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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Kleberg County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Kleberg 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
Varies by location: approximately 2.2-2.8% combined rate (county + school + city + special districts)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Kleberg 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, with the county's economy significantly supported by both residential properties and agribusiness operations, particularly the renowned King Ranch which encompasses much of the county's land area.

The effective property tax rate in Kleberg County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing entities. Property owners may be subject to taxes from multiple jurisdictions including Kleberg County, school districts (primarily Kingsville ISD), cities, and various special districts. The combined rates typically range from approximately 2.0% to 2.5% of assessed value, though actual rates depend on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. All property tax credits and exemptions require formal application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Kleberg County0.77187%County operations, roads, law enforcement, courts
Kingsville ISD~1.20%Public school funding (rate varies annually)
City of Kingsville~0.65%Municipal services (if within city limits)
Special DistrictsVariesEmergency services, hospital district, other local services
Combined Rate Range2.0% - 2.5%Total varies by property location and applicable districts

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 tax year. School district and municipal rates are set annually and may change. Properties in different areas of Kleberg County will have different combinations of these taxing entities, resulting in varying total tax rates. Contact the Kleberg County Tax Assessor-Collector for your property's specific tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Kleberg 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 property taxes in Kleberg County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. Common triggers include new construction, major renovations, changes in property use, or ownership transfers that remove existing exemptions or credits. The supplemental tax represents the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed given the property changes.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition after the assessment date, a supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year. The calculation takes the additional assessed value, applies the applicable tax rate, and prorates it based on the number of months remaining in the tax year. Property owners typically receive supplemental tax bills within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have similar payment terms as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $4,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $367

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $11,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $917

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.2% (estimated combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $19,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,650

Note: All exemptions require application and approval. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, or veterans. Tax rates vary by specific location within Kleberg County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Kleberg County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated as your annual property tax bill divided by 12 months, plus a buffer amount as required by federal law. Lenders usually collect an initial escrow deposit at closing covering several months of payments.

Property tax payments in Kleberg County are due August 15th annually, and your mortgage servicer will make this payment on your behalf from your escrow account. Lenders are required to provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits and payments, and they must notify you of any escrow shortages or surpluses. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners should review their annual escrow analysis carefully and contact their servicer with any questions about calculations or payments.

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 Kleberg County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due August 15, 2025. Payments received after this date are subject to penalty and interest charges.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: The school district homestead exemption removes $100,000 from your home's taxable value for school taxes only. You must apply with the Kleberg County Appraisal District by April 30th following the year you establish residency. This exemption also caps annual assessment increases at 10%.

Q: What other tax credits are available? A: Additional exemptions may include senior citizen (65+), disabled person, disabled veteran, and agricultural/timber exemptions. All require separate applications with supporting documentation and have specific deadlines, typically April 30th annually.

Q: How does the 10% homestead cap work? A: If you have an approved homestead exemption, the taxable value increase on your residence is limited to 10% per year, regardless of market value increases. This caps assessment growth but doesn't reduce the actual market value.

Q: When and how can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the Kleberg County Appraisal Review Board. Appeals must typically be filed by May 15th or within 30 days of receiving your notice of assessed value, whichever is later.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalties begin accruing after August 15th, typically starting at 6% for the first month, with additional penalties and interest added monthly thereafter.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Kleberg County Tax Assessor-Collector's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do properties in different parts of Kleberg County have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on which taxing entities serve your property location. Properties may be subject to different combinations of county, school district, city, and special district taxes depending on their specific location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
2025 ISD Summary Worksheet - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
02
County
Texas Property Tax Code Section 26.16 - Kleberg Countyco.kleberg.tx.us
03
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
04
County
Untitled - Kleberg Countyco.kleberg.tx.us
05
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
06
Kleberg - 137 - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
County
Kleberg County Appraisal District - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
TARP Review of the Kleberg County Appraisal Districtcomptroller.texas.gov
09
METHODS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 2017 REPORTcomptroller.texas.gov
10
County
2019 Audit Report - Kleberg Countyco.kleberg.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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