El Paso TX skyline with Franklin Mountains showing residential neighborhoods where homeowners pay property taxes
El Paso Property Tax Guide

How to Pay Property Taxes in El Paso TX

Your complete guide to the El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector office, online payment portal, property tax search, rate breakdown, calculator, exemptions, and every payment method available to El Paso County homeowners.

By TREX RE LLCJanuary 202518 min read

Paying property taxes in El Paso County is one of the most important financial responsibilities you face as a homeowner. Whether you have lived in the Sun City for decades or recently purchased your first home near the Franklin Mountains, understanding exactly how to pay property taxes, when they are due, and what options exist for managing your tax burden can save you thousands of dollars and protect your most valuable asset.

El Paso TX is home to more than 680,000 residents, and every single property owner in the county must navigate the property tax system each year. The El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector office is responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of multiple taxing entities, including the City of El Paso, El Paso County, local school districts, the hospital district, El Paso Community College, and various special districts. Combined, these entities create one of the highest effective property tax rates in the state of Texas, often exceeding 2.5 percent of your home's assessed value.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about paying your property taxes in El Paso County. We will walk you through the online payment portal, in-person payment locations, mail-in options, understanding your tax statement, calculating your estimated bill, searching for your property tax records, and much more. By the end of this article, you will have a clear roadmap for staying current on your property tax obligations and avoiding the costly penalties that come with delinquency.

If you are already behind on your taxes or facing financial hardship, do not panic. There are legitimate payment plans and deferral programs available to El Paso homeowners, and we will point you toward those resources as well.

Understanding Your El Paso Tax Statement

El Paso property tax statement with detailed line items

Every October, the El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector mails property tax statements to all property owners in the county. This document is your official notice of how much you owe for the current tax year. Understanding each section of your statement is the first step toward managing your property tax obligations effectively.

Your tax statement includes several critical pieces of information. At the top, you will find your property account number, which is the unique identifier assigned to your parcel by the El Paso Central Appraisal District (EPCAD). This number is essential for conducting an el paso property tax search online and for making payments through the digital portal. Below that, you will see the legal description of your property, the situs address, and the ownership information on file.

The middle section of your statement breaks down the taxes owed to each individual taxing entity. For most El Paso homeowners, this includes the City of El Paso, El Paso County, your school district (EPISD, YISD, Socorro ISD, or others), the El Paso County Hospital District, El Paso Community College, the Rio Grande Council of Governments, and potentially additional special districts depending on your location. Each entity lists its tax rate per one hundred dollars of assessed value and the dollar amount you owe to that entity.

Key Components of Your Tax Statement

Property Account Number

Your unique identifier for all tax-related transactions and online searches

Assessed Value

The appraised market value of your property as determined by EPCAD, minus any applicable exemptions

Tax Rates by Entity

Individual rates for county, city, school district, hospital district, and special districts

Total Amount Due

The combined total of all taxing entities, representing your full annual property tax obligation

Payment Deadline

January 31st of the following year, after which penalties and interest begin accruing

At the bottom of your statement, you will find the total amount due and the payment deadline. In Texas, property taxes become due upon receipt of the tax statement (typically in October) and must be paid in full by January 31st of the following year. If you do not receive your statement, you are still legally responsible for paying your taxes on time. You can always look up your account through the county's online portal to verify your balance.

If the assessed value on your statement seems too high, you have the right to challenge your property's appraised value through the formal protest process with EPCAD. Many El Paso homeowners successfully reduce their appraised values each year, resulting in meaningful tax savings. The protest deadline is typically May 15th or thirty days after you receive your appraisal notice, whichever is later.

Property Tax Rate Breakdown & Calculator

Property tax rate breakdown calculation for El Paso County

Understanding the property tax el paso rate structure is essential for every homeowner. Unlike states with a single property tax rate, Texas allows multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions to levy taxes on the same property. In El Paso County, your combined effective tax rate is the sum of all individual entity rates, and it varies depending on exactly where your property is located.

The reason El Paso property taxes are among the highest in Texas is directly tied to this multi-entity structure combined with the absence of a state income tax. Texas relies heavily on property taxes to fund public services, and El Paso's relatively lower property values compared to cities like Austin or Dallas mean that tax rates must be higher to generate the same revenue.

Typical El Paso County Tax Rate Components (per $100 of assessed value)

Taxing EntityApproximate Rate% of Total Bill
School District (EPISD/YISD/SISD)$1.10 – $1.30~48-52%
City of El Paso$0.80 – $0.91~30-35%
El Paso County$0.38 – $0.45~15-18%
Hospital District$0.25 – $0.30~10-12%
Community College$0.15 – $0.20~6-8%
Combined Total$2.68 – $3.16100%

Property Tax El Paso Calculator: How to Estimate Your Bill

Using a property tax el paso calculator is straightforward once you understand the formula. Your annual property tax bill equals your taxable value (assessed value minus exemptions) multiplied by the combined tax rate, then divided by one hundred. Here is a practical example for a typical El Paso home:

Example Calculation

Market Value (EPCAD Appraisal)$220,000
Homestead Exemption (School District)- $100,000
Taxable Value for School District$120,000
Taxable Value for Other Entities$220,000
School District Tax ($120,000 x 1.20 / 100)$1,440
City + County + Other ($220,000 x 1.58 / 100)$3,476
Estimated Annual Tax Bill$4,916

This example illustrates why the homestead exemption is so critical for El Paso homeowners. The $100,000 school district exemption alone saves this homeowner $1,200 per year. If you have not yet filed for your homestead exemption, you should do so immediately through EPCAD. Additional exemptions are available for seniors over 65, disabled individuals, and disabled veterans, which can further reduce your taxable value and provide a tax ceiling that freezes your school district taxes.

Keep in mind that the property tax el paso rate changes slightly each year as taxing entities adjust their budgets. You can find the most current rates on the El Paso County Tax Office website or by contacting the individual taxing entities directly. Monitoring these rate changes annually helps you anticipate your tax bill and budget accordingly.

How to Pay Property Taxes Online in El Paso

Making El Paso property tax payment online through the county portal

The most convenient way to pay property taxes in El Paso County is through the online payment portal operated by the El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector. The El Paso property taxes payment online login system is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, allowing you to pay your taxes from the comfort of your home at any time that works for your schedule. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check payments, making it accessible to virtually every homeowner.

To access the online payment system, visit the El Paso County Tax Office website and navigate to the property tax payment section. You will need your property account number, which can be found on your tax statement, or you can search for your property using the el paso property tax search tool by entering your name, address, or legal description. Once you locate your account, the system displays your current balance, any delinquent amounts from prior years, and a detailed breakdown of taxes owed to each taxing entity.

1

Navigate to the Tax Office Portal

Go to the El Paso County Tax Office website. Look for the "Pay Property Taxes" or "Online Payments" link on the homepage. The portal is hosted on a secure, encrypted connection to protect your financial information.

2

Search for Your Property Account

Enter your account number, property address, or owner name in the search fields. The el paso property tax search function will return matching results. Verify the property details match your records before proceeding.

3

Review Your Tax Balance

The system displays your current year taxes, any prior year delinquencies, penalties, interest, and attorney fees if applicable. Review each line item carefully to understand exactly what you owe.

4

Select Payment Amount and Method

Choose whether to pay the full amount or a partial payment (if allowed). Select your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check (ACH). Note that credit and debit card payments typically incur a convenience fee of approximately 2.3 percent.

5

Complete the Transaction

Enter your payment details and confirm the transaction. You will receive an electronic confirmation receipt. Save or print this receipt for your records as proof of payment. The payment is typically posted to your account within one to three business days.

Important Payment Deadlines

Online payments must be submitted and confirmed by 11:59 PM Central Time on January 31st to avoid penalties. Do not wait until the last minute, as high traffic volumes on the deadline date can cause system slowdowns. If January 31st falls on a weekend, the deadline extends to the next business day.

The online portal also allows you to set up an account to save your property information for future payments, view your payment history, and print duplicate tax statements. This is particularly useful for homeowners who need documentation for mortgage escrow verification, income tax deductions, or real estate transactions.

If you encounter any issues with the El Paso property taxes payment online login system, the Tax Office provides a dedicated help line during business hours. Common issues include incorrect account numbers, browser compatibility problems, and payment processing errors. Clearing your browser cache or trying a different browser often resolves technical difficulties.

Alternative Ways to Pay Your Property Taxes

El Paso County Tax Office interior for in-person payments

While the online portal is the most popular payment method, the El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector office provides several alternative ways to pay property taxes for homeowners who prefer in-person transactions or do not have access to the internet. Understanding all your options ensures you can make your payment on time regardless of your circumstances.

In-Person at the Tax Office

The main El Paso County Tax Office is located at 500 East San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103, in downtown El Paso. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During peak payment season in December and January, extended hours and additional service windows may be available to accommodate higher volumes.

In-person payments can be made by cash, check, money order, cashier's check, credit card, or debit card. Bring your tax statement or property account number to ensure your payment is applied to the correct account. The office also has satellite locations in various parts of El Paso County for added convenience.

Pro Tip: Visit early in the tax season (October through November) to avoid long lines. The weeks leading up to the January 31st deadline are the busiest times of the year.

Payment by Mail

You can mail your property tax payment to the El Paso County Tax Office using the return envelope included with your tax statement. Make your check or money order payable to "El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector" and include your property account number on the payment. Mail payments to: El Paso County Tax Office, P.O. Box 2990, El Paso, TX 79999.

Critical: Mailed payments are considered timely if postmarked by January 31st. Use certified mail with return receipt requested for proof of timely mailing, especially if sending close to the deadline.

Through Your Mortgage Escrow Account

If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender collects a portion of your estimated annual property taxes with each monthly mortgage payment and pays the tax office directly on your behalf. This is the most common payment method for homeowners with active mortgages. However, you should still verify that your lender made the payment on time by checking your account through the el paso property tax search tool. Escrow shortages can occur if your taxes increase, resulting in higher monthly payments or a lump-sum shortage payment.

Payment by Phone

The El Paso County Tax Office accepts payments by phone using a credit or debit card. Call the office during business hours at (915) 546-2109 and follow the prompts for property tax payment. Have your account number and card information ready. The same convenience fee that applies to online card payments also applies to phone payments.

Regardless of which payment method you choose, always retain proof of your payment. This includes receipts from in-person transactions, confirmation numbers from online payments, and copies of checks or money orders sent by mail. If a payment dispute arises, having documentation protects you from penalties and potential foreclosure actions that can threaten your home.

Property Tax Exemptions to Lower Your Bill

Exemptions That Reduce Your Property Tax Bill in El Paso

El Paso homeowners reviewing property tax exemption savings

One of the most effective strategies for lowering the amount you pay property taxes each year is to ensure you are claiming every exemption for which you qualify. Texas offers several property tax exemptions that directly reduce your taxable value, and many El Paso homeowners are leaving significant money on the table by failing to apply. The property tax el paso county system allows multiple exemptions to be stacked, meaning you could qualify for more than one type of reduction simultaneously.

General Residential Homestead Exemption

Every homeowner who occupies their property as a primary residence is entitled to the general homestead exemption. As of recent legislative changes, this exemption removes $100,000 from your taxable value for school district purposes. Many other taxing entities in El Paso County also offer additional homestead exemptions ranging from $3,000 to $25,000 or a percentage of your assessed value.

The homestead exemption also provides the 10 percent appraisal cap, which limits how much your assessed value can increase from one year to the next. This protection is automatic once your homestead exemption is in place and prevents dramatic year-over-year tax increases even in a rapidly appreciating market.

Over-65 Homestead Exemption

Homeowners aged 65 and older qualify for an additional $10,000 exemption from school district taxes on top of the general homestead exemption. Perhaps more importantly, the over-65 exemption triggers a tax ceiling that freezes your school district taxes at the amount you paid in the year you turned 65 or the year you applied, whichever is later. This ceiling means your school taxes will never increase, even if your property value rises.

Many of the other taxing entities in property tax el paso county also offer optional over-65 exemptions and tax ceilings. Contact each entity directly or check with EPCAD to determine which additional exemptions are available in your specific taxing jurisdiction.

Disabled Veteran Exemption

With Fort Bliss being one of the largest military installations in the country, thousands of El Paso homeowners may qualify for the disabled veteran exemption. The exemption amount is based on your VA disability rating: veterans rated at 10 to 29 percent receive a $5,000 exemption, 30 to 49 percent receive $7,500, 50 to 69 percent receive $10,000, and 70 to 100 percent receive $12,000.

Veterans with a 100 percent disability rating, or those rated as unemployable due to service-connected disabilities, qualify for a complete exemption from all property taxes on their homestead. This benefit also extends to surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected injuries. If you are a veteran who has not yet applied for this exemption, doing so could eliminate your property tax obligation entirely.

Disabled Person Exemption

Homeowners who are disabled as defined by Social Security or Texas law qualify for an additional $10,000 exemption from school district taxes, similar to the over-65 exemption. This exemption also triggers the school district tax ceiling. You cannot receive both the over-65 and disabled person exemptions simultaneously, but you will automatically receive whichever provides the greater benefit.

To apply for any of these exemptions, you must file an application with EPCAD. Applications are available on the EPCAD website, at their office at 5801 Trowbridge Drive in El Paso, or by calling (915) 780-2131. The standard deadline for filing is April 30th, although late applications may be accepted up to one year after the delinquency date. Once approved, your exemption remains in effect until your eligibility changes, and you do not need to reapply each year.

If you discover that you qualified for an exemption in prior years but failed to apply, you may be able to receive retroactive exemptions for up to two years. This could result in a refund or credit on your account, providing immediate financial relief. Contact EPCAD to discuss your specific situation and determine whether retroactive exemptions are available for your property.

What Happens If You Don't Pay Property Taxes

What Happens If You Do Not Pay Property Taxes in El Paso

Delinquent property tax notices and consequences

Failing to pay property taxes in El Paso TX carries serious financial and legal consequences that escalate rapidly over time. Texas has one of the most aggressive property tax collection systems in the nation, and the penalties for delinquency are designed to encourage prompt payment. Understanding these consequences underscores the importance of paying your taxes on time or seeking assistance immediately if you are unable to do so.

Timeline of Consequences

Feb 1

Penalties and Interest Begin

A 6 percent penalty plus 1 percent interest is immediately added to your unpaid balance. Each subsequent month adds an additional 1 percent penalty and 1 percent interest through June.

Jul 1

Attorney Collection Fees Added

An additional 20 percent collection fee is typically added when the account is referred to a delinquent tax attorney. Combined with penalties and interest, your total could be 38 percent or more above the original tax amount.

Year 2+

Tax Lien and Foreclosure Lawsuit

The taxing entities can file a tax lien against your property and initiate a foreclosure lawsuit. If successful, your property can be sold at a public tax sale to satisfy the debt. Interest continues accruing at 1 percent per month on the outstanding balance.

To put this in perspective, consider a homeowner with a $5,000 tax bill who fails to pay. By July, that bill has grown to approximately $6,900 with penalties, interest, and attorney fees. After two years of non-payment, the total could exceed $9,000 on the original $5,000 obligation. These additional costs represent money that could have been used for home maintenance, savings, or other essential expenses.

If you are already behind on your property taxes, the most important step is to take action immediately. Contact the El Paso County Tax Office to discuss payment plan options. If you are over 65 or disabled, you may qualify for a tax deferral that stops all collection activity while you remain in your home. And if your tax debt has become unmanageable, selling your property to a reputable cash home buyer in El Paso can help you resolve the debt and walk away with equity rather than losing your home to foreclosure.

Homeowners who are simultaneously struggling with mortgage payments and property taxes face an especially difficult situation. Both your mortgage lender and the taxing entities have the legal right to foreclose on your property, and addressing both obligations simultaneously requires careful planning. Seeking professional guidance early gives you the best chance of finding a workable solution.

Special Property Tax Situations in El Paso

Special Situations: Military, Inherited Property, and Rental Owners

Certain El Paso homeowners face unique property tax challenges that require specialized knowledge. Whether you are an active-duty service member, someone who recently inherited property, or a landlord managing rental units, understanding how the tax system applies to your specific situation is essential for making informed decisions.

Military Service Members and PCS Moves

Active-duty military members stationed at Fort Bliss who own property in El Paso face unique challenges when receiving Permanent Change of Station orders. If you are selling your El Paso home during a PCS move, property taxes must be prorated at closing. The title company will calculate the seller's share of taxes based on the number of days you owned the property during the current tax year.

Military members deployed to combat zones may qualify for extensions on property tax deadlines under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This federal law provides protections including reduced interest rates on pre-service debts and postponement of certain tax obligations. Contact the El Paso County Tax Office to discuss your specific deployment situation and available protections.

Inherited Property Tax Obligations

When you inherit property in El Paso, you also inherit any outstanding property tax obligations. The Texas probate process does not automatically transfer exemptions from the deceased owner to the heir. If the previous owner had an over-65 or disabled exemption, those benefits end upon their passing, which can result in a significant tax increase for the new owner.

Heirs should immediately apply for their own homestead exemption if they plan to occupy the property. If you do not intend to live in the inherited home, it will be taxed at the full assessed value without any homestead protections. Many heirs discover that the ongoing property tax burden on an inherited home they do not occupy makes keeping the property financially impractical, leading them to explore selling options.

Rental Property and Investment Property Taxes

Owners of rental properties in El Paso do not qualify for the homestead exemption on those properties, meaning they pay taxes on the full assessed value. This results in significantly higher tax bills compared to owner-occupied homes. For landlords, property taxes represent one of the largest operating expenses and must be factored into rental pricing and investment return calculations.

Investment property owners should be especially diligent about protesting their appraised values each year, as even small reductions translate to meaningful savings across multiple properties. Additionally, property taxes on rental properties are fully deductible as a business expense on your federal income tax return, providing some offset to the higher tax burden.

Smart Strategies for Managing Your El Paso Property Tax Burden

Smart property tax management strategies for El Paso homeowners

Paying property taxes does not have to be a stressful annual event. With proper planning and a proactive approach, you can manage your property tax el paso county obligations effectively and even reduce the total amount you owe over time. Here are proven strategies that successful El Paso homeowners use to stay ahead of their tax bills and protect their financial well-being.

Budget Monthly for Taxes

Divide your estimated annual tax bill by twelve and set aside that amount each month in a dedicated savings account. When the bill arrives in October, you will have the funds ready without financial strain. For a $5,000 annual bill, that is approximately $417 per month.

Protest Your Value Annually

Make it a habit to review your EPCAD appraisal notice every spring and file a protest if your value seems inflated. Even a modest reduction of $10,000 in assessed value can save you $250 to $300 per year at current El Paso tax rates.

Verify All Exemptions

Run an el paso property tax search on your own account at least once a year to confirm that all your exemptions are properly applied. Exemptions can sometimes be dropped during ownership transfers or system updates without notification.

Pay Early When Possible

Paying your taxes early in the season (October or November) eliminates the risk of missing the January 31st deadline due to unexpected circumstances. Some homeowners also time their payments for maximum federal income tax deduction benefit.

Attend Public Budget Hearings

Each taxing entity holds public hearings before setting their annual tax rates. Attending these hearings and voicing your concerns is one of the few ways homeowners can directly influence the property tax el paso rate set by local government.

Consider Escrow Carefully

If your mortgage does not require escrow, weigh the pros and cons of paying taxes yourself versus having your lender handle it. Self-payment gives you more control and the ability to earn interest on the funds, but requires discipline to save consistently.

For homeowners who find that their property tax burden has become unsustainable despite these strategies, it may be time to consider whether your current home is the right fit for your financial situation. Downsizing to a less expensive property, relocating to an area with lower tax rates, or selling your house quickly for cash to eliminate the obligation entirely are all legitimate options worth exploring.

If you own property with code violations or deferred maintenance issues that make it difficult to sell through traditional channels, working with a local cash buyer who purchases homes in any condition can provide a fast resolution. This approach allows you to pay off any delinquent taxes from the sale proceeds and move forward without the ongoing burden of a property you can no longer afford to maintain.

El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector: Contact Information and Resources

The El Paso Tax Assessor-Collector office is your primary point of contact for all property tax payment matters in El Paso County. Whether you need to make a payment, set up a payment plan, request a duplicate statement, or ask questions about your account, the staff is available to assist you during regular business hours. Having the correct contact information readily available ensures you can get help when you need it most.

El Paso County Tax Office

Main Office Address

500 E. San Antonio Ave, Suite 103

El Paso, TX 79901

Phone

(915) 546-2109

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 2990

El Paso, TX 79999

EPCAD (Appraisal District)

Office Address

5801 Trowbridge Dr.

El Paso, TX 79925

Phone

(915) 780-2131

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Services

Exemptions, Protests, Appraisals, Property Records

Smart Property Tax Management Strategies

Frequently Asked Questions

When are property taxes due in El Paso County?

Property taxes in El Paso County are due upon receipt of your tax statement, which is typically mailed in October. The final deadline to pay without penalty is January 31st of the following year. If January 31st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. After this date, penalties and interest begin accruing immediately.

Can I pay my El Paso property taxes in installments?

For current year taxes that are not yet delinquent, installment options are limited to the quarter payment plan available to homeowners over 65, disabled individuals, and disabled veterans. For delinquent taxes, the El Paso County Tax Office offers installment agreements that allow you to pay off your balance over 12 to 36 months. Contact the tax office directly to discuss eligibility and terms.

What is the property tax rate in El Paso?

The combined property tax el paso rate varies depending on your exact location and which taxing entities have jurisdiction over your property. Most El Paso homeowners pay a combined rate between $2.68 and $3.16 per $100 of assessed value, resulting in an effective rate of approximately 2.5 to 3.1 percent. School district taxes represent the largest portion, typically accounting for about half of your total bill.

How do I find out how much I owe in property taxes?

You can check your property tax balance using the el paso property tax search tool on the El Paso County Tax Office website. Enter your account number, property address, or owner name to view your current balance, payment history, and any delinquent amounts. You can also call the tax office at (915) 546-2109 during business hours for account information.

Is there a fee for paying property taxes online with a credit card?

Yes, credit and debit card payments made through the El Paso property taxes payment online login portal incur a convenience fee of approximately 2.3 percent of the payment amount. Electronic check (ACH) payments typically have a lower fee or no fee at all. For large tax bills, the convenience fee can be substantial, so consider using an electronic check to save money.

What exemptions am I eligible for to reduce my property taxes?

Most El Paso homeowners qualify for the general homestead exemption, which provides a $100,000 reduction in taxable value for school district purposes. Additional exemptions are available for homeowners over 65, disabled individuals, and disabled veterans. Each exemption must be applied for through EPCAD. Visit their office or website to determine which exemptions apply to your situation.

Can I pay someone else's property taxes in El Paso?

Yes, anyone can pay property taxes on any property in El Paso County. You do not need to be the property owner to make a payment. This is common when family members help elderly relatives, when buyers pay taxes on behalf of sellers during a transaction, or when investors pay delinquent taxes on properties they are interested in purchasing. Simply provide the correct account number when making the payment.

What should I do if I cannot afford to pay my property taxes?

If you cannot afford your property taxes, contact the El Paso County Tax Office immediately to discuss payment plan options. Seniors and disabled homeowners may qualify for tax deferrals that postpone payment indefinitely. You should also verify that you are receiving all applicable exemptions, and consider protesting your appraised value to lower future bills. If the tax burden is truly unsustainable, selling your property may be the best path to financial relief.

Overwhelmed by El Paso Property Taxes?

Whether you need help understanding your tax bill, exploring payment options, or considering selling your property to resolve tax debt, we are here to help. TREX RE LLC has been helping El Paso homeowners navigate property tax challenges since 2016.

Get a free, no-obligation consultation and learn about all your options for managing your property tax burden in El Paso TX.