HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Martin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Ranges $1.76-$3.71 per $100 assessed value (varies by taxing district)
1st Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Martin County, Texas operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners in Martin County face an effective tax rate that varies by location within the county, typically ranging from approximately $1.76 to $3.71 per $100 of assessed value, depending on the specific taxing districts that serve their property.

The county's property tax system is governed by the Texas Property Tax Code and administered by the Martin County Appraisal District. Property values are assessed annually as of January 1st, with tax bills typically mailed in October and due by February 1st of the following year. It's important to note that actual tax rates vary significantly by location within Martin County due to overlapping special taxing districts, including school districts, municipal utility districts, and other local improvement districts that may serve specific areas.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
County General Fund$0.3703Basic county operations, law enforcement, courts
School District$1.20-$1.40*Local school district operations and debt service
Special Districts$0.10-$0.50*MUDs, hospital districts, other local services
Total Effective Rate$1.67-$3.71Combined rate varies by location

*Rates are approximate and vary by specific district. These rates apply to the FY 2024-2025 levy year.

Note: Your actual tax rate depends on which taxing entities serve your specific property location. School district rates can vary significantly between different districts within Martin County, and additional special district assessments may apply based on your property's location and the services provided to that area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Martin County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Feb 1
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 Martin County are triggered when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year, primarily due to new construction, major improvements, or ownership transfers that result in a reassessment above the annual 10% cap for homesteaded properties. When improvements are completed or property changes hands, the Martin County Appraisal District may issue a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the remainder of the current tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the applicable tax rate to that difference, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 addition in June, and the combined tax rate is $2.50 per $100 of value, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,250 ($100,000 × 0.025) prorated for 7 months (June through December), resulting in a supplemental bill of about $729.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $4,400
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $367

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Over-65 Additional Exemption: -$10,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $490,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $10,780
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $898

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Basic Homestead Only

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Tax Rate: $2.20 per $100
  • Annual Tax: $19,800
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,650

Note: All exemptions require application and approval. Tax rates shown are estimated averages and actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving your property location.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Martin County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% equity in their homes. Under this system, lenders collect approximately 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into a dedicated escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to Martin County when they become due on February 1st each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and they may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. Property owners should verify that their lender has paid taxes on time by checking with the Martin County Tax Collector, as homeowners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services. If you pay taxes directly rather than through escrow, you can make payments online, by mail, or in person, but must ensure payment is received by February 1st to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by February 1, 2025. Taxes become delinquent on February 2nd and immediately begin accruing penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax benefit is the $100,000 homestead exemption for school district taxes, which REQUIRES APPLICATION. Additional exemptions may be available for residents over 65, disabled veterans, and disabled persons. All exemptions must be applied for through the Martin County Appraisal District and are NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides two benefits: a $100,000 reduction in taxable value for school taxes, and a 10% annual cap on assessed value increases. You must file an application with the Martin County Appraisal District, and it applies only to your primary residence, not rental or investment properties.

Q: When are properties assessed and can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Property owners typically receive notices of appraised value in April or May and have until May 31st to file a protest with the Martin County Appraisal Review Board if they disagree with the assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Taxes paid in February incur a 6% penalty, March adds 7%, April through June adds 8%, and July and later adds 12%. Additionally, interest accrues at 1% per month on the unpaid balance.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Martin County typically offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the Martin County Tax Collector's office for current online payment procedures and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Martin County? A: Different areas of Martin County are served by different combinations of taxing entities, including various school districts, municipal utility districts, hospital districts, and other special purpose districts. Your total tax rate is the sum of all taxing entities that serve your specific property location.

Q: What if I disagree with special district taxes on my bill? A: Special district taxes are set by independent taxing entities and cannot be appealed through the county. Contact the specific district directly if you have questions about their tax rate or the services provided. The Martin County Appraisal District can provide contact information for all taxing entities.

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
This budget will raise more revenue from property taxes thanco.martin.tx.us
02
Tax Doc
Property Tax Methods and Assitance Program 2025 Reportcomptroller.texas.gov
03
Tax Doc
TEXAS SALES AND USE TAX RATES – January 2026comptroller.texas.gov
04
County
COUNTY OF MARTIN Annual Financial Report ...co.martin.tx.us
05
Tax Doc
Paying Your Taxes - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
County
Untitled - Martin Countyco.martin.tx.us
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Forms - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
09
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
10
County
MARTIN COUNTY, TEXAS STANTON, TEXAS THE ...co.martin.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate