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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Nueces County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Nueces 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
2.2%-2.8% total effective rate (varies by location and taxing entities)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Nueces County operates under Texas property tax law, which funds essential local services including schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts through ad valorem taxation. The county's property tax system is administered by the Nueces County Appraisal District, which assesses property values as of January 1st each year. Property owners receive tax bills from multiple jurisdictions, with the total effective tax rate typically ranging from 2.2% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on location within the county.

The actual tax rate varies significantly by location within Nueces County due to different combinations of taxing entities, including the county, school districts, municipalities, and special districts such as hospital districts, water districts, and emergency services districts. For the 2025 tax year, property taxes have increased by approximately 9.07% for maintenance and operations compared to the previous year. Property owners should note that their specific tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve their particular address within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate RateDescription
Nueces County0.4500County operations, roads, law enforcement, courts
School District1.1500-1.3500Local school district operations and debt service
City/Municipality0.3000-0.7000Municipal services (varies by city)
Corpus Christi College District0.1200Community college operations
Hospital District0.1500-0.2000Hospital and emergency medical services
Emergency Services District0.0500-0.1000Fire and EMS (rural areas)
Water/Utility Districts0.0500-0.1500Water and wastewater services
Total Effective Rate2.2000-2.8000Combined rate varies by location

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 and are approximate. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts serving each property location. Contact the Nueces County Appraisal District for exact rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Nueces 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 Nueces County are triggered when property ownership changes, new construction is completed, or significant improvements are made to existing properties. These taxes represent the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property's current value or ownership status. The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then multiplying by the applicable tax rate for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if a property sells in June for $400,000 but was originally assessed at $300,000, a supplemental tax bill would be issued for the $100,000 difference in assessed value, multiplied by the combined tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months of the tax year (7 months). This ensures that the new assessed value is reflected in the current year's taxation rather than waiting until the following tax year.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $275,000 (exemption applies only to school portion)
  • Annual Tax: $6,875 (at 2.5% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $573

Property Value: $600,000

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $575,000
  • Annual Tax: $14,375 (at 2.5% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,198

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district portion only)
  • Over-65 Exemption: -$10,000 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $965,000
  • Annual Tax: $24,125 (at 2.5% effective rate)
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,010

Note: Homestead and other exemptions require application and are not automatic. Additional exemptions may be available for disabled veterans, over-65, and disabled homeowners.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Nueces County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments equal to 1/12 of the annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing and maintain a cushion of 2-3 months of payments. The escrow account is analyzed annually, and shortages or surpluses are adjusted through changes to your monthly payment or lump-sum collections/refunds.

Property taxes in Nueces County are due January 31st for the full year, with split payment options available (first installment due January 31st, second installment due October 15th, with all taxes due by December 31st). Your lender will make the payment directly to the tax collector from your escrow account. You can verify payments and balances through the Nueces County Tax Assessor-Collector's website, and you should receive an annual escrow analysis statement from your lender showing all deposits and payments made on your behalf.

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 Nueces County for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, property taxes are due January 31, 2026. Split payment options allow first installment by January 31st and second installment by October 15th, with final payment deadline of December 31st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available tax exemptions (which reduce assessed value) include homestead exemption ($100,000 for school taxes), over-65 exemption, disabled person exemption, and disabled veteran exemptions. All exemptions require application and are not automatic - you must file with the Nueces County Appraisal District.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in assessed value for school district taxes only, and caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence. You must apply for this exemption - it's not automatic. Application deadline is April 30th.

Q: When are properties assessed and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed as of January 1st each year. Property owners receive notice of appraised value by April 30th and can file a protest with the Nueces County Appraisal Review Board by May 31st (or within 30 days of receiving notice, whichever is later).

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Penalty is 6% if paid in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% from July onward. Interest accrues at 1% per month on unpaid taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the Nueces County Tax Office website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are accepted, though convenience fees may apply.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary within the county? A: Different areas of Nueces County are served by different combinations of special districts (hospital, emergency services, water, etc.). Your total tax rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental assessments occur when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or substantial improvements are made. The supplemental tax covers the difference in assessed value for the remaining portion of the tax year.

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
Property Tax Methods and Assitance Program 2025 Reportcomptroller.texas.gov
02
County
County Sales and Use Tax - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
03
Tax Doc
New and Additional Tax Rate Changes - Texas.govcomptroller.texas.gov
04
County
Nueces County Appraisal Dates & Deadlinestaxcutter.us
05
Tax Doc
Nueces Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
06
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
07
Residence Homestead Exemption Affidavits - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
County
Nueces County Appraisal District Exemptionstaxcutter.us
09
Opinion No. 0-6136texasattorneygeneral.gov
10
(b) Provides that this chapter expires December 31, 2021.legis.state.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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