Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property taxes in Hays County

Hays County splits property tax duties between two separate offices, and knowing which one to call saves time.

Hays Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets the value of your property. It does not collect taxes. Its office is at 21001 N. IH 35 in Kyle. You file exemptions and protest values here. Call 512-268-2522 or visit hayscad.com.

The Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector collects the taxes after values are set. That office is at 712 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos. Call 512-393-5545 or visit hayscountytx.gov. Most people need to contact the appraisal district first, then the tax office to pay.

Source to confirm: Texas Comptroller — Hays County Directory

More Hays County notes

Homestead Exemption

Filing a homestead exemption lowers your tax bill in Hays County

If you own and live in your Hays County home, you can file for a homestead exemption to reduce what you owe in property taxes.

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Tax Payment Deadline

Pay your Hays County property taxes by January 31 to avoid penalties

Property tax bills in Hays County arrive in the fall, and January 31 is the last day to pay without extra fees.

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Agricultural Valuation

Farmland in Hays County can be taxed at a much lower rate through ag valuation

Land used for farming or ranching in Hays County may qualify for a special lower tax rate based on what the land can produce, not what it sells for.

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County Founding

Hays County was carved from Travis County in 1848

The Texas Legislature created Hays County on March 1, 1848, and named San Marcos as the county seat from the start.

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