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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Montague County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0312% county rate, total varies 1.8-2.5% by district (school districts, municipalities, special districts add additional levies)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Montague County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, with taxes serving as the primary funding source for county operations, school districts, municipal services, and various special districts. Property owners in Montague County face a combined tax rate that includes levies from multiple taxing entities, with the county portion being 1.0312% for the 2025 tax year. This represents an increase from the previous year's rate, reflecting growing service demands and infrastructure needs.

The actual property tax rate varies significantly by location within Montague County due to the presence of different school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts such as hospital districts, emergency services districts, and municipal utility districts. Property owners should expect their total effective tax rate to typically range from 2.0% to 2.8% when all taxing entities are combined, depending on their specific location within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)DescriptionLevy Year
County General$0.671200County operations, roads, law enforcementFY 2025
County Debt Service$0.360000County bond payments and debt obligationsFY 2025
Total County Rate$1.031200Combined county taxationFY 2025
School DistrictVaries by districtMaintenance & operations plus debt serviceFY 2025
MunicipalVaries by cityCity services (if within city limits)FY 2025
Special DistrictsVariesHospital, ESD, MUD, and other districtsFY 2025

Note: The county rate of $1.031200 per $100 of assessed value applies countywide. School district rates, municipal rates, and special district rates vary by location. Contact the Montague County Appraisal District for your specific total tax rate based on your property's location and applicable taxing entities.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Montague 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 Texas are primarily triggered by new construction, improvements, or changes in property ownership that occur after the January 1st assessment date. When property improvements are completed or when the appraisal district discovers previously unreported improvements, a supplemental assessment may be issued to capture the increased property value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, then applying the current tax rate to that difference, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property owner completes a $50,000 home addition in June, and the total tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $625 ($50,000 × 0.025 × 7/12 months remaining).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: $100,000 (for school portion only)
  • Taxable Value (School): $200,000
  • Taxable Value (County/Other): $300,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.4%
  • Annual Tax: ~$5,400
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$450

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: $100,000 (for school portion only)
  • Taxable Value (School): $500,000
  • Taxable Value (County/Other): $600,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.4%
  • Annual Tax: ~$13,200
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,100

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: $100,000 (for school portion only)
  • Taxable Value (School): $900,000
  • Taxable Value (County/Other): $1,000,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: 2.4%
  • Annual Tax: ~$22,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,900

Note: Homestead exemptions require annual application and only apply to your primary residence. Actual rates vary by specific location and taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Montague County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders may require escrow regardless of down payment amount. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculated by dividing your annual tax bill by 12 months, often with an additional cushion amount allowed by federal law.

Property taxes in Montague County are due by October 15th annually, and lenders typically receive tax bills directly from the county tax office. The escrow servicer will pay your taxes before the due date to avoid penalties. Property owners should verify that their lender has received the correct tax bill and made timely payment, as the property owner remains ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when using escrow services. You can verify payment status through the Montague County Tax Assessor-Collector's office online portal or by phone.

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 Montague County? A: Property taxes for the 2025 tax year are due by October 15, 2025. This is a single annual payment - there is no split payment option in Montague County.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and do they require application? A: The primary homestead exemption is the $100,000 school district exemption for your primary residence, which reduces the taxable value for school district taxes only. This exemption requires annual application with the Montague County Appraisal District and is NOT automatic.

Q: How does the homestead exemption cap assessment increases? A: The homestead exemption includes a 10% annual assessment cap, meaning your home's assessed value for tax purposes cannot increase more than 10% per year, regardless of market value increases. This caps assessment growth but does not reduce the actual market value of your property.

Q: When does the appraisal district assess properties? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in April, with protest deadlines usually falling in late May or early June.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. Penalty rates start at 6% for the first month and increase over time, with additional interest charges applied monthly.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Montague County typically offers online payment options through the Tax Assessor-Collector's website, though convenience fees may apply for electronic payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts such as hospital districts, emergency services districts, or municipal utility districts add additional taxes to your bill. The specific districts affecting your property depend on your location within the county.

Q: What other exemptions might I qualify for? A: Additional exemptions may be available for seniors (65+), disabled veterans, disabled persons, and agricultural/timber land use. All exemptions require separate applications and have specific qualification requirements and deadlines.

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