 prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and follow the same payment deadlines as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

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

Property Value: $600,000

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

Property Value: $1,000,000

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

Note: These examples use estimated total tax rates including school districts and special districts. Homestead exemptions require annual application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Fayette County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment to cover annual property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law. The servicer pays your property taxes directly to Fayette County when due.

Property tax bills in Fayette County are typically paid in two installments: the first by April 15 and the second by September 15, though payment without penalty can be made by August 31 for the first installment. Lenders usually pay both installments on behalf of escrowed borrowers. Property owners should verify their escrow payments are made on time and contact the Fayette County Assessor-Collector's office at 979-968-3164 if there are any payment discrepancies. Annual escrow analyses may result in payment adjustments based on actual tax bills versus estimated amounts.

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 Fayette County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by April 15 and second installment by September 15. Payment without penalty can be made by August 31 for the first installment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The primary tax relief is the $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences, which REQUIRES APPLICATION. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors (65+), disabled veterans, and disabled persons, all requiring separate applications with documentation.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in taxable value for school district taxes only and includes a 10% annual assessment increase cap. This is NOT automatic - you must file an application with the Fayette County Appraisal District, typically by April 30th of the first year you claim it.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are reassessed annually by the Fayette County Appraisal District. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April, with protest deadlines usually 30 days after the notice date or by May 31st, whichever is later.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments accrue penalties and interest. Typically, a 6% penalty is added in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, and continuing to increase monthly, plus 1% interest per month.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Fayette County typically offers online payment options. Contact the Assessor-Collector's office at 979-968-3164 for current online payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on the specific combination of taxing entities serving your property, including school district, emergency services district, water districts, and municipal boundaries if applicable.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Fayette County Appraisal Review Board, typically by May 31st or within 30 days of receiving your assessment notice. Protests can be filed online, by mail, or in person with supporting documentation of your property's value.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
2025 - Fayette Countyco.fayette.tx.us
02
County
2025 Proposed Budget - Fayette Countyco.fayette.tx.us
03
County
September 12 - Fayette County, Texasco.fayette.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
County
Tax Rate Information - Fayette County, Texasco.fayette.tx.us
06
County
Fayette County, Texasco.fayette.tx.us
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
Tax Doc
Texas Property Tax Exemptionscomptroller.texas.gov
09
2024 ISD Summary Worksheet - Texas Comptroller - Texas.govcomptroller.texas.gov
10
METHODS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2017 REPORTcomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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