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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Knox County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Knox 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
1.6% to 2.2% effective rate, varies by school district and special districts within Knox County
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Knox 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 in Knox County are administered by multiple jurisdictions, with the Knox County Appraisal District handling property assessments and various taxing entities setting their own rates. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 1.6% to 2.2% of assessed value, depending on your specific location within the county and which special taxing districts serve your property.

Property tax rates vary significantly by location within Knox County due to different combinations of school districts, municipalities, hospital districts, and other special purpose districts. For example, properties within city limits pay both county and municipal taxes, while rural properties may only pay county and school district taxes. The county follows Texas state law requiring annual property reappraisals, though homestead properties benefit from a 10% annual assessment increase cap. All property owners receive their tax bills in the fall, with payments typically due by January 31st of the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Knox County$0.4850County operations, roads, law enforcement, courts
Knox City-O'Brien CISD$1.0681School district operations and debt service
Knox City$0.3500Municipal services (where applicable)
Benjamin ISD$1.1200Alternative school district in county
Hospital District$0.0750Knox County Hospital District
Total Range$1.53-$2.07Varies by special district combination

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year and may vary by specific location within Knox County. Rural properties typically pay county, school district, and hospital district taxes. City properties pay additional municipal taxes. Contact the Knox County Appraisal District at (940) 459-2031 for your specific tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Knox 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 Knox County are triggered when property changes ownership, undergoes new construction, or receives significant improvements that increase its assessed value mid-year. Unlike the standard annual assessment cycle, supplemental taxes capture the difference between the old and new assessed values for the remaining portion of the tax year. The Knox County Appraisal District calculates these taxes by determining the value increase and applying the appropriate tax rates for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now appraises at $250,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $50,000 increase for the remaining 7 months of the tax year. At a combined rate of $1.80 per $100, this would result in approximately $525 in supplemental taxes ($50,000 ÷ 100 × $1.80 × 7/12 months). These supplemental bills are typically issued within 30-60 days after the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (with Homestead and Over-65 Credits)

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $100,000 (school district)
  • Less: Over-65 Exemption: $10,000 (county/city)
  • Net Taxable Value: $190,000
  • Annual Tax: $3,420 ($190,000 ÷ 100 × $1.80 rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $285

$600,000 Home (with Homestead Credit only)

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $100,000 (school district only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Annual Tax: $9,000 ($500,000 ÷ 100 × $1.80 rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $750

$1,000,000 Home (no credits applied)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $18,000 ($1,000,000 ÷ 100 × $1.80 rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,500

Examples use average combined tax rate of $1.80 per $100. Credits require application and approval. Actual rates vary by location within Knox County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Knox County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments alongside your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of your annual property tax bill plus a small cushion. The lender receives your tax bills directly from Knox County and pays them on your behalf before the January 31st deadline. Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and your monthly payment may increase or decrease based on actual tax amounts and assessment changes.

If your property taxes increase due to rising assessments or rate changes, your lender will notify you of higher escrow payments, sometimes requiring a lump sum payment to cover shortfalls. You can verify escrow payments by reviewing your annual escrow analysis statement and comparing it to your actual Knox County tax bill. Property owners with escrow accounts should still monitor their tax bills for accuracy and file any necessary appeals, as lenders typically pay the billed amount without verification. Contact your lender immediately if you believe there are errors in escrow calculations or if you don't receive proper tax bill notifications.

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 Knox County property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due by January 31, 2025. Knox County offers a single payment deadline rather than installment options.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Major credits include the $100,000 Homestead Exemption (requires application), Over-65 Exemption (application required), Disabled Veteran Exemptions (application and documentation required), and Agricultural Use Valuation (detailed application process). None are automatic - all require filing with the Knox County Appraisal District.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: The Homestead credit provides a $100,000 exemption from school district taxes and caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence. You must file a homestead application with the Knox County Appraisal District by April 30th of the year you want it to take effect.

Q: When does Knox County reassess properties? A: Properties are reappraised annually as of January 1st. The appraisal district mails notices of appraised value by April 30th, with protest deadlines typically in May.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Texas law requires a 6% penalty on February 1st, an additional 1% penalty on March 1st, and 1% each month thereafter, plus attorney fees for delinquent accounts.

Q: Can I pay my Knox County property taxes online? A: Yes, visit the Knox County Tax Assessor-Collector website or call (940) 459-2441 for online payment options and accepted methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Knox County? A: Different combinations of school districts (Knox City-O'Brien CISD vs. Benjamin ISD), municipalities, and special districts create varying total tax rates depending on your property's specific location.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a protest with the Knox County Appraisal Review Board by the deadline shown on your notice of appraised value, typically in late May. Contact the appraisal district at (940) 459-2031 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
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
02
Tax Doc
TEXAS SALES AND USE TAX RATES – January 2026comptroller.texas.gov
03
2025 ISD Summary Worksheet - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
County
proceedings of the knox county board of equalizationknoxcountyne.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
2025 ISD Summary Worksheet - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
2025 Deduction Detail - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
09
County
Knox County Appraisal Districtcomptroller.texas.gov
10
TEXAS COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTSassets.comptroller.texas.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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