Freestone County Property Taxes: Exemptions, Deadlines & How to Protest

Property taxes are one of the biggest parts of owning a home in Freestone County, and they're one of the first things buyers ask about. Here's how property taxes work in Freestone County, who sets your value, which exemptions to look into, and how to protest if you think your value is too high.

Who handles property taxes in Freestone County

Two offices are involved, and they do different jobs:

• Freestone Central Appraisal District sets the appraised value of every property and handles exemptions and protests. 218 N. Mount St., Fairfield, TX. Phone 903-389-5510. Website: www.freestonecad.org.
• Freestone County Tax Assessor-Collector sends the tax bills and collects payments. 305 Commerce St., Fairfield, TX. Phone 903-389-2336.

Your yearly bill comes from your taxable value multiplied by the combined rates of every taxing unit your property sits in, such as the county, the school district, the city (if you're inside city limits) and any special districts. That's why two homes with the same value in different parts of Freestone County can have very different tax bills.

How your property tax bill is figured

1. The appraisal district values your property as of January 1.
2. Exemptions you qualify for come off that value.
3. Each taxing unit sets its rate, usually in late summer or early fall.
4. Bills typically go out in the fall and are usually due by January 31 of the next year.

Homestead exemptions to look into

If the home is your primary residence, the homestead exemption is usually the biggest savings available. According to the Texas Comptroller:

• School districts must give a $140,000 exemption on a residence homestead.
• Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled get an additional $60,000 school district exemption.
• Some taxing units, such as cities and counties, offer their own optional exemptions.

The application is Comptroller Form 50-114, filed with the Freestone Central Appraisal District. The general deadline is before May 1. If you buy a home after January 1, you may be able to get the exemption for the part of the year you owned it, as long as the previous owner didn't already claim it. Check with the Freestone Central Appraisal District for the current rules and forms.

Buying land? Look into ag and wildlife valuation

A lot of acreage in Freestone County is taxed on agricultural or wildlife use instead of market value. If you're buying land, ask whether the property currently has that valuation, what use qualifies, and what happens if you change the use. Changing the use can trigger a rollback tax. Our Land & Acreage Guide covers this in more detail.

How to protest your appraised value

If you think the appraisal district valued your property too high, you can protest to the appraisal review board. According to the Texas Comptroller, the deadline in most cases is May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mailed your notice, whichever is later.

Recent sales of similar nearby homes are the strongest evidence. If you'd like a list of recent sales near your home, I'm happy to pull one for you.

Tips for buyers comparing homes

• Look up the property on the Freestone Central Appraisal District website to see its current value, exemptions and taxing units.
• Don't assume the seller's tax bill will be yours. Their bill may include exemptions or a tax ceiling that won't carry over to you.
• Ask your lender to estimate taxes based on the purchase price, not the old bill.
• In newer subdivisions, ask whether there's a MUD or PID that adds to the yearly bill.

Explore Freestone County towns

Learn more about Fairfield, Teague, Wortham, Streetman and the Richland Chambers Lake guide.

Questions about buying or selling in Freestone County? Call Lacy Rider, Broker/Owner of K4G Realty, at (775) 934-1655, or get a free home value estimate.