Pay Property Taxes in Collin County 

Texas has no state income tax, and Collin County benefits from one of the strongest economies in the country. 

But property taxes in Texas are among the highest in the nation, and Collin County homeowners face combined tax rates — covering city, county, school district, and special district levies — that typically run between 1.8 and 2.4 percent of assessed value annually.

For a $450,000 home, that translates to $8,100 to $10,800 per year in property taxes. Understanding how that number is calculated, which exemptions reduce it, and how to challenge it if it seems too high is one of the most valuable things a Collin County homeowner can learn.

How Your Property Tax Bill Is Calculated

Your property tax bill is the product of two numbers: your property's assessed value and the combined tax rate applied by all taxing entities that cover your address.

Step 1: Assessed Value

The Collin County Central Appraisal District (CCAD) determines the assessed value of your property each year. CCAD appraisers estimate market value as of January 1st of the tax year. Appraisal notices are mailed in April, and homeowners have until May 15th — or 30 days after the notice date, whichever is later — to protest.

Step 2: Taxable Value

Your taxable value is your assessed value minus any exemptions you qualify for. The homestead exemption is the most common — it removes a set dollar amount or percentage from your assessed value before taxes are calculated.

Step 3: Combined Tax Rate

Your combined tax rate is the sum of rates from all taxing entities covering your property. For most Collin County homeowners this includes the county, your city, your school district, and one or more special districts. School district taxes represent the largest share — typically 40 to 55 percent of your total bill.

Exemptions Available to Collin County Homeowners

General Homestead Exemption

The Texas Constitution requires school districts to offer a $100,000 homestead exemption on the assessed value of your primary residence. 

Most Collin County taxing entities also offer additional homestead exemptions ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. Apply through CCAD — you must own and occupy the home as your primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year.

Over-65 Exemption

Homeowners aged 65 or older qualify for an additional $10,000 school district exemption on top of the general homestead exemption. 

More importantly, the over-65 exemption includes a school district tax freeze — your school district taxes cannot increase above the amount you paid the year you turned 65 or first qualified, even if your property value rises.

Disability Exemption

Homeowners with a qualifying disability receive the same benefits as the over-65 exemption. You cannot receive both simultaneously — if you qualify for both, apply for the one that provides greater benefit.

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Texas offers property tax exemptions for disabled veterans ranging from $5,000 to a 100 percent exemption depending on the percentage of disability rating. Veterans with a 100 percent disability rating pay no property taxes in Texas.

Solar and Renewable Energy Exemption

The added value of solar panels installed on your home is fully exempt from property taxation in Texas. Solar installation increases your appraised home value but will not increase your tax bill.

How to Apply for Exemptions

All exemption applications are filed with the Collin County Central Appraisal District. Applications are available on the CCAD website and must be submitted by April 30th of the tax year in which you want the exemption to take effect. Exemptions are permanent once approved — you do not need to reapply each year unless your status changes.

How to Protest Your Appraisal

If CCAD's appraised value for your property seems too high, you have the right to protest. The protest process is more accessible than most homeowners realize:

• File your protest by May 15th or 30 days after your appraisal notice date, whichever is later

• File online at the CCAD website, by mail, or in person — online filing is the most convenient option

• Gather comparable sales data for similar homes in your neighborhood from the past 12 months

• Document any condition issues with your property that affect market value

• Request an informal hearing with an CCAD appraiser first — many protests are resolved at this stage without a formal hearing

• If the informal hearing is unsatisfactory, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB)

• Consider hiring a property tax consultant on a contingency basis for higher-value properties — they take a percentage of any tax savings achieved

How and When to Pay Your Property Taxes

Property tax bills in Collin County are issued by the Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector in October and are due by January 31st of the following year. Payments made after January 31st accrue penalty and interest beginning February 1st.

Payment Options

• Online payment through the Collin County Tax Office website — accepts credit card (fee applies) or e-check (lower fee)

• Mail — check or money order payable to Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector

• In person — offices in McKinney, Frisco, Plano, and Allen

• Escrow through your mortgage lender — most Collin County mortgages include property tax escrow, meaning your lender collects monthly and pays the annual bill on your behalf

Installment Options

Homeowners who qualify for the over-65 or disability exemption may pay their taxes in four installments: February 1st, April 1st, June 1st, and August 1st, without penalty. Standard homeowners without these exemptions must pay in full by January 31st.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my mortgage lender is paying my property taxes?

Check your mortgage statement — if your payment includes an escrow component, your lender is collecting for property taxes and homeowner's insurance. 

You can confirm by logging into your lender's portal or calling their escrow department. Even if your lender handles payment, you are still responsible for ensuring the bill is paid and for managing your exemptions and protests directly with CCAD.

What happens if I miss the January 31st property tax deadline?

Penalties begin accruing on February 1st at 6 percent of the unpaid balance, plus 1 percent per month thereafter. By July 1st, delinquent taxes are referred to a delinquent tax attorney and additional collection fees apply. If taxes remain unpaid, the taxing entities can eventually place a lien on the property.

Can I get my property taxes frozen in Collin County?

Yes, if you qualify for the over-65 exemption. The school district tax portion of your bill — typically the largest component — is frozen at the level from the year you first qualified. Other taxing entity rates (city, county) are not frozen but the school district freeze alone provides significant protection against rising values increasing your overall bill.

Resources

1. Collin County Central Appraisal District — Exemptions and Protests

2. Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector — Pay Your Taxes Online

3. Texas Comptroller — Property Tax Exemptions Guide

4. Texas Comptroller — Property Tax Protest and Appeal Procedures

5. Texas Veterans Commission — Disabled Veteran Exemptions