Property Tax Resources · Stephens County, Texas
West Central Texas oil and ranch country on Possum Kingdom’s western edge — Stephens County’s 0.89% effective rate is below the national median, where Breckenridge serves a community built on oil production and ranch operations.
Sources: Population — U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 estimates; Effective Tax Rate & Avg Annual Bill — Ownwell / Census ACS 2024; Protest Success Rate — Texas Comptroller PTAD data, approximate.
🔴 2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026 — or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Miss this date and you waive your right to protest.
Stephens County lies in West Central Texas with Breckenridge as its county seat — a community built on Ranger oil field production in the 1910s–1920s and the sustained oil and gas activity that followed. The county borders Palo Pinto County and sits at the western edge of the Possum Kingdom Lake influence area, giving some of its landowners exposure to recreational land demand from Fort Worth buyers.
At 0.89%, Stephens County’s effective rate falls below the national median. For oil and gas mineral interest owners, verifying that production valuations reflect current market conditions is worth the effort. Agricultural landowners near Possum Kingdom should also check whether recreational comparable sales are inflating their farm valuations. Your deadline is May 15, 2026.
Official CAD site — appraisal notices, exemption applications, and district contact information.
Search your property record, view current appraised value, and verify exemption status.
Stephens County Appraisal District protest procedures, online filing portal, and deadline information for the current year.
Every taxing entity’s proposed rate, adopted rate, and public hearing schedule for Stephens County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in Stephens County must publish its proposed rate and hold a public hearing before adopting any rate exceeding the no-new-revenue rate. These meetings are open. Your voice is on the record.
| Taxing Entity | Type | Rate (2024 approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Stephens County | County | ~$0.38/$100 |
| Breckenridge ISD | School District | ~$0.88/$100 |
| City of Breckenridge | City | ~$0.32/$100 |
| Multiple Special Districts | Special District | Varies |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at stephens.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at stephenscad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at Stephens County Appraisal District: P.O. Box 351, Breckenridge, TX 76424. Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days after your notice was mailed.
Recent sales of comparable properties, your purchase price, photos of condition issues, and repair estimates all strengthen your case.
Before your ARB hearing, a CAD appraiser may offer to settle. Review any offer carefully — you can accept or proceed to the formal hearing.
The Appraisal Review Board is independent of the CAD. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. Most hearings run 15–30 minutes.
Disagree with the ARB ruling? You may appeal to district court, binding arbitration, or SOAH (properties over $1 million).
“No person’s particular services shall be demanded, nor property taken or applied to public use, unless by the consent of himself or his representative, without just compensation being made therefor.”
— Section 13, Declaration of Rights, Republic of Texas, 1836
Stephens County was built on oil — the Ranger field transformed this part of West Texas in ways that still echo a century later. The founders of the Republic wrote that no property shall be taken without consent and just compensation. Whether the property in question is a Breckenridge homestead or a mineral interest from the Ranger boom era, accurate appraisals are a right. Look up your value. File your protest. West Central Texas oil country deserves fair treatment.
For informational and educational purposes only. Property-Taxes-Texas.com is a citizen advocacy and education resource. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, financial, tax, or appraisal advice. We are not attorneys, CPAs, or licensed appraisers. Consult a licensed Texas attorney, qualified financial advisor, or certified appraiser for guidance specific to your situation. Deadlines, rates, and statutes are subject to change — verify all details with your county appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller before acting.
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