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Updated 2025 Tax Year

McLennan County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in McLennan 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
1.8%-2.5% total (varies by location), county base rate $0.31 per $100 assessed value
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

McLennan County property taxes are the primary funding source for essential county services, school districts, cities, and special districts throughout the county. Property owners pay taxes based on the assessed value of their property multiplied by the combined tax rates from various local taxing entities. The effective property tax rate in McLennan County typically ranges from 1.8% to 2.5% of assessed value, depending on your specific location within the county.

The county's 2025 no-new-revenue tax rate is $0.312574 per $100 of assessed property value, with a voter-approval rate of $0.413377 per $100. However, your total property tax bill includes additional rates from school districts, cities, and special taxing districts, which vary significantly by location within McLennan County. Property taxes fund critical services including public education, law enforcement, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and county operations.

All property is assessed annually, with homestead properties subject to a 10% annual assessment increase cap under Texas law. Property owners may be eligible for various tax credits and exemptions, but most require separate applications and are not automatically applied to your tax bill.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionLevy Year
McLennan County$0.312574County operations, law enforcement, courtsFY 2025-2026
School DistrictVaries by districtLocal school funding (typically $1.00-$1.50)FY 2025-2026
City/MunicipalityVaries by cityMunicipal services, varies by incorporationFY 2025-2026
Emergency Services DistrictVaries by districtFire and emergency medical servicesFY 2025-2026
Hospital DistrictVaries by districtPublic healthcare servicesFY 2025-2026
Water/Utility DistrictsVaries by districtWater, sewer, drainage infrastructureFY 2025-2026

Note: Actual tax rates vary significantly based on your specific address within McLennan County due to overlapping special taxing districts. School district rates alone can vary from approximately $1.00 to $1.50 per $100 of assessed value depending on your local district. Contact the McLennan County Tax Office for your specific combined rate.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in McLennan 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 McLennan County are additional tax bills issued when property ownership changes or new construction is completed during the tax year. These supplemental assessments ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current ownership and property improvements throughout the entire tax year, rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment, then applying the current tax rate to that difference. The tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date of the triggering event. For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously under-assessed, you would receive a supplemental bill covering July through December at the corrected assessment level. Similarly, completing a home addition or major renovation triggers a supplemental assessment for the increased property value from the completion date through the end of the tax year.

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
  • Combined Tax Rate: 2.20% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $4,400
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $367

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: $100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Combined Tax Rate: 2.20% (estimated)
  • Annual Tax: $11,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $917

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

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

Note: These examples assume standard homestead exemptions which require application. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, veterans, or disabled persons but must be separately applied for with the McLennan County Appraisal District.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in McLennan County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or those who specifically request escrow services. Your lender collects a monthly amount equal to your annual property tax bill divided by 12, plus a cushion amount typically equal to two months of taxes. These funds are held in a separate escrow account and used to pay your property tax bills when they become due.

Property tax bills in McLennan County are typically mailed in October and are due upon receipt, becoming delinquent after February 1st of the following year. If you have an escrow account, your lender will receive a copy of the tax bill and pay it directly from your escrow account before the delinquency date. Lenders must provide you with an annual escrow analysis showing the account activity and any required payment adjustments.

If your property taxes increase due to assessment changes or rate increases, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly. You'll receive notice of any escrow payment changes, typically with at least 60 days advance notice. Property owners can verify that their taxes were paid by checking with the McLennan County Tax Office or viewing payment records online through the county's tax payment portal.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are McLennan County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due upon receipt of the bill and become delinquent after February 1st. The county offers quarterly payment options with specific deadlines: first quarter by February 14th, and third and fourth quarters by April 14th.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary homestead exemption provides $100,000 off assessed value for school district taxes on your primary residence. This requires a separate application with the McLennan County Appraisal District and is NOT automatic. The homestead also caps your annual assessment increase at 10%.

Q: What other tax exemptions require applications? A: Senior citizens (65+), disabled persons, and veterans may qualify for additional exemptions. Optional exemptions up to 20% of assessed value may be available. ALL exemptions require separate applications filed with the McLennan County Appraisal District - none are automatic.

Q: How does the 10% assessment cap work for homesteads? A: If you have a filed homestead exemption, your property's assessed value for tax purposes cannot increase more than 10% per year, even if market value rises more. This caps assessment growth but doesn't reduce the actual market value of your property.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal assessments through the McLennan County Appraisal Review Board. Appeal deadlines are typically in May following the assessment notice. Contact the McLennan County Appraisal District for specific dates and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Delinquent taxes accrue penalties and interest starting February 2nd. Penalty rates increase monthly, and properties with delinquent taxes may eventually be subject to tax sale proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, McLennan County offers online property tax payments through an external service provider. You'll need your property tax account number and can pay by e-check or credit card. Note that convenience fees may apply for credit card payments.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within McLennan County? A: Your total tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school district, emergency services district, hospital district, and utility districts. Properties in different areas of the county are served by different combinations of these districts, resulting in varying total tax rates.

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 About 2025 Tax Ratesmclennan.gov
02
Tax Doc
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Increasemclennan.gov
03
County
Tax Rates | McLennan County, TXmclennan.gov
04
County
Tax Office | McLennan County, TXmclennan.gov
05
McLennan CAD Key Appraisal Dates & Deadlinestaxcutter.us
06
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
07
County
McLennan County Appraisal Homestead Exemptionstaxcutter.us
08
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
09
Tax Doc
Texas Property Tax Exemptionscomptroller.texas.gov
10
Tax Doc
1882 - 1905 Tax Rollsmclennan.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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