HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Zavala County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
$0.6471 per $100 assessed value (county only), varies by district with school and municipal rates added
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Zavala County, Texas operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, county government operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the appraised value of real estate and personal property, with tax bills typically issued in the fall and due by January 31st of the following year. The county follows Texas Property Tax Code guidelines, with appraisals conducted by the local appraisal district.

The effective property tax rate in Zavala County varies by location within the county due to overlapping taxing jurisdictions including the county, school districts, cities, and special districts. For 2025, the county rate is $0.6471 per $100 of assessed value, but property owners will also pay taxes to other local entities. Total effective rates typically range from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value depending on the specific combination of taxing districts where the property is located. It's important to note that actual tax bills reflect the sum of all applicable district rates for your specific property location.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component2025 Rate per $100Description
Zavala County$0.6471County government operations, roads, law enforcement
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school funding (rates vary by specific district)
City/MunicipalVaries by cityCity services where applicable
Special DistrictsVariesHospital districts, water districts, other special purposes
Previous Year (2024)$0.6264County rate for comparison

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 tax year (assessed January 1, 2025). The total tax rate for any property depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve that specific location. School district rates, municipal rates, and special district rates vary significantly across different areas of Zavala County. Contact the Zavala County Appraisal District for the complete rate breakdown applicable to your specific property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Zavala 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 relatively uncommon compared to other states, as the state follows an annual assessment cycle with taxes due once per year. However, supplemental assessments may occur when new construction is completed after the January 1st assessment date, or when property undergoes significant improvements during the tax year. These assessments are prorated based on the portion of the year the improvement was in place.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in July (6 months into the tax year), they would receive a supplemental tax bill for approximately 50% of the annual tax that would apply to that improvement. Using a 2.0% effective tax rate, the annual tax on $100,000 would be $2,000, so the supplemental bill would be approximately $1,000. This supplemental amount would be due in addition to the regular annual tax bill and typically has the same payment deadline as the primary tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000 (county), $200,000 (school)
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: ~2.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$5,600
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$467

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school portion only)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000 (county), $500,000 (school)
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: ~2.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$11,600
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$967

Example 3: $1,000,000 Commercial Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Available Exemptions: None (commercial property)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Estimated Total Tax Rate: ~2.0%
  • Annual Tax: ~$20,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,667

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and only applies to primary residences. The 10% assessment cap also applies to homesteaded properties, limiting annual assessment increases.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Zavala County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment, though some lenders require escrow regardless of down payment amount. Your monthly mortgage payment includes a portion that goes into an escrow account, which the lender uses to pay your annual property tax bill when due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill each month, plus an additional buffer amount to ensure adequate funds.

Property taxes in Zavala County are due January 31st annually, and lenders typically pay the bill in January using funds from your escrow account. The lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your tax payments, insurance payments, and monthly contributions balance out. If property values or tax rates increase significantly, you may need to increase your monthly escrow payment or make a one-time contribution to cover any shortfall. Property owners can verify that taxes have been paid by checking with the Zavala County Tax Assessor-Collector's office or viewing their account online if available.

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 Zavala County? A: Property taxes are due January 31st annually. For the 2025 tax year, taxes will be due January 31, 2026. There is typically a single payment due date rather than installment options.

Q: What homestead exemptions are available and how do I apply? A: The primary homestead exemption is the $100,000 school district exemption for your primary residence. You must apply with the Zavala County Appraisal District by April 30th of the tax year. This exemption reduces the taxable value for school district taxes only and includes a 10% annual assessment increase cap.

Q: How does the 10% assessment cap work? A: For homesteaded properties, the appraised value for tax purposes cannot increase more than 10% annually, regardless of market value increases. This cap protects homeowners from dramatic tax increases due to rising property values. You must have an approved homestead exemption for this cap to apply.

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property owners can appeal their assessment through the Zavala County Appraisal Review Board. Appeals must typically be filed by May 15th, though this deadline may be extended in certain circumstances. You'll receive notice of your appraised value in the spring.

Q: What are the penalties for late tax payments? A: Texas law provides for penalty and interest charges on delinquent property taxes. Penalties typically start at 6% for the first month late, with additional penalties and interest accruing monthly. Taxes become delinquent February 1st if not paid by January 31st.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Zavala County Tax Assessor-Collector's office to inquire about online payment options. Many Texas counties offer online payment systems, though availability and accepted payment methods vary by county.

Q: Do I pay different rates if I live in a city versus unincorporated area? A: Yes, property owners within city limits pay additional municipal taxes on top of county and school district taxes. Those in unincorporated areas typically pay lower total rates since they don't receive city services.

Q: What other exemptions might be available? A: Texas offers exemptions for seniors (65+), disabled veterans, disabled persons, and certain agricultural or timber use. Each requires a separate application with specific eligibility criteria and deadlines, typically April 30th annually.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Zavala County Approved Budget 25-26co.zavala.tx.us
02
County
Zavala County Approved Budget 24-25co.zavala.tx.us
03
County
County Rates and Levies (XLSX)comptroller.texas.gov
04
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Property Tax Today - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
06
Payment Options - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
07
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
08
Tax Doc
Property Tax Methods and Assitance Program 2025 Reportcomptroller.texas.gov
09
2025 Deduction Detail - Texas Comptrollercomptroller.texas.gov
10
County
Zavala County Approved Budget 21-22co.zavala.tx.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate