Refugio Property Tax rates for 2023 average 0.8000 per $100 of valuation, shaping the 2023 Refugio property tax bill for homeowners and businesses alike. The Refugio County tax collector contact (361‑526‑2023, liz.kelley@co.refugio.tx.us) fields questions about payment options, from online e‑check to mailed checks, and the looming property tax deadline Refugio. Use the Refugio Texas property tax calculator on the official website to estimate the impact of the Refugio school district tax and the commercial property tax Refugio on your parcel. Homestead exemption Refugio residents can claim reduces the taxable value, while senior citizen tax relief Refugio and agricultural tax exemption Refugio offer further cuts. For any doubts, the Refugio County appraisal district portal https://www.refugiocad.org delivers the latest assessment notice and tax roll lookup Refugio.
Refugio Property Tax appeals begin by filing a protest with the Refugio County tax assessor‑collector before the May 15 deadline, then following the how to appeal Refugio property assessment steps outlined on the assessor’s site. Property tax exemptions Refugio TX, such as the vacant land tax rate Refugio or the property tax cap Refugio Texas, can lower the burden on owners of undeveloped parcels. If a refund is due, the property tax refunds Refugio process is triggered after the final determination and can be tracked via the tax collector’s office. Delinquent property tax Refugio may lead to a tax lien sale Refugio County, so staying current avoids extra penalties. Keep an eye on Refugio Texas tax news for updates on the 2026 property tax forecast Refugio and new relief programs.
Search Refugio County Property Tax
Refugio County property tax records sit on the web at the county appraisal district site. The portal runs on the standard Texas search tool used by most central appraisal districts. Any resident, buyer, or agent can look up a parcel in seconds. No login or account is required. The system runs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Open your web browser and go to the search portal for the Refugio County Appraisal District. The address is https://www.refugiocad.org. From the home page, click the link labeled “Property Search” or the “Search Records” button near the top menu. You will land on a screen that asks for a piece of identifying data about the property.
The search box accepts several types of input. Pick the one you know and type it in:
- Owner name
- Property address (street number and name, no city needed)
- Property ID number (also called the account number, printed on the tax bill)
- Map reference (GIS parcel ID from the county map viewer)
After you type your search term, press the blue “Search” button. A results list will appear with one row per matching parcel. Click the blue Property ID link in the left column to open the full record. You can also click the green “View Map” button on the right side to see the parcel outlined on a satellite image.
The full record page shows the appraised value, the assessed value after exemptions, the legal description, the lot size in acres, the year built, and any exemption flags. You can print the page with your browser’s print button or save it as a PDF. If you spot a value that looks wrong, write down the Property ID and head to the protest section of the same site to start a challenge.
What You Will See on the Search Results Screen
The results table lists every parcel that matches your search term. Each row carries the same set of fields. Knowing what each column means saves time when you compare neighbors or check your own data.
| Column Heading | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Property ID | Unique number assigned by the appraisal district |
| Owner Name | Person or entity listed on the deed as of January 1 |
| Situs Address | The street address used by the county for mail |
| Land Use Code | Category such as residential, agricultural, or commercial |
| Appraised Value | The market value determined by the chief appraiser |
| Assessed Value | The taxable value after all exemption deductions |
Refugio County Tax Rates and How They Are Set
Refugio County tax rates are set each year by the Commissioners Court after a public hearing. The court weighs the budget needs of the county, the school district, the hospital, and any special districts that overlap the parcel. The final number is expressed in dollars per one hundred dollars of value. For the 2026-26 fiscal year, the county general fund rate sits at $0.8000 per $100 of valuation. The combined rate a homeowner pays includes the school district, the county, and any water or junior college district that covers the address.
Rates change slowly because most taxing units in Texas are subject to a rollback election if they try to raise revenue by more than a small amount. This voter-approval rule keeps sudden spikes rare. The county publishes the final rate on its website by October of each year, and the new rate shows up on the tax bill mailed in November.
Where the Money Goes
Each taxing unit on the combined rate spends the money it collects in its own budget. The largest share in most Texas counties goes to the public school district. A smaller share funds county roads, bridges, the sheriff, the county hospital, and the junior college. A tiny slice covers the farm-to-market road system and any special district formed for drainage, fire, or emergency services.
- School district share pays teacher salaries, buses, and building debt
- County share pays for roads, courts, jail, and the sheriff
- Hospital district share covers rural clinic operations and indigent care
- Junior college share funds workforce training and dual-credit classes
Rate Comparison Across Recent Years
Rates have stayed flat or moved by a few cents in recent cycles. The published general fund rate for the 2026-26 fiscal year is $0.8000 per $100 of valuation, as approved by the Refugio County Commissioners Court on September 9. Refer to the official Commissioners Court record or the county newspaper notice for historical rate data from prior budget years.
Property Tax Exemptions Available in Refugio County
Exemptions cut the taxable value of a home, a farm, or a business. They do not cut the rate. Each exemption has its own form, its own deadline, and its own proof of eligibility. The Texas Property Tax Code lists every legal exemption, and the Refugio County Appraisal District carries the form for each one. Most homeowners qualify for the homestead exemption. Some qualify for more than one, and the exemptions stack.
Apply for an exemption at the appraisal district office in person, by mail, or through the appraisal district website. The deadline to apply for a homestead exemption for the 2026 tax year is April 30, 2026. Late filings can be made up to two years after the missed deadline if the homeowner files an affidavit stating the reason for the delay.
Homestead Exemption Details
The homestead exemption is the most common deduction. It applies to a primary residence that the owner occupies on January 1 of the tax year. The owner must own the home and live in it. A second home or a rental does not qualify. The state of Texas sets a mandatory school district homestead exemption of $100,000 for the 2026 tax year. Voters approved Proposition 13 in November 2026, which lifts the mandatory school district exemption to $140,000 for the 2026 tax year. Counties and other units may add their own local homestead exemption on top of the state amount.
- State mandated school homestead exemption: $100,000 for 2026, $140,000 for 2026
- Local optional homestead exemption: set by each county and city, varies by unit
- Disabled person exemption: up to $10,000 on the school share, plus other units
- Age 65 or older exemption: an extra $10,000 on the school share, plus a ceiling on school taxes
Senior, Disability, and Veteran Exemptions
Homeowners aged 65 or older receive an extra school district exemption on top of the standard homestead amount. The total school district exemption for a senior who owns a home in Texas reaches $200,000 once the new Proposition 13 amount applies. The school tax bill on a qualifying homestead is also frozen at the amount paid in the year the owner turns 65. The ceiling does not rise. Disabled veterans receive an exemption based on their disability rating, with values ranging from $5,000 up to the full assessed value of the home for a 100 percent rating.
Agricultural and Wildlife Exemptions
Working farms and ranches may qualify for a special valuation called 1-d-1 (one-d-one) open-space agricultural valuation. The land is taxed on its productivity value, which is far lower than its market value. Owners must show that the land has been used for agriculture for at least five of the past seven years. A wildlife management valuation works the same way, using a written wildlife plan instead of crops or livestock. Both programs require a yearly application.
How to File a Property Tax Protest in Refugio County
A property tax protest asks the appraisal district to lower the appraised value. A lower value cuts the tax bill, even when the rate stays the same. The Texas Property Tax Code gives every owner the right to protest. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need an agent, though many owners use one. Most protests in rural Texas are filed on a one-page form that the appraisal district provides.
The protest process has a strict calendar. The notice of appraised value arrives by mail in April or May. The owner has thirty days from the date on the notice to file a protest, or until May 15 of the tax year, whichever is later. A late protest will be turned away unless the appraisal review board votes to accept good cause for the delay.
Filing Deadline
For the 2026 tax year, the protest filing deadline falls on May 15, 2026, or thirty days after the date printed on the appraisal notice. The appraisal district posts the exact calendar on its home page each spring. The filing can be sent by mail, dropped at the office, or filed online through the appraisal district portal. Email protests are not accepted.
Evidence You Can Submit
Strong protests include written evidence of value. The chief appraiser’s office values each property using sales of similar parcels in the same area. Owners can counter with their own data. Common evidence includes:
- Photos of the home showing condition issues that hurt value
- A list of comparable sales pulled from the appraisal district site
- A bid sheet from a licensed contractor for needed repairs
- Income and expense statements for commercial or rental property
Hearing Process
The appraisal review board schedules a hearing for each protest. The board is a panel of local citizens who sit in groups of three. The owner and the chief appraiser’s representative both appear. Each side gives a short opening, presents evidence, and answers questions. The panel then votes on the value in a closed meeting. The ruling is mailed within a few days. An owner who disagrees with the panel’s decision can appeal to district court within sixty days of the order.
Understanding the Appraisal Notice
The appraisal notice is the annual letter that tells the owner what the appraisal district thinks the property is worth. It also lists every exemption the owner is already receiving. Owners should read the notice each year, even when nothing has changed. Market values move. Exemptions can be lost. A mistake on the notice can be fixed only by protest, so spotting the error early matters.
Key Sections of the Notice
The notice fits on one page in most cases. The top section names the owner and the address. The middle section lists last year’s value, this year’s value, and the exemptions that apply. The bottom section shows the protest deadline and the steps for filing.
| Notice Field | Plain Language Meaning |
|---|---|
| Last Year’s Appraised Value | Value used to calculate the previous tax bill |
| Proposed Appraised Value | New value the appraisal district wants to use this year |
| Homestead Exemption Amount | Dollar amount removed from the value for tax purposes |
| Taxable Value | Number the tax rate is applied to |
| Deadline to Protest | Last day the appraisal review board can accept a protest form |
Market Value vs. Assessed Value
Market value is what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, neither under pressure, with full knowledge of the facts. The chief appraiser’s office estimates this figure for every parcel in the county. Assessed value is the same number minus any exemptions. The tax bill is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the combined tax rate. Knowing the difference helps owners understand why two neighbors with similar homes can pay different tax amounts when one has exemptions and the other does not.
Paying Your Property Tax Bill
The tax bill is mailed in October or November of each year. The bill covers the full year, but Texas law allows the bill to be split into two halves. The first half is due by November 30. The second half is due by the last day of February. A discount of three percent applies to the first half if paid in October, two percent in November, and one percent in December. The second half has no discount. After the due date, the bill goes delinquent and starts to draw penalty and interest.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Refugio County Tax Office accepts several payment methods. Online payments through the county payment portal work any time of day. Card payments carry a small convenience fee charged by the processor. E-check payments through the portal are free for most banks. Mailed checks should include the bill stub to speed posting. Cash and card are accepted in person at the tax office window.
- Online via the county payment portal (card or e-check)
- Mail a check with the stub to the tax office
- Pay in person at the counter during office hours
- Set up a bank draft for the full year through the tax office
Late Payments and Penalties
A bill paid after the February due date is delinquent. Texas law sets the penalty at six percent of the unpaid amount, plus one percent each month the bill stays unpaid. Interest at the rate set by the Texas Comptroller is added on top. After a year, the total cost of a late bill climbs past ten percent. The county has the right to file suit, place a tax lien on the property, and eventually sell the parcel at auction to collect the debt.
Delinquent Taxes and Tax Sales
When a tax bill stays unpaid for one full year, the county tax office prepares a delinquent list. The list is published in the local paper, posted on the courthouse door, and filed with the county clerk. The first Tuesday in July of each year, the county holds a tax sale for properties on the delinquent list. Buyers at the sale pay the delinquent tax plus fees and receive a lien on the property. The owner has a redemption period of two years to pay the buyer back and reclaim the property. After two years, the buyer can ask the court for a deed.
Consequences of Non-Payment
The costs of going delinquent add up fast. A property with five years of unpaid taxes can accrue penalties and interest that equal the original tax amount. The lien follows the property, not the owner, so a buyer can inherit a tax problem at closing. Title companies always check the tax status before they issue a title insurance policy. Properties that go to auction sell for a small fraction of their value, leaving the former owner with a total loss.
Property Tax Refunds in Refugio County
A refund happens when the appraisal review board or a court orders the value lowered after the tax bill has already been paid. The tax office then issues a refund check for the amount the owner overpaid. The refund is calculated from the new value and the rate that was in place. The check is mailed to the owner of record on the date the order is issued. A refund can also be issued when a court finds that the appraisal district over-assessed the value by a clear error of fact.
How to Request a Refund
Refunds are not requested by the owner. They flow from an order issued by the appraisal review board, an arbitration panel, or a court. The owner files the protest or the lawsuit. The ruling triggers the refund. The owner receives a check in the mail within sixty to ninety days of the order. The check can be directed to a mortgage company if the home loan servicer held the escrow account. Questions about a missing refund go to the county tax office.
Common Property Tax Relief Programs
Texas runs several programs that help owners stay current on their tax bills. The state homestead exemption cuts the taxable value of the primary home. The senior and disabled deferral lets an owner postpone payment of the tax bill until the home is sold. The disabled veteran exemption drops the value by a large amount based on the disability rating. Each program has its own application and its own deadline. The appraisal district keeps a list of active programs and the paperwork on its site.
Senior and Disabled Deferral
An owner aged 65 or older, or an owner with a qualifying disability, can sign a deferral agreement with the county. The agreement puts a lien on the property for the deferred tax amount, plus five percent interest each year. The deferral ends when the owner dies, sells the home, or stops using it as a primary residence. The state pays the county the deferred amount each year, so the county still collects. The owner pays nothing until the home changes hands. This program is open to owners with a household income below the limit set by the Texas Comptroller each year.
School District Tax Impact
School taxes are the largest line on most Refugio County tax bills. The local school district sets its own rate after a public vote each September. The school board uses the money for teacher pay, building upkeep, student programs, and debt service on voter-approved bonds. The state adds some money through the school finance system, but local property tax revenue still covers the largest single share of the school budget. Property owners in the county can look up the exact school district that serves their address on the appraisal district site.
How School Funding Works
The state school finance system mixes local property tax revenue with state aid to give every district a set amount of money per student. Wealthier districts send extra money to the state. Poorer districts receive state aid. The homestead exemption cuts the local tax share, which raises the state aid. The state Comptroller publishes a yearly report that shows the exact mix for every district, including the share paid by local property owners versus the share paid by the state.
Commercial and Vacant Land Taxation
Commercial property is appraised using the income approach, the cost approach, or a direct sales comparison. The income approach is the most common for rental property. The appraiser divides the net income by a market cap rate to get the value. Vacant land is valued by the sales of similar tracts. Land that has no road access, no utilities, or a flood-zone issue is valued lower than a buildable lot of the same size. The appraisal district updates these values each year based on new sales.
Special Valuation Methods
Some commercial properties qualify for special valuation. A hotel may use the cost approach. A mineral interest may use a separate method set by the Texas Comptroller. A low-income housing project may qualify for a partial exemption. An owner who runs a business on a parcel that is also used as a homestead may be able to claim the homestead exemption on the home portion. The appraisal district can explain each method and the paperwork for each one.
Records, Deeds, and Public Access
Property deeds are recorded with the Refugio County Clerk. The clerk keeps a paper index and a digital image of every deed filed in the county. The records go back to the founding of the county. A copy of a deed can be picked up in person or ordered through the online records portal. The fee for a standard copy is set by the Texas Local Government Code. A certified copy costs more than a plain copy.
Where to Find Deeds
Start at the county clerk’s online search page through the official county website at https://www.co.refugio.tx.us. The search box accepts a grantor name, a grantee name, a recording date, or a document number. The result list shows the recording date, the document type, the grantor, the grantee, and a link to the scanned image. A small fee applies to view the full image through the portal.
- Grantor name (the party selling or giving the property)
- Grantee name (the party receiving the property)
- Recording date (the day the clerk stamped the document)
- Document number (assigned by the clerk at filing time)
- Volume and page (older paper records only)
GIS Parcel Maps and Aerial Views
The appraisal district site links to a GIS map viewer that shows each parcel outlined in color. The map shows the lot lines, the address, the property ID, the school district boundary, and the commissioner precinct. Aerial photos from the most recent flight are layered on top. Owners can measure the lot, draw a line to the road, and print a map for use in a protest or a sale.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Use the contact details below to reach the county offices that handle property tax. The tax assessor-collector handles bills, payments, refunds, and delinquent accounts. The county clerk handles deeds, liens, and recorded documents. Both offices are located in Refugio, Texas.
| Department | Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refugio County Tax Assessor-Collector | (361) 526-2023 | Not Available | Refugio, TX 78377 |
| Refugio County Clerk | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
Official Website URL: https://www.co.refugio.tx.us
Direct Public Search Portal Link: https://www.refugiocad.org
Deed Records Search Portal: https://www.co.refugio.tx.us
Official Verified Phone Number (Tax Assessor-Collector): (361) 526-2023
Official Email (Tax Assessor-Collector): Not Available
Official Physical Address (Tax Assessor-Collector): Refugio, TX 78377
Refugio Central Appraisal District Contact: 420 N. Alamo, Refugio, TX 78377 | (361) 526-5994 | refugiocad@refugiocad.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Refugio Property Tax information helps owners understand rates, exemptions, payment options and how to contest an assessment. Knowing the correct phone number, email and online portal saves time and prevents missed deadlines. Use these answers to handle common tax tasks quickly.
What is the current Refugio County property tax rate for 2026?
The County Commissioners Court set the general fund rate at 0.8000 dollars per $100 of valuation for fiscal year 2026‑26. This rate applies to all parcels unless a special district adds its own millage. Check your tax bill for the total amount, which combines the county rate with school and other district rates.
How can I apply for the homestead exemption in Refugio TX?
Submit the exemption form before April 30, 2026. Download the PDF from the Refugio County Appraisal District website or pick up a copy at the Tax Assessor‑Collector office. Fill in your name, mailing address, and legal description of the property, then mail or deliver it to 808 Commerce St., Room 109. The office will confirm eligibility by mail.
Where do I find the Refugio County tax collector contact details?
Call the Tax Assessor‑Collector at (361) 526‑2023 or email liz.kelley@co.refugio.tx.us. The office is located at 808 Commerce St., Room 109, Refugio, TX 78377‑3151. Use these contacts for balance inquiries, payment plans or to request a copy of your tax bill.
What steps should I follow to appeal a Refugio property assessment?
First, obtain the assessment notice from the appraisal district portal at https://www.refugiocad.org. Second, gather evidence such as recent sales of similar land, repair invoices or a professional appraisal. Third, file a protest online or in writing by the May 15, 2026 deadline, or 30 days after the notice if later. Finally, attend the hearing at the County Courthouse and present your evidence.
Which payment options are accepted for Refugio property taxes?
Payments can be made online through the County Tax Office portal, by phone using a credit card, or by mailing a check payable to Refugio County Tax Office. In‑person payments are accepted at the office on Commerce Street during regular business hours. Verify the exact due dates on your tax bill to avoid penalties.