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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hale County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hale 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
0.6101% county portion (total rates vary 1.2-2.0% depending on school district and municipal taxing entities)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hale County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government services and are administered by the Hale County Appraisal District, which assesses property values annually based on fair market value as of January 1st.

The effective property tax rate in Hale County for 2025 is approximately 0.6101% for the county portion, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing entities. Property owners may pay taxes to multiple jurisdictions including the county, school districts (such as Hale Center ISD), cities, and various special districts. Texas law provides several tax credits and exemptions to qualifying property owners, but most require annual application and are not automatically applied. The state's 10% assessment cap helps limit year-over-year increases for qualifying homestead properties.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Hale County0.6101%County general operations, law enforcement, courts
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school funding (major component of total rate)
CitiesVaries by municipalityMunicipal services for incorporated areas
Special DistrictsVaries by locationHospital districts, water districts, other special purposes
Total Effective Rate~1.6-2.2%Combined rate varies by specific location and taxing entities

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Actual total rates depend on your property's location within specific taxing district boundaries. School district taxes typically represent the largest portion of your total property tax bill. Contact the Hale County Appraisal District for your property's specific taxing entity combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hale 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 Texas are relatively uncommon compared to other states, as the state operates on an annual assessment cycle with taxes due by January 31st following the assessment year. However, supplemental assessments may occur when new construction is completed during the tax year or when property improvements substantially increase a property's value mid-year.

When supplemental taxes are levied, they are calculated on the increased assessed value from the date the improvement was substantially complete through the end of the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July, you would owe taxes on that additional assessed value for the remaining 6 months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be calculated as: Additional Assessed Value × Applicable Tax Rate × (Months Remaining ÷ 12). Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill with its own due date, typically 30 days from the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption (school): -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.8%
  • Annual Tax: $3,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $300

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption (school): -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.8%
  • Annual Tax: $9,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption (school): -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Estimated Tax Rate: 1.8%
  • Annual Tax: $16,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,350

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and only applies to your primary residence. Tax rates vary by location within Hale County based on local taxing districts. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans - all require separate applications.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hale County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds in a non-interest bearing escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Hale County when they become due on January 31st.

Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You have the right to request escrow account information and can pay property taxes directly if you meet your lender's requirements (typically 20% equity and good payment history). When paying directly, you're responsible for ensuring payment reaches the tax collector by the January 31st deadline to avoid penalties and potential foreclosure proceedings.

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 Hale County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st for the current tax year. There is no split payment option - the full amount is due by this single deadline. Late payments incur penalty and interest charges immediately after January 31st.

Q: What homestead benefits are available and do I need to apply? A: Texas offers a $100,000 school district homestead exemption for your primary residence, which reduces your taxable value. You must file an application with the Hale County Appraisal District - it is not automatic. The homestead also caps assessment increases at 10% annually once approved.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, Texas offers additional homestead exemptions for residents 65+ and disabled persons. Senior citizens receive an additional school tax exemption and may qualify for tax ceiling (freezing school taxes at current level). All require separate applications with proof of age/disability.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: You can protest your property value with the Hale County Appraisal Review Board. Protests must be filed by May 15th (or 30 days after receiving your notice). Contact the Hale County Appraisal District for protest forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Penalty and interest begin accruing February 1st. Penalties start at 6% the first month and increase monthly. After January 31st of the following year, the county may initiate foreclosure proceedings for unpaid taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Hale County Tax Assessor-Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Texas counties offer online payment systems for property taxes.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a city versus unincorporated county? A: Yes, city residents pay additional municipal taxes on top of county and school district taxes. Your total rate depends on which city, school district, and special districts serve your property location.

Q: When do I need to reapply for exemptions? A: Most exemptions require only one application and remain in effect as long as you qualify and own the property. However, you must notify the appraisal district if you no longer qualify (such as moving and renting out your former homestead).

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Methods and Assitance Program 2025 Reportcomptroller.texas.gov
03
County
Welcome to Hale County, TXco.hale.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
County
Hale County Appraisal District - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
2024 ISD Summary Worksheet - Texas Comptroller - Texas.govcomptroller.texas.gov
08
Re: Questions relating to homestead exemptitexasattorneygeneral.gov
09
County
EFFECTIVE MONTH:0 - Swisher Countyco.swisher.tx.us
10
Texas Constitution and Statutesstatutes.legis.state.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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