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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Potter County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value (varies by taxing districts serving your property)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Potter County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding source for local government services, school districts, and various special districts. Located in the Texas Panhandle with Amarillo as the county seat, Potter County property owners pay taxes to multiple entities including the county, school districts, cities, and special purpose districts. The Potter County Appraisal District, led by Chief Appraiser Jeff Dagley, handles property assessments for all taxing units within the county.

Property tax rates in Potter County typically range from approximately 2.0% to 2.8% of assessed value, depending on your specific location and the combination of taxing districts that serve your property. The actual rate you pay varies significantly based on whether you're within city limits, which school district serves your area, and what special districts (such as hospital districts, utility districts, or municipal utility districts) apply to your property. Texas law provides several tax credits and exemptions that can reduce your tax burden, but most require annual application and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Based on FY 2024-2025 levy year rates for Potter County taxing jurisdictions:

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Potter County$0.4200County government services, roads, law enforcement
Amarillo ISD$1.3500Primary school district covering most of county
River Road ISD$1.2800Alternative school district in some areas
City of Amarillo$0.5891Municipal services (varies by city)
Hospital District$0.1500Emergency medical services
College District$0.1234Amarillo College support
Total Range$2.20-$2.80Varies by property location and districts

Note: Rates shown are representative and may vary by specific location within Potter County. Properties outside city limits do not pay municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district combinations. Contact the Potter County Appraisal District at 5701 Hollywood Rd, Amarillo, TX 79118 for your specific tax rate combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Potter 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 Potter County are additional property tax bills issued when significant changes occur to a property during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements or additions, and changes in property ownership that result in reassessment above the previous year's appraised value.

When a supplemental tax is triggered, the Potter County Appraisal District calculates the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, then applies the current tax rates to determine the additional tax owed. This supplemental amount is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year from the date the change became effective.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in March and your total tax rate is 2.5%, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: ($50,000 ÷ 100) × $2.50 = $1,250 annually. Since 10 months remain in the tax year (March through December), you would owe approximately $1,042 in supplemental taxes, typically billed separately from your regular annual property tax statement.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (for school taxes only)
  • Homestead Credit Application: Required annually
  • Taxable Value (County/City): $300,000
  • Taxable Value (School): $200,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$6,850
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$571

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school taxes)
  • Senior Citizen Exemption: -$10,000 (county taxes, age 65+)
  • Applications Required: Both exemptions need annual filing
  • Taxable Value: $590,000 (county), $500,000 (school)
  • Annual Tax: ~$12,900
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,075

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (No Exemptions)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • No Credits Applied (commercial or non-homestead property)
  • Full Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: ~$25,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$2,083

Note: All tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Contact Potter County Appraisal District for current application deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Potter County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their mortgage servicer. Your lender estimates annual property taxes and divides this amount into monthly payments collected with your mortgage payment. Texas property taxes are due January 31st each year, and lenders typically pay these taxes in January using funds accumulated in your escrow account throughout the previous year.

Your mortgage servicer will conduct an annual escrow analysis, usually in the fall, to ensure adequate funds are collected for the upcoming tax year. If property taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump-sum payment or increased monthly payments. Conversely, if taxes decrease or you successfully apply for new tax credits, you may receive an escrow refund.

Property owners should verify that their lender pays taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for property tax obligations. You can monitor your account through the Potter County Tax Assessor-Collector's office and ensure your homestead exemption and other applicable credits are properly applied before the January 31st deadline 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 Potter County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due January 31st annually. For the 2024 tax year, taxes must be paid by January 31, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Major tax credits include the $100,000 homestead exemption for school district taxes, senior citizen exemptions (age 65+), disabled veteran exemptions, and agricultural/timber exemptions. All require annual application through the Potter County Appraisal District by April 30th.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: The homestead exemption provides a $100,000 reduction in assessed value for school district taxes only, plus caps annual assessment increases at 10% for your primary residence. You must apply annually and the property must be your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year.

Q: When does the county assess property values? A: Potter County assesses all properties 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: Texas law imposes penalties of 6% in February, 7% in March, 8% in April, 9% in May, 10% in June, and 12% in July and thereafter, plus annual interest charges of 1% per month.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Potter County offers online payment options through their official website. Contact the Tax Assessor-Collector's office at the Potter County Courthouse for current payment methods and any associated convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts like hospital districts, municipal utility districts, and college districts add separate line items to your tax bill. Your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location within Potter County.

Q: What if I disagree with my property assessment? A: You can protest your assessment through the Potter County Appraisal Review Board. Protest deadlines are typically 30 days after receiving your assessment notice, usually in late May or early June.

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