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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hidalgo County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hidalgo 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
2.5% to 3.5% effective rate (varies by jurisdiction)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hidalgo County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, with taxes serving as the primary funding source for essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts. Property taxes in Hidalgo County fund everything from education and public safety to infrastructure maintenance and emergency services. The county follows Texas Property Tax Code requirements, with the Hidalgo County Appraisal District responsible for determining property values and various taxing entities setting their individual tax rates.

The effective property tax rate in Hidalgo County varies by location due to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions, but typically ranges from 2.5% to 3.5% of assessed value. This rate combines levies from the county ($0.30 per $100 valuation as the current county rate), school districts, municipalities, and special purpose districts. Texas law provides significant protections for homeowners, including a 10% annual cap on assessed value increases for homestead properties and substantial homestead exemptions that can significantly reduce your tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Hidalgo County$0.30/$100County services, courts, law enforcement, roads
School Districts$1.00-$1.40/$100Local independent school districts (varies by district)
Municipalities$0.40-$0.80/$100City services (varies by city, if applicable)
Emergency Services$0.05-$0.15/$100Fire departments, EMS districts
Hospital Districts$0.10-$0.25/$100Public hospital funding
Water/Utility Districts$0.05-$0.20/$100Water, sewer, drainage infrastructure
Other Special Districts$0.02-$0.10/$100Port authority, navigation, community colleges

Note: Rates shown per $100 of assessed value. Your specific rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property location.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hidalgo 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 Hidalgo County are additional property tax bills issued when there are mid-year changes to property ownership, value, or exemption status. The most common triggers include purchasing a home, completing new construction or major improvements, or changes to homestead exemption eligibility. When these changes occur, the county prorates the tax difference for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new tax amounts, then prorating this difference based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in July that loses a homestead exemption, you would receive a supplemental bill for the additional taxes owed from July through December. The bill typically arrives 4-8 weeks after the triggering event and maintains the same January 31st due date as regular property taxes, though immediate payment is recommended to avoid confusion.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 2.8%): $200,000 × 0.028 = $5,600 annually
  • Monthly Escrow: $467

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 3.0%): $500,000 × 0.030 = $15,000 annually
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,250

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property (No Homestead)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 3.2%): $1,000,000 × 0.032 = $32,000 annually
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,667

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hidalgo County require property tax escrow accounts for homeowners with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly property tax payments as part of your mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Hidalgo County when they become due on January 31st each year. This system ensures taxes are paid on time and spreads the cost over 12 months rather than requiring a large lump sum payment.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property values increase significantly or tax rates change, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and any surplus or shortage. Property owners can verify their tax payments through the Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector's website and should review their mortgage statements to ensure taxes are being paid correctly and on time.

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 Hidalgo County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st each year. Payments received after this date incur penalties and interest charges.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available? A: The primary exemption is a $100,000 school district exemption for your primary residence. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors (65+), disabled veterans, and disabled persons.

Q: How do I apply for a homestead exemption? A: File an Application for Residence Homestead Exemption with the Hidalgo County Appraisal District by April 30th of the tax year. The exemption continues automatically once approved.

Q: Can my property value increase more than 10% per year? A: No, Texas law caps annual assessed value increases at 10% for homestead properties. This protection doesn't apply to non-homestead properties.

Q: How do I pay my property taxes online? A: Visit the Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector website to pay online using a bank account or credit card. Additional convenience fees may apply.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Penalties begin February 1st at 6% of the tax amount, with additional penalties and interest accruing monthly. Severely delinquent taxes can result in foreclosure.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Hidalgo County Appraisal Review Board by May 15th (or 30 days after receiving your notice). You can protest online, by mail, or in person.

Q: Do I need to pay taxes on a newly purchased home? A: Yes, taxes are typically prorated at closing. You're responsible for taxes from your closing date forward, and may receive a supplemental tax bill if exemptions change.

Q: Can I get a payment plan for delinquent taxes? A: Yes, Hidalgo County may offer installment agreements for delinquent taxes. Contact the Tax Assessor-Collector's office to discuss payment plan options and requirements.

Q: How are property taxes calculated on new construction? A: New construction is assessed at its completed value and prorated for the portion of the year it was completed. You'll receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional value.

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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASEhidalgocounty.us
02
County
Property Taxes In Hidalgo Countynacdashboard.nara.gov
03
County
Truth In Taxation | Hidalgo County, TX - Official Websitehidalgocounty.us
04
Tax Doc
01242024-Deadline for paying Property Taxeshidalgocounty.us
05
Tax Doc
property taxes due before february 1, 2014 to avoid ...hidalgocounty.us
06
NEWS RELEASEhidalgocounty.us
07
County
Hidalgo County Property Taxesnacdashboard.nara.gov
08
County
Forms | Hidalgo County, TX - Official Websitehidalgocounty.us
09
County
Hidalgo County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.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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