Franklin County, Texas

6 local notes for Franklin County — practical, plain-English, and pointed at the official source to confirm. East Texas / Piney Woods.

Money & Taxes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Your Property Taxes

Franklin County splits property tax work between two offices — one sets your value, the other collects the bill.

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

If your home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that lowers the taxable value of your property.

Home & Property

Septic Systems

Rural Homes Need a Septic Permit Before You Build

Most rural properties in Franklin County are not on public sewer, so a permitted septic system is required by state law.

Outdoors

Fishing & Recreation

Lake Cypress Springs Offers Public Fishing and Boating

Lake Cypress Springs is a 3,461-acre reservoir in Franklin County open to the public for fishing, boating, and recreation.

Rules & Licenses

Agricultural Valuation

Farm and Ranch Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or timber in Franklin County may qualify to be appraised at its productivity value, which is usually much lower than market value.

History & Culture

County History

Franklin County Was Named for a Judge, Not the President

Franklin County was created in 1875 and named for Judge Benjamin C. Franklin, an early Red River County settler and jurist — not for Benjamin Franklin.