Did your monthly payment jump even though your interest rate stayed the same? In Axtell, a big part of that change can come from school property taxes tied to Axtell ISD and your home’s appraisal. You want simple math, clear examples, and steps to control what you can. This guide breaks down the current rates, shows you how to estimate your monthly cost, and points you to exemptions and deadlines that matter. Let’s dive in.
Axtell ISD tax rates at a glance
Axtell ISD’s combined school tax rate is set each year and applied to your taxable value. The county’s tax-rate table lists the combined rates as 0.755200 for 2024 and 0.739200 for 2025. That change equals about $16 per year per $100,000 of taxable value, or roughly $1.33 per month per $100,000. You can confirm current rates on the McLennan County tax-rate table.
Local appraisals also matter. Certified values have been rising across the county, which can push taxable values higher even when rates drop. For context on recent appraisal growth, see the Waco Tribune’s coverage of McLennan County’s certified tax base. Always use the certified roll for the year you are calculating.
How to calculate your monthly school tax
Use this simple formula used across Texas:
- Annual school tax = (Taxable value ÷ 100) × Axtell ISD rate
- Monthly school-tax impact = Annual school tax ÷ 12
Quick shortcut: at the 2025 rate of 0.739200, you pay $739.20 per year for each $100,000 of taxable value, which is about $61.60 per month. The county table shows the combined school rate and exemption amounts for Axtell ISD each year on the McLennan County tax-rate page.
2025 examples for common situations
These examples use the 2025 Axtell ISD rate of 0.739200 and focus only on the school portion of your bill.
Owner-occupied with homestead
- Appraised value: $300,000
- 2025 Axtell ISD homestead exemption: $140,000
- Taxable value: $160,000
- Annual school tax: 1,600 × 0.739200 = $1,182.72
- Monthly school-tax impact: $98.56
Owner age 65 or disabled
- Appraised value: $300,000
- 2025 homestead + over‑65/disabled exemption: $200,000
- Taxable value: $100,000
- Annual school tax: 1,000 × 0.739200 = $739.20
- Monthly school-tax impact: $61.60
Non-homestead property
- Appraised value: $300,000
- Exemptions: none
- Taxable value: $300,000
- Annual school tax: 3,000 × 0.739200 = $2,217.60
- Monthly school-tax impact: $184.80
Note: Your full property-tax bill also includes county, city, community college, and other districts. To estimate your total monthly escrow, add all entities’ annual taxes and divide by 12.
Exemptions that lower your bill
The county’s table lists Axtell ISD’s exemption amounts used for each tax year. For 2025, it shows a $140,000 residence homestead exemption and $200,000 for homestead plus over‑65 or disabled. Verify your exemptions on your appraisal district account or tax bill, and review the current year amounts on the McLennan County tax-rate table.
If you qualify for the over‑65 or disabled exemption, the Texas Comptroller explains how the school-tax “ceiling” works after you qualify, and how improvements can affect it. Learn more from the Comptroller’s guidance on age‑65 and disabled exemptions.
What changes year to year
- Your property’s appraised value based on market changes or improvements.
- Your exemptions, including new homestead or over‑65/disabled qualification.
- Axtell ISD’s adopted rate and any voter-approved changes. See the district’s certified tax-rate worksheet for official calculations.
- Rates set by other taxing units, like county, city, and community college.
- State-level changes that affect exemptions or how taxable values are calculated.
Key dates and payment timing in McLennan County
- Appraisal notices arrive in spring. If you disagree, you can file a protest by the stated deadline. See deadlines and how to file on the McLennan Central Appraisal District tax information page and the ARB process guide.
- Property taxes are due upon receipt and become delinquent if not paid before February 1 of the following year. The McLennan County Tax Office outlines due dates and penalties on its payment and delinquency page.
Steps to manage your monthly housing cost
- Estimate before you buy. Ask for the most recent tax bill, confirm all taxing units, and use the county’s rates to compute a total annual figure, then divide by 12.
- File your homestead and any age‑65/disabled exemptions as soon as you qualify. Start with McLennan CAD and review the Comptroller’s exemption guidance.
- Consider a protest if your appraisal looks high. The appraisal district provides online tools and ARB hearings that can reduce your taxable value for the year.
- Plan for escrow changes with your lender. Escrow analyses often adjust your monthly payment when tax bills change.
- Watch Axtell ISD’s rate adoption each summer. Truth-in-Taxation notices and certified worksheets show the official rate and any election outcomes.
The bottom line
Axtell ISD taxes are straightforward once you know the rate, your taxable value, and your exemptions. A small rate change or a new exemption can shift your monthly payment more than you might expect. Run the math each year so you can plan your budget and avoid surprises.
If you want local help estimating the full tax escrow for a specific address or planning around exemptions and timing, reach out to the friendly team at Terry Harris Journey Realty Group. We are here to help you move with confidence in Axtell and across McLennan County.
FAQs
How do I estimate my Axtell ISD monthly cost?
- Subtract exemptions from your appraised value, divide by 100, multiply by the Axtell ISD rate for that year, then divide by 12 to get the monthly school portion; add other taxing units for your total monthly escrow.
What is the Axtell ISD rate for 2025 and how did it change?
- The combined rate is 0.739200 for 2025, down from 0.755200 in 2024, which is about $16 per year per $100,000 of taxable value or roughly $1.33 per month per $100,000.
Which exemptions reduce Axtell ISD taxes in 2025?
- The county table shows a $140,000 residence homestead exemption and $200,000 for homestead plus over‑65 or disabled; confirm the current year amounts on the county tax-rate page and your appraisal account.
When are McLennan County property taxes due?
- Taxes are due upon receipt and become delinquent if unpaid before February 1 of the following year, with penalties and interest added after the delinquency date.
Do home improvements change my Axtell ISD school tax?
- Yes, taxable improvements can raise appraised value and increase school taxes; for seniors with a school-tax ceiling, substantial improvements can adjust the ceiling under Comptroller rules.
