Ellis Property Tax is managed by the Ellis County Tax Assessor‑Collector, reachable at (972) 825‑5150 or taxoffice@co.ellis.tx.us, and the online payment portal lets homeowners settle balances instantly. The 2026 property tax rates for Ellis County average 1.15%, with specific city rates listed on the official website. Residents can claim exemptions such as the homestead exemption or agricultural land relief through simple online forms. If a bill becomes delinquent, the portal flags the account and provides steps to avoid penalties.
Ellis Property Tax information includes a property tax bill lookup tool, a calculator for estimating dues, and a GIS map that shows parcel boundaries. Homeowners can submit a homestead exemption application, start a tax levy appeal, or review the county’s real‑estate tax history for insight. Commercial owners and farmers see distinct rates, while mortgage escrow statements reflect the latest levy amounts. For overdue taxes, the tax collector offers a refund schedule and guidance on tax lien sales, and a qualified property tax attorney can advise on savings strategies.
Search Ellis County Property Tax
Ellis Property Tax records are managed by the Ellis County Tax Assessor-Collector office in Waxahachie, Texas, under Tax Assessor-Collector Richard Rozier. Homeowners, buyers, and researchers can look up tax bills, view payment history, and check balances through the official online portal hosted at the county tax office website.
The official website is https://www.ellistaxoffice.com. Anyone with a parcel number, owner name, or street address can run a search on the portal in a few minutes.
Search Steps
- Open the official tax office website at https://www.ellistaxoffice.com.
- Choose a search option such as owner name, parcel ID, property address, or account number.
- Type the requested details into the search box.
- Click Search or press Enter to load the results list.
- Select the matching parcel from the results to open the full tax record.
- Review the tax balance, due date, payment history, exemption status, and current year levy on the detail page.
- Print or save the record using your browser’s print or download button for your personal files.
- Contact the Tax Assessor-Collector office at (972) 825-5150 if the record shows missing data or errors.
If the portal shows no data, double-check spelling and confirm the parcel falls inside Ellis County limits. The Ellis Central Appraisal District, led by Chief Appraiser Kathy Rodrigue, maintains the property records that feed the tax office search.
Property Tax Payment Portal Features
The online portal at the official tax office website accepts tax payments online. Users can pay current year taxes, partial amounts, or past due balances. Confirmation receipts are issued once payment posts.
- Pay current year property taxes before the January 31 deadline to avoid penalty and interest.
- Set up quarter payment plans for Over-65 or disability homestead accounts, with the first installment due on or before January 31.
- View paid receipts and reprint tax certificates for income tax filings or closing paperwork.
- Check escrow disbursement dates for mortgage companies that pay taxes on behalf of borrowers.
- Print a current tax statement for proof of payment during a home sale or refinance.
The Tax Office notes that penalty and interest charges begin to accrue on February 1 on any unpaid taxes. Contact the office at (972) 825-5150 for questions about payment methods, accepted cards, and any convenience fees.
Property Tax Rates Across Ellis County
Ellis County tax rates combine county, city, school district, and special district levies into one total rate per $100 of property value. Rates differ by location because school districts and cities set their own rates. The countywide median effective tax rate is approximately 1.33%, while some cities post higher combined rates.
| City or Area | Combined Effective Rate | Median Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Ellis County (overall median) | Around 1.33% | Varies by parcel |
| Ennis | Around 1.42% | Varies by parcel |
| Other Cities and Unincorporated Areas | Rate set per district and jurisdiction | Varies by parcel |
The Commissioners Court voted unanimously to propose an all-in property tax rate of 0.273992 for tax year 2026 to fund fiscal year 2026. Rates change each year when taxing units adopt new budgets. The county portion appears on every tax statement along with each entity’s portion. Call the Tax Office at (972) 825-5150 to confirm the exact rate for a specific parcel before budgeting.
Available Property Tax Exemptions
Texas law lets property owners lower their tax bill through several exemption programs. Ellis County administers homestead, Over-65, disability, veterans, agricultural, and wildlife management exemptions through the appraisal district. Most exemptions require a one-time application, then renew automatically each year unless ownership changes.
| Exemption Type | Who Qualifies | Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead | Primary residence owners | Reduces assessed value (amount varies by jurisdiction) |
| Over-65 | Homeowners aged 65 or older | Additional reduction on assessed value |
| Disability | Homeowners with qualifying disability rating | Additional reduction on assessed value |
| Veterans | Honorable discharge veterans | Partial to full tax bill reduction in qualifying cases |
| Agricultural 1-d-1 | Land used for farming or ranching | Productivity-based value |
| Wildlife Management | Land under an approved wildlife plan | Productivity-based value |
File exemption forms with the Ellis Central Appraisal District at https://elliscad.com. The deadline to file 1-D-1 Special Use Valuation applications for agricultural and wildlife land is April 30. Veterans, disability, and homestead exemptions may have different deadlines, so confirm dates with the appraisal district early.
Homestead Exemption Details
The homestead exemption protects the primary residence from a portion of property taxes. Once filed, the exemption stays in place until the owner sells the home or moves. A new owner must file a fresh application within the required window of closing.
- Owner must occupy the home as the primary residence on January 1 of the tax year.
- Only one homestead exemption applies per person across the state.
- Both spouses can claim the exemption if both hold title to the property.
- Mobile homes may qualify when the owner holds title and lives in the unit full time.
- A homestead remains protected after divorce if the spouse who keeps the home files the new deed.
Submit a homestead application by mail or in person at the appraisal district office. Approval processing times vary. The exemption shows on the next tax statement after approval posts.
Agricultural and Special Valuation
The 1-d-1 agricultural use valuation lowers property taxes on land used for farming, ranching, or timber production. The appraisal district values the land based on what it produces rather than what a buyer would pay. This often drops taxable value sharply for large rural tracts.
- Land must show a history of qualifying agricultural use.
- Wildlife management land follows a separate application with a habitat plan.
- Beekeeping, horse boarding, and hay production can qualify as agricultural use.
- Roll-back taxes may apply if the land stops qualifying.
- Deadline to apply is April 30 each year for the current tax year.
Contact the Ellis Central Appraisal District at https://elliscad.com for the special valuation application and supporting documents.
Delinquent Property Tax Process
Property taxes in Ellis County become delinquent on February 1 each year. Penalty and interest charges start accruing immediately after the January 31 due date. After long periods of non-payment, the tax office can file a lawsuit and eventually sell the property at auction.
- Pay the full past due amount plus penalty and interest at the Tax Office or through the online portal.
- Set up a payment plan with the Tax Office if the full balance creates hardship.
- Request a payoff quote that shows the exact amount needed to clear the account today.
- File a written protest with the appraisal district if the value causing the bill is too high.
- Monitor the account each year to confirm no additional charges post in error.
Contact the Tax Office at (972) 825-5150 for the current penalty and interest rate schedule. Tax lien sales happen after a court judgment; refer to the official Tax Office and county website for the exact sale schedule and procedures.
Property Tax Bill Lookup Methods
Several official tools help residents pull a copy of their current tax bill. Each method shows the same core data but fits different user needs. Pick the option that matches whether you need a quick balance check or a full statement for closing paperwork.
- Use the property search at https://www.ellistaxoffice.com for a fast balance lookup.
- Call (972) 825-5150 during office hours and ask the staff to email or mail a statement.
- Visit the Tax Office at 302 N. Monroe St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 for a printed copy in person. Additional locations include Red Oak, Ennis, and Midlothian.
- Request a tax certificate through the office for use during a real estate closing.
- Check the GIS map at https://elliscad.com/interactive-map/ for parcel data and ownership history.
Tax bills post each fall for the upcoming tax year. Escrow companies receive a copy automatically. Homeowners paying on their own should download the bill when it posts to plan their January payment.
Property Tax Appeal Process
Property owners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a protest with the Ellis Central Appraisal District. The protest asks the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) to lower the value, which lowers the tax bill. Most protests center on market value, unequal appraisal, or incorrect property data.
- Receive the Notice of Appraised Value between April and May each year.
- Review the value, property details, and exemption status on the notice.
- File a protest online or by mail before the May 15 deadline listed on the notice.
- Gather evidence such as recent sales of similar homes, repair estimates, or photos of property issues.
- Attend the ARB hearing in person or by phone on the scheduled date.
- Receive a written decision from the ARB after the hearing.
Successful appeals lower the taxable value, which lowers the tax bill. Many protests settle before a full hearing through an informal review with the appraisal district staff. For complex cases, consider hiring a property tax attorney who handles Texas appeals.
Commercial Property Tax Considerations
Commercial property owners in Ellis County face unique tax issues compared to homeowners. Income-producing buildings often use the income approach to value, while warehouses and retail stores may use the cost approach. Each method requires solid financial records during an appeal.
- Maintain rent rolls, operating statements, and lease documents for at least three years.
- Review vacancy rates, tenant credit, and lease terms that affect income value.
- Check for appraisal errors such as wrong square footage, incorrect land size, or extra improvements.
- Consider filing for an agricultural exemption if part of the land produces crops or livestock.
- Watch the deadline for rendition filings to avoid penalty on missed assets.
Commercial protests require strong financial evidence. A licensed property tax consultant can prepare the protest packet and represent the owner at the ARB hearing. The Tax Office at (972) 825-5150 answers questions about payment plans for large balances.
Agricultural Land Tax Assessment
Rural land in Ellis County receives a special productivity-based value under Texas law. The appraisal district uses qualifying criteria to set the value, often resulting in a much lower assessed value than market sales would suggest.
- Land must meet the qualifying use test showing farming, ranching, or wildlife management.
- Wildlife management plans require supporting documentation filed with the application.
- Beekeeping operations may qualify with active hives on the property.
- Roll-back taxes can apply if the qualifying use changes.
- Apply with the appraisal district before April 30 to lock in the valuation for the current year.
The Ellis Central Appraisal District website at https://elliscad.com posts the agricultural application and a list of qualifying uses. Contact the ag department at the appraisal district for help with first-time filings.
Property Tax Refund Schedule
Refunds happen when an overpayment lands on a tax account. Common causes include duplicate payments, exemption approvals after the bill issued, or appeal adjustments. The Tax Office processes refunds after the tax year closes and the records balance.
- Mortgage escrow overpayments refund to the borrower, not the loan company, after proof of payment.
- Exemption-driven refunds post after the exemption approval date.
- Appeal-driven refunds post after the ARB decision and value change.
- Duplicate payment refunds require the original receipt or transaction confirmation number.
Allow several weeks for a refund check to arrive by mail. Call (972) 825-5150 to check the status of a pending refund.
Tax Lien Sales Process
When property taxes stay unpaid for a long period, the Tax Office files a lawsuit in district court. A judgment allows the office to sell the property at a public auction to recover the unpaid taxes, penalties, interest, and court costs. Buyers at these auctions pay cash and receive a deed to the property.
- Taxes become delinquent on February 1 after the January 31 due date.
- Collection lawsuits file in district court after the delinquency date.
- Court judgments issue after a hearing or default if the owner does not respond.
- Notices of sale publish in the local newspaper and post on the county website.
- Public auctions take place at the county courthouse on dates set by the court.
- Winning bidders pay in full that day and receive a sheriff’s deed after the sale.
Owners can stop the sale by paying the full amount owed plus court costs any time before the auction. After the sale, a redemption period may apply; refer to the Tax Office for current redemption terms.
Property Tax Savings Strategies
Property owners can lower their tax bill through several legal moves. Many savings start with filing the right exemption or appealing a high value. Other strategies focus on accurate property records and timely payments.
- File the homestead exemption as soon as you buy a home to lock in the savings.
- Review the appraisal district record each spring for errors in square footage or features.
- Protest the value if similar homes nearby sold for less than the appraised amount.
- Apply for agricultural valuation on qualifying land to use the productivity-based value.
- Pay before January 31 to avoid the penalty and interest that begin accruing on February 1.
- Track exemption deadlines so you never miss a filing window for a tax break.
- Request a senior freeze or tax ceiling if the owner is Over-65 and lives in the home.
- Keep records of storm damage, foundation repairs, and other value-reducing issues for appeal use.
A property tax attorney or consultant can review your records and find missed exemptions. Most charge a flat fee or a percentage of the savings. The Tax Office at (972) 825-5150 can confirm which exemptions currently apply to a parcel.
GIS Property Map Tools
The Geographic Information System (GIS) map at https://elliscad.com/interactive-map/ shows parcel lines, owner names, lot sizes, and improvement data. Users click on a parcel to open the full property record. The map also shows school district boundaries, flood zones, and zoning overlays.
- Search by owner name, parcel ID, or street address from the map search box.
- Toggle layers to show school districts, city limits, and special districts.
- Measure distance and area for land parcels using the built-in drawing tool.
- Print a map of a single parcel for use in a deed, survey, or legal filing.
- View aerial photos to check physical changes to the property.
- Open linked records for sales history, building permits, and tax valuations.
Map data updates on a regular schedule. Sales prices and building data may lag behind the live tax records. For the freshest tax balance, always check the tax office portal at https://www.ellistaxoffice.com instead of the GIS map.
Property Tax Appraisal Process
The Ellis Central Appraisal District sets the taxable value of every parcel in Ellis County each year. Mass appraisal methods use sales data, cost data, and income data to estimate market value as of January 1. The chief appraiser and staff review each property category using approved ratios and guidelines from the state.
- Collect sales, costs, and income data.
- Apply mass appraisal models to estimate value for every parcel in each category.
- Mail Notices of Appraised Value to property owners between April and May.
- Process exemption applications and property renditions during the same window.
- Hold informal reviews and ARB hearings to resolve protests before certification.
- Certify the appraisal roll by the state’s required deadline for use by the taxing units in their budgets.
Property owners can meet with the appraiser before the protest deadline to discuss the value. Many protests settle at this step without a full ARB hearing. Contact the Ellis Central Appraisal District at https://elliscad.com to schedule a review.
Mortgage Escrow and Property Taxes
Most mortgage lenders require borrowers to pay property taxes through an escrow account. The lender collects a portion of the tax bill each month with the mortgage payment, then pays the tax bill from escrow when it comes due. This protects the lender’s interest in the property.
- Lenders receive a copy of the tax bill directly from the Tax Office each fall.
- Escrow analysis each year adjusts the monthly payment to cover the next tax bill.
- Shortfalls happen when the tax bill jumps more than the monthly escrow collected.
- Surpluses may refund to the borrower or apply to the next year’s escrow.
- Annual escrow statements arrive at least once per year showing payments and balances.
- Borrowers can request a pay-off quote from the Tax Office for refinance or sale closings.
Call (972) 825-5150 if your lender missed a payment or applied it to the wrong account. The Tax Office staff can trace the payment and issue a corrected receipt. Save all escrow statements and tax receipts for tax filing and audit purposes.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Ellis County Tax Assessor-Collector
Department Name: Ellis County Tax Assessor-Collector
Official Website URL: https://www.ellistaxoffice.com
Main Phone: (972) 825-5150
Fax: (972) 825-5151
Official Email: taxoffice@co.ellis.tx.us
Mailing Address: 302 N. Monroe St., Waxahachie, TX 75165-3350
Street Address: 302 N. Monroe St., Waxahachie, TX 75165-3350
Tax Assessor-Collector: Richard Rozier
Ellis Central Appraisal District
Department Name: Ellis Central Appraisal District (ECAD)
Official Website URL: https://elliscad.com
GIS Map URL: https://elliscad.com/interactive-map/
Main Phone: (972) 937-3552
Toll-Free Phone: (866) 348-3552
Fax: (972) 937-1618
Chief Appraiser: Kathy Rodrigue
Frequently Asked Questions
Ellis Property Tax services help owners find balances, pay on time, and claim exemptions. The Tax Assessor‑Collector office in Waxahachie handles bills, online searches, and refunds. Knowing contact details, portal links, and key dates prevents penalties and saves money.
How can I look up my Ellis County property tax bill online?
Visit the official portal at ellistaxoffice.com/property-search. Enter the parcel number, owner name, or street address. The system shows the current balance, payment history, and any exemptions applied. If the bill does not appear, call the tax office at (972) 825‑5150 for verification. This quick lookup helps you confirm amounts before sending a payment.
What are the main ways to pay Ellis Property Tax in 2026?
Payments are accepted online through the same portal, by phone using a credit or debit card, or in person at the office on 302 N. Monroe St., Waxahachie. You can also mail a check to the same address. For mortgage escrow accounts, contact your lender to ensure the correct amount is debited each month. Paying early avoids the February 1 penalty that starts after the deadline.
Which exemptions are available for homeowners in Ellis County?
Ellis County offers a homestead exemption, disabled veteran exemption, and senior citizen exemption for owners 65 or older. To claim, download the exemption form from the tax office website, complete it, and return it by the filing deadline. Attach proof of age, disability, or veteran status. Approved exemptions reduce the taxable value, lowering the overall bill.
What should I do if my property tax becomes delinquent?
Call the tax office at (972) 825‑5150 as soon as you notice a balance. Ask about a payment plan or partial payment options. The office can print a receipt and update your account. If the debt remains unpaid past the February 1 penalty date, interest accrues and a tax lien may be filed. Prompt communication often stops further action.
How can I appeal a property tax valuation in Ellis County?
First, obtain a copy of the notice of appraised value from the portal. Then, file a protest form online or drop it at the office before the deadline listed on the notice. Include comparable sales, recent improvements, or errors in property description. After filing, attend the appraisal district hearing. Successful appeals can lower the assessed value and reduce your tax bill.