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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Houston County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Houston 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
1.5% to 2.1% effective rate (varies by taxing districts including schools, county, ESDs)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Houston 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 owners in Houston County can expect effective tax rates ranging from approximately 1.5% to 2.1% of assessed value, depending on their specific location within the county. The county follows Texas Property Tax Code requirements, with assessments based on market value as of January 1st each year.

Property tax rates vary significantly across Houston County due to the presence of multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, municipal utility districts, emergency services districts, and other local entities. Each property's total tax bill represents the combined rates of all applicable taxing jurisdictions serving that location. The Houston County Appraisal District determines assessed values, while individual taxing entities set their respective tax rates annually.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate per $100Description
Houston County$0.423000County general operations, roads, law enforcement
School Districts$1.200000-$1.400000*Local school district operations and debt service
Cities/Towns$0.200000-$0.600000*Municipal services (varies by city)
Emergency Services Districts$0.100000-$0.200000*Fire and EMS services
Municipal Utility Districts$0.300000-$0.800000*Water, sewer, drainage infrastructure
Other Special Districts$0.050000-$0.300000*Hospital districts, community colleges, etc.

*Rates vary by specific district and location within Houston County. These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Contact the Houston County Appraisal District at (936) 544-9655 for your property's specific taxing entities and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Houston 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 Houston County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after January 1st (the assessment date), the appraisal district may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a newly constructed home in Houston County in July that wasn't on the January 1st tax roll, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the new assessed value, applying the appropriate tax rates for your location's taxing districts, and prorating it for the remaining months of the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental bills within 60-90 days of the triggering event.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 1.85%
  • Annual Tax: $3,700
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $308

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

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Additional Over-65 Exemptions: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $490,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 1.85%
  • Annual Tax: $9,065
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $755

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

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 1.95%
  • Annual Tax: $17,550
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,463

Note: All exemptions require application and approval. Tax rates vary by specific location within Houston County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Houston County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, then pays your property taxes directly to Houston County on your behalf by the January 31st due date. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a cushion of 2-3 months.

Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis statement showing tax payments made and any required adjustments to your monthly escrow amount. Since Houston County property taxes are due in a single payment by January 31st, your escrow account must accumulate sufficient funds throughout the year. If your property assessment or tax rates change, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. Always verify that your lender has paid your taxes on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for timely payment even when using 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 Houston County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due by January 31, 2026. Taxes become delinquent on February 1st, with penalties and interest applied to late payments.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and do I need to apply? A: The homestead exemption provides up to $100,000 reduction in assessed value for school district taxes and caps annual assessment increases at 10%. You must apply with the Houston County Appraisal District at (936) 544-9655. This is NOT automatic.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, property owners 65 and older or disabled may qualify for additional exemptions and tax ceiling (freeze) options. Applications are required and must be filed with the Houston County Appraisal District by April 30th.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Houston County? A: Properties are reassessed annually as of January 1st. However, homestead properties benefit from the 10% assessment increase cap, limiting year-over-year increases regardless of market value changes.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Penalties begin February 1st: 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, 12% in July and after. Interest accrues at 1% per month.

Q: Can I pay my Houston County property taxes online? A: Yes, contact the Houston County Tax Office for online payment options and accepted payment methods. Processing fees may apply for electronic payments.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Your property may be served by multiple special taxing districts (school, ESD, MUD, etc.), each with separate tax rates. Your total bill reflects all applicable district taxes for your specific location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Houston County Appraisal Review Board by May 31st (or 30 days after receiving your notice of appraised value, whichever is later). Contact the Houston County Appraisal District at (936) 544-9655 for protest forms and procedures.

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 INCREASEco.houston.tx.us
02
Tax Doc
Jurisdiction Tax Ratestax.co.harris.tx.us
03
Tax Doc
NOTICE OF MEETING TO VOTE ON TAX RATEhoustontx.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Law Deadlines - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Pay Taxtax.co.harris.tx.us
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptions - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
Houston County Tax Assessorco.houston.tx.us
09
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
10
County
HOUSTON COUNTY, TEXASco.houston.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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