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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hardin County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.496965/$100 county rate (total effective rate varies 1.8-3.5% by district)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hardin County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes are the primary funding source for local government services, school districts, and various special taxing districts. The county's 2025 tax rate is $0.496965 per $100 of assessed valuation, though this represents only the county portion of your total property tax bill. Your actual effective tax rate will be higher when combined with school district taxes, municipal taxes, and any applicable special district assessments.

Property tax rates vary significantly by location within Hardin County due to the overlay of different taxing jurisdictions. Residents may pay taxes to multiple entities including the county, school districts, cities or municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, and other special purpose districts. The total combined tax rate typically ranges from approximately 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value depending on your specific location and the taxing districts that serve your property.

Property assessments in Texas are based on market value as of January 1st each year, with the Texas Property Tax Code providing various exemptions and protections for qualifying property owners. Most exemptions and assessment limitations require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component2025 Rate (per $100)Description
Hardin County$0.496965County general operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school funding (typically $1.00-$1.40 per $100)
Cities/MUDsVaries by locationMunicipal services where applicable
Emergency ServicesVaries by districtFire protection, EMS services
Other Special DistrictsVaries by districtWater, sewer, parks, libraries, hospital districts

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (FY 2025-2026). The Hardin County rate shown is the base county rate only. Your total effective rate depends on which combination of taxing districts serve your specific property location. School district rates typically represent the largest component of your total tax bill. Contact the Hardin County Appraisal District at (409) 246-5130 for your property's complete taxing jurisdiction breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hardin 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 Hardin County are triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or substantial improvements to existing properties that occur after the January 1st assessment date. When these events happen, the appraisal district conducts a supplemental appraisal to capture the increased value or change in ownership status that wasn't reflected in the original tax roll.

The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's tax rates to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and your total tax rate is 2.5%, you would owe a supplemental tax of approximately $1,250 ($100,000 × 2.5% ÷ 2) for the remaining six months of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days after the triggering event and have the same payment deadline as regular property taxes (January 31st). These taxes are in addition to your regular annual property tax bill and help ensure that all properties contribute their fair share of taxes for the full year based on their current value and use.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.3%
  • Annual Tax: $4,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $383

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead and Over-65 Exemptions

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Additional Local Exemptions: -$20,000 (varies by district)
  • Net Taxable Value: $480,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.3%
  • Annual Tax: $11,040
  • Monthly Escrow: $920

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Standard Exemptions

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Additional Local Exemptions: -$15,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $885,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.3%
  • Annual Tax: $20,355
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,696

Important Notes: All exemptions require annual application and approval. The homestead exemption also provides a 10% annual cap on assessed value increases. Tax rates vary by specific location within the county due to different combinations of taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hardin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus amounts for homeowner's insurance. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Hardin County before the January 31st deadline to protect their collateral interest in your property.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis each year to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase due to rising assessments or tax rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You'll receive an escrow disclosure statement showing the calculation and any required changes to your monthly payment. Escrow shortages are typically spread over 12 months, while surpluses over $50 are usually refunded.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for paying property taxes directly to the Hardin County Tax Office by January 31st each year. The tax office mails tax statements in October, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person. Late payments are subject to penalty and interest charges that begin accruing February 1st, starting at 6% annually plus additional penalties for extended delinquency.

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 Hardin County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by January 31, 2026. This is a single annual payment with no split payment option available.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary homestead exemption is $100,000 off assessed value for school district taxes on your primary residence. You must apply with the Hardin County Appraisal District by April 30th following the year you purchase or begin occupying the home. The homestead also caps annual assessment increases at 10%.

Q: Are there additional exemptions for seniors or disabled veterans? A: Yes, property owners 65 and older may qualify for additional local exemptions and a ceiling on school taxes. 100% disabled veterans may qualify for full exemption from property taxes. Both require separate applications and documentation filed with the appraisal district.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Properties are reassessed annually as of January 1st each year. The Hardin County Appraisal District reviews market data and may adjust assessed values based on sales comparables, cost approach, or income approach for commercial properties.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can protest your assessed value with the Hardin County Appraisal Review Board. Protests must be filed by May 15th (or 30 days after receiving your notice, whichever is later). Contact the appraisal district at (409) 246-5130 for protest forms.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Late payments incur a 6% annual penalty plus interest starting February 1st. Additional penalties apply: 7% if paid in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% in July and beyond. Attorney fees may also be added for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, the Hardin County Tax Office typically provides online payment options. Contact their office at (409) 246-5115 for current online payment procedures and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase even though tax rates didn't change? A: Tax bills can increase due to rising property assessments, new special district taxes, or loss of previous exemptions. The 10% homestead cap only applies to school district taxes and only if you have a valid homestead exemption on file.

Q: Do I pay different rates than my neighbor? A: Possibly. Tax rates vary based on which taxing districts serve your property (school district, city, MUD, emergency services district, etc.). Even properties across the street may have different total tax rates due to different district boundaries.

Q: What exemptions require annual application? A: Most exemptions are automatically renewed once approved, but you must notify the appraisal district of any changes in qualification status. New exemptions, such as turning 65 or becoming disabled, require new applications. Always verify your exemptions appear on your annual tax statement.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
COIIIIT$SruNINS COURT O] IARIIIN [0uilil, T[XA$ IUESDAY I ...newtools.cira.state.tx.us
02
County
hardin county commissioners courtco.hardin.tx.us
03
Tax Doc
2025 Tax Ratesco.hardin.tx.us
04
County
100% service-connected disabled veterans - Hardin Countyco.hardin.tx.us
05
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
06
Application for Residence Homestead Exemptioncomptroller.texas.gov
07
County
Hardin County FY2017 Proposed Budgetco.hardin.tx.us
08
County
adopted fy2024 county budgetco.hardin.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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