Ector County Property Tax
Texas voters feel so strongly against an individual income tax that they voted to ban it in 2019. With no state income tax, funding for many local community services comes from property tax instead. Have you ever wondered what your Ector County property tax covers? Keep reading to find out.
What Does the Ector County Property Tax Rate Include?
Ector County has seven taxing jurisdictions, each establishing its tax rate. These taxing entities are:
- City of Odessa. Over three-quarters of the population of Ector County lives in the county seat of Odessa, TX.
- City of Goldsmith. The only other town in Ector County, about 300 residents call Goldsmith home.
- City of Goldsmith. The only other town in Ector County, about 300 residents call Goldsmith home.
- Ector County. Although the Ector County property tax rate is higher than in neighboring Midland County (whose taxpayers enjoy some of the lowest property taxes in Texas), at 0.47%, it is still well below the state and national averages.
- Ector County Independent School District. Ector County ISD serves Odessa, Goldsmith and the surrounding rural areas within the county.
- Odessa College. In addition to the Odessa campuses of the University of Texas and Texas Tech state university systems, Odessa College is a public junior college funded by local property taxes.
- Hospital District. Ector County has many hospitals, especially for its size, and property taxes support district programs like medical education, improved trauma response and care for uninsured and underinsured patients.
- Utility District. The Ector County Utility District provides safe water to residents.
Get Info on Property Taxes in Ector County, TX
Texas counties follow the Texas Property Tax Code to uniformly assess, bill and collect local property taxes. Let’s review the agencies that play a role in Ector County property taxes.
- Taxing Jurisdictions. Each year, each of the seven Ector County taxing entities listed above sets its budget and tax rate.
- Appraisal. The Ector County Appraisal District sets property values by determining fair market value—the amount a property would sell for if both parties want the best price.
- Tax Assessor-Collector. The office of the Ector County tax assessor-collector generates tax bills and collects payments.
How to Lower Your Ector County Property Tax Payment
Texans can’t avoid the tax collector, but there are two options for lowering property taxes in Ector County, TX or any other of the 254 counties in the state.
- Appraisal Review Board. The appraisal district hears protests from property owners who disagree with their appraised property value. The deadline to file a protest is in May.
- Exemptions. The appraisal district also handles exemptions, lowering a property’s taxable value. The most common property tax exemption is the homestead exemption, which you may qualify for if your property is your primary residence. Through exemptions, those over 65, disabled or disabled veterans may also be eligible to reduce their property taxes in Ector County, TX.
What Happens In Ector County With Delinquent Property Taxes?
Ector County property taxes are delinquent beginning February 1, the first day the January 31 deadline is missed. Each month after that, penalties and interest add to the original taxes.
A tax lien secures the debt and, if not paid later in the year, is referred to collections and assessed an additional 20% penalty, secured by the existing tax lien. A payment agreement may be possible; however, a down payment is required in most cases.
If you are faced with a property tax bill you can’t manage, Tax Ease can pay your Ector County delinquent property taxes fast. Start by filling out an application now.
Get Help Today With Your Ector County Delinquent Property Taxes
Delinquent property taxes can quickly spiral out of control. Prevent delinquency, stop accruing fees and interest and avoid a tax auction by paying your Ector County delinquent property taxes with a property loan from Tax Ease. Contact us today to find out how simple it is, and rest easy knowing your home is protected with help from the experienced professionals at Tax Ease.