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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Runnels County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Runnels 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
Approximately 1.8% of assessed value, varies significantly by location due to different taxing districts
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Runnels County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the market value of real estate as of January 1st each year, with the county's appraisal district determining property values and various taxing entities setting their respective tax rates.

The effective property tax rate in Runnels County typically ranges around 1.8% of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts. These may include school districts, municipal utility districts, hospital districts, and other local entities, each with their own tax rate. Property owners receive a single tax bill that combines all applicable taxing entities for their location, with payments traditionally due by January 31st annually.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates represent the typical taxing entities in Runnels County, though specific rates vary by location and taxing district:

ComponentEstimated Rate (per $100)Description
School District$1.00 - $1.30Local independent school district operations and debt service
County General$0.45 - $0.55Runnels County operations, roads, law enforcement
City/Municipality$0.20 - $0.50City services (varies by city, if applicable)
Hospital District$0.10 - $0.25Local healthcare services (if applicable)
Special Districts$0.05 - $0.20Water, fire, utility districts (location dependent)
Total Estimated$1.80 - $2.80Combined rate varies by specific location

Note: 2025-2026 fiscal year rates are not yet finalized. The county adopted its budget in November 2024, with final rates to be published on the official county website. Actual rates depend on your property's specific taxing district combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Runnels 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 Runnels County are triggered when new property is added to the tax roll during the fiscal year, typically due to new construction completion, property improvements, or ownership changes that prompt reassessment. Based on recent county data, approximately $44,800 in supplemental property tax revenue was raised from new property additions in recent years.

When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the newly assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining. For example, if a new home is completed and assessed at $250,000 in March (with 10 months remaining in the tax year), and the total tax rate is 2.0%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $4,167 ($250,000 × 0.02 × 10/12 months). Property owners typically receive a separate supplemental tax bill with its own due date, usually 30-60 days from the assessment date.

Example Calculation

The following examples assume a combined tax rate of 2.0% and factor in common tax credits that require application:

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Annual Tax: $200,000 × 0.020 = $4,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$333

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead + Over-65 Exemptions

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Homestead Exemption: -$100,000
  • County Over-65 Exemption: -$10,000 (estimated, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $490,000
  • Annual Tax: $490,000 × 0.020 = $9,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$817

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

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • No Exemptions Applied: $0
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.020 = $20,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,667

All exemptions require separate applications and approval. Contact the Runnels County Appraisal District for current exemption amounts and application procedures.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Runnels County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill, plus a small cushion as allowed by federal regulations. These funds are held in a non-interest-bearing account and used to pay your property taxes when due.

Lenders typically pay Runnels County property taxes by the January 31st deadline on behalf of escrowed borrowers. Property owners receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump-sum payment or increased monthly escrow contributions. Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments by checking with the Runnels County Tax Collector's office, as ultimate responsibility for payment remains with the property owner even when using escrow services.

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 Runnels County property taxes due for the 2025-2026 fiscal year? A: Property taxes are traditionally due by January 31st annually. However, verify the exact due date on your tax statement or with the Runnels County Tax Collector, as dates may vary.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and do I need to apply? A: Texas offers a $100,000 school district homestead exemption for primary residences. This exemption reduces your taxable value and must be applied for with the Runnels County Appraisal District - it is not automatic. Additionally, the homestead caps annual assessment increases at 10% regardless of market value changes.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, residents over 65 or disabled individuals may qualify for additional exemptions and potential tax freezes. These require separate applications with the appraisal district and have specific eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can protest their assessed value with the Runnels County Appraisal Review Board, typically by May 31st (or within 30 days of receiving your notice of appraised value). Contact the Runnels County Appraisal District for protest forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments typically incur penalties and interest charges that compound monthly. Contact the Runnels County Tax Collector for specific penalty rates and payment options if you're facing late payment.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Check the Runnels County Tax Collector's official website for available online payment options, accepted payment methods, and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why does my tax rate differ from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on the specific combination of taxing districts that serve your property, including school districts, municipal utility districts, hospital districts, and other special districts. Properties in different areas may have different combinations of these entities.

Q: When do I need to apply for exemptions for the next tax year? A: Most exemption applications must be filed between January 1st and April 30th for the following tax year. Contact the Runnels County Appraisal District for specific deadlines and required documentation for each type of exemption.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Overviewco.runnels.tx.us
02
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
03
County
Runnels County: Homeco.runnels.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Due Dates for Taxes, Fees and Information Reportscomptroller.texas.gov
06
FEE SCHEDULEco.runnels.tx.us
07
County
Runnels County Appraisal District - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
08
82(R) SB 1303 - Enrolled version - Bill Textcapitol.texas.gov
09
Tax Doc
Report on Cost of Property Tax Exemption for 100 Percent ...comptroller.texas.gov
10
County
PROPOSED RUNNELS COUNTYco.runnels.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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