Texas Porch

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Cooke County

The Cooke County Appraisal District sets your property value; the Tax Assessor-Collector collects the bill — and they are two separate offices.

Cooke County Money & Taxes

The Cooke County Appraisal District (CAD) decides what your property is worth for tax purposes. It does not collect taxes. The CAD is at 201 N. Dixon St. in Gainesville. You contact the CAD if you think your value is wrong or want to apply for an exemption.

The Tax Assessor-Collector is a different office, at 112 S. Dixon St. That office sends your tax bill and takes your payment. If you have a dispute about value, go to the CAD. If you have a question about your bill or payment, go to the Tax Assessor-Collector. Knowing which office to call saves you time.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Cooke County Directory

More Cooke County notes

Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption can lower your school tax bill

Texas law requires school districts to cut $140,000 off a home's appraised value for owners who live in the home as their main residence.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farm and ranch land can be taxed on production value, not market value

If your land is actively used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management, you may qualify for a special lower tax appraisal based on what the land produces, not what it would sell for.

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School Districts

Cooke County has eight school districts — your address determines yours

Eight separate school districts operate in Cooke County, each with its own tax rate, so the ISD for your specific address can meaningfully affect your property tax bill.

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Groundwater & Wells

A groundwater district regulates water wells in Cooke County

The North Texas Groundwater Conservation District covers Cooke County and may require permits or registrations for new water wells on rural property.

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