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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McCulloch County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.610198 per $100 assessed value (county base rate, varies by location with additional district taxes)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McCulloch County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including county government operations, public schools, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with the McCulloch County Appraisal District responsible for determining property values as of January 1st each year.

The effective tax rate in McCulloch County varies by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing entities. For FY 2025, the county's base rate is 0.610198 per $100 of assessed value, but property owners may also pay additional taxes to school districts, municipalities, and special districts depending on their property's location. Total effective rates typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.2% of assessed value, making it important for property owners to understand which taxing jurisdictions apply to their specific property.

Property owners should note that while the county sets its base rate, the total tax bill depends on overlapping jurisdictions such as school districts, cities, and special purpose districts like hospital districts or utility districts. Each of these entities sets its own rate annually, contributing to variations in tax burdens across different areas of McCulloch County.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionFiscal Year
McCulloch County0.610198County operations, roads, law enforcement, courtsFY 2025
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school district operations and debt serviceFY 2025
MunicipalitiesVaries by cityCity services for incorporated areas onlyFY 2025
Special DistrictsVaries by districtHospital districts, utility districts, other special purposesFY 2025

Note: The county rate of 0.610198 represents the No New Revenue Rate for FY 2025. School district rates, municipal rates, and special district rates vary significantly depending on the property's location within McCulloch County. Property owners should contact the McCulloch County Appraisal District for their specific tax rate combination, as total effective rates can range from 1.5% to over 2.0% depending on the taxing jurisdictions that apply to their property.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McCulloch 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 McCulloch County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or usage during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, property transfers that remove previous exemptions, or discovery of previously unreported improvements to existing properties.

When a supplemental assessment is issued, it is calculated based on the difference between the old assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a new home is completed and receives its certificate of occupancy in July, the supplemental tax would cover July through December (6 months) of that tax year. The calculation uses the current year's tax rates applied to the newly assessed value.

Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 30-60 days of the triggering event and become due immediately upon issuance. Property owners have the same appeal rights for supplemental assessments as they do for regular annual assessments, and must file any appeals within 30 days of receiving the supplemental notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): $100,000 (school portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (county/other) + $200,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.8% effective rate): $5,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $450

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): $100,000 (school portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (county/other) + $500,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.8% effective rate): $10,620
  • Monthly Escrow: $885

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption (if applicable): $100,000 (school portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (county/other) + $900,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax (est. 1.8% effective rate): $17,820
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,485

Important Notes: Homestead exemptions require annual application and only apply to primary residences. The 10% homestead cap limits annual assessment increases but does not reduce market value. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. These examples use estimated combined rates - contact the McCulloch County Appraisal District for precise rates applicable to your property location.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McCulloch County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. The lender collects 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account until taxes become due.

Property taxes in Texas are due January 31st for the previous year's assessment, and lenders typically pay the full annual amount on behalf of borrowers before this deadline. Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, usually around the anniversary of the loan, to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, borrowers may face escrow shortages requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments to cover the deficit.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should review their annual escrow analysis statement carefully and verify that their lender has received current tax bills from all applicable taxing entities. The McCulloch County Tax Assessor-Collector can confirm whether taxes have been paid and provide payoff amounts for lenders. Borrowers who believe their escrow payments are too high or too low should contact their lender with current assessment information to request an escrow analysis review.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in McCulloch County? A: Property taxes for FY 2025 are due January 31, 2026. Texas operates on a single annual payment schedule with no split payment options.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do they apply automatically? A: The primary homestead exemption provides up to $100,000 reduction in school district assessed value for primary residences. This exemption requires annual application with the McCulloch County Appraisal District and is NOT automatic. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled veterans, and disabled persons.

Q: How does the homestead cap work? A: The homestead cap limits assessment increases to 10% annually for qualified homesteads, but does not reduce the market value of the property. This benefit requires filing a homestead exemption application and only applies to the property's use as a primary residence.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners may file appeals with the McCulloch County Appraisal Review Board typically between May 1 and July 25, or within 30 days of receiving a notice of appraised value, whichever is later. Appeals must be filed by the statutory deadline.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties of 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% beginning July 1st. Interest accrues at 1% per month.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the McCulloch County Tax Assessor-Collector's office to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods for your specific tax bill.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Properties may be subject to additional taxes from hospital districts, utility districts, or other special purpose districts depending on location. These rates vary significantly and are added to county, school, and municipal taxes.

Q: Do I need to reapply for exemptions annually? A: Most exemptions, including homestead exemptions, require initial application but may automatically renew if you continue to qualify. However, it's recommended to verify your exemption status annually with the McCulloch County Appraisal District.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Untitled - McCulloch County, Texasco.mcculloch.tx.us
02
Tax Doc
Taxes | Brady, TX - Official Websitebradytx.us
03
County
notice of meeting to vote on tax rate - McCulloch County, Texasco.mcculloch.tx.us
04
EXHIBIT A - Description of Propertyassets.comptroller.texas.gov
05
County
McCulloch County Appraisal District - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
2024 ISD Summary Worksheet - Texas Comptroller - Texas.govcomptroller.texas.gov
07
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
McCulloch Countyco.mcculloch.tx.us
09
County
McCulloch Countynewtools.cira.state.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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