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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Freestone County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Freestone 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
1.8-2.2% of assessed value (varies by location and overlapping districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Freestone County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding mechanism for local government services, schools, and special districts. Property taxes in Freestone County fund essential services including public education, county operations, emergency services, and various municipal functions. The effective tax rate typically ranges around 1.8-2.2% of assessed value, though this varies significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Freestone County vary by location due to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Your total tax bill combines levies from the county, school district, and any applicable special districts such as emergency services districts, municipal utility districts, or city taxes. Each property owner's exact rate depends on which combination of these taxing entities serves their specific address. The county uses a market value assessment system with various tax credits and exemptions available to qualifying property owners, though most require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentEstimated RateDescription
Freestone County$0.45-0.55 per $100County general fund, road maintenance, courts, sheriff
School District$1.20-1.35 per $100Local school operations and debt service
Emergency Services District$0.08-0.12 per $100Fire and EMS services (varies by district)
City Taxes$0.15-0.45 per $100Municipal services (where applicable)
Special Districts$0.05-0.25 per $100Water, utility, or other special purpose districts

Note: These rates reflect FY 2024-2025 estimates and are subject to annual adjustment. The 2025 property tax rate is expected to increase by approximately 1.22% countywide. Actual rates vary significantly by location within Freestone County based on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property. Contact the Freestone County Appraisal District for your specific tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Freestone 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 Freestone County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or tax status. Common triggers include new construction completion, property sales that reveal underassessment, removal of exemptions, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax covers the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed for the current tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current year's tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year when the change occurred. For example, if a $100,000 home addition is completed in July, and your total tax rate is $2.00 per $100 of value, you would owe approximately $1,000 ($100,000 × 0.02) prorated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $500.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (with Homestead Exemption):

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Taxable Value for School: $200,000
  • County/Other Taxable Value: $300,000
  • School Tax ($200,000 × 1.275%): $2,550
  • County/Other Tax ($300,000 × 0.725%): $2,175
  • Annual Total: $4,725 | Monthly: $394

$600,000 Home (with Homestead Exemption):

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Taxable Value for School: $500,000
  • County/Other Taxable Value: $600,000
  • School Tax ($500,000 × 1.275%): $6,375
  • County/Other Tax ($600,000 × 0.725%): $4,350
  • Annual Total: $10,725 | Monthly: $894

$1,000,000 Home (with Homestead Exemption):

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Taxable Value for School: $900,000
  • County/Other Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • School Tax ($900,000 × 1.275%): $11,475
  • County/Other Tax ($1,000,000 × 0.725%): $7,250
  • Annual Total: $18,725 | Monthly: $1,561

Note: These calculations assume standard homestead exemption only. Additional exemptions require separate applications and may reduce taxes further.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Freestone County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to the county on your behalf. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by dividing your annual property tax bill by 12, often with a cushion to account for tax increases.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to adjust your monthly payment based on actual tax bills and account balances. If taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. Property owners with escrow accounts should verify that payments are made correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for any unpaid taxes. You can monitor your tax payment status through the Freestone County Tax Assessor-Collector's office or online portal, even when payments are made via escrow.

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 Freestone County for FY 2025-2026? A: The first installment is due April 20, 2026, the second installment is due October 20, 2026, and final payment must be made by December 31, 2026. Single payments can be made by January 31, 2026.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do they require application? A: The primary homestead exemption is a $100,000 school district exemption for your primary residence. Freestone County also offers a local option homestead exemption of 1% of taxable value. Both require application and are NOT automatic - you must file with the Freestone County Appraisal District.

Q: How does the homestead exemption cap work? A: Texas homestead properties are subject to a 10% annual assessment increase cap, meaning your home's assessed value for tax purposes cannot increase more than 10% per year regardless of market value increases. This cap limits assessment growth but does not reduce your property's market value.

Q: What other tax credits are available? A: Additional exemptions may include over-65 homestead exemptions, disability exemptions, and veterans' exemptions. All require separate applications with supporting documentation and must be filed by the April 30 deadline following the tax year.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Freestone County Appraisal Review Board by May 31 (or within 30 days of receiving your notice). You can protest online, by mail, or in person. Protests must be filed annually if you wish to challenge your assessment.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalty and interest charges. Penalties start at 6% for payments made in February, increasing to 12% by July. Interest accrues at 1% per month on the unpaid balance.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Freestone County typically offers online payment options through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website. Check the official county website for current payment portal access and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in the same area have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Two neighboring properties may have different combinations of school districts, emergency service districts, municipal utility districts, or city boundaries, resulting in different total tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Detailcomptroller.texas.gov
02
County
Adopted Budget FY2025 - Freestone County, Texasco.freestone.tx.us
03
County
Tax Rate - Freestone County, Texasco.freestone.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
Freestone Central Appraisal District Policy & Rules Manualcomptroller.texas.gov
08
Freestone Central Appraisal Districtcomptroller.texas.gov
09
County
(Condado de) Sample County, Texasco.freestone.tx.us
10
METHODS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2016 REPORTcomptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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