Ellis County Property Tax: Pay Online, Look Up Records, Estimate Your Bill & Avoid Penalties
This guide helps Ellis County property owners pay taxes online, search bills, understand the difference between the Tax Office and Ellis CAD, calculate a Texas property tax estimate, use payment options, check exemption and protest deadlines, find office locations, and avoid common mistakes before the February 1 delinquency date.
Choose the correct Ellis County property tax task
Most mistakes happen because the tax bill, appraisal value, exemption and protest process are handled by different offices. Use the right route first.
Fast answer board
- 1Pay or confirm a balance? Use the Ellis County Tax Office property search/payment portal.
- 2Search by owner, address or account? Use the Tax Office portal for tax bills and the Ellis CAD site for appraisal records.
- 3Value, exemption or mailing address wrong? Contact Ellis Central Appraisal District, not the Tax Office.
- 4Need a payment option? The Tax Office FAQ says to call about partial payments, homestead installment agreements and quarter payments for qualifying over-65 or disabled accounts.
- 5Missed January 31? Penalty starts February 1 at 6% and interest begins at 1% per month until paid in full.
Official live-task links
| User Need | Correct Office | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pay current taxes | Ellis County Tax Office | Tax Office handles tax bill, balance, payment posting and receipts. |
| Print/view statement | Ellis County Tax Office | The Property FAQ says statements are available online and at local tax offices. |
| Change mailing address | Ellis CAD | The Property FAQ says mailing address updates go through Ellis County Appraisal District. |
| File exemption | Ellis CAD | April 30 is listed as the last day to file an exemption application at Ellis Appraisal District. |
| Protest value | Ellis CAD / ARB | May 15 is listed as the last day to file a current-year protest with Ellis Appraisal District. |
How to pay Ellis County property taxes online
Start from the official Ellis County Tax Office or ACT tax portal. The official portal says you can search accounts collected by the Ellis County Tax Office and pay online by credit card or eCheck when online payments are available.
1
Open the official search/payment portal
Do not enter payment details on a generic third-party page.
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Go to the official Ellis County Tax Office property search/payment portal. Confirm the page says Richard Rozier – Tax Assessor Collector and Ellis County Tax Office.
2
Search the correct account
Use owner, address, account, Owner ID or CAD Reference Number.
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The portal supports Owner Name, Property Address, Account No., Owner ID and CAD Reference No. The portal notes that owner names are typically recorded last name first, and street designations like street, lane or boulevard may be abbreviated or shortened.
3
Match property and tax year before paying
Avoid paying the wrong account.
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Confirm owner, property address, account number, CAD reference number, tax year, amount due and any delinquent years. The Tax Office FAQ says you may indicate which tax year a check payment should apply to if paying current taxes first.
4
Save payment proof
Useful for escrow, duplicate payment and posting questions.
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Save the confirmation number, date, amount, account number and screenshot or PDF. If a mortgage company pays from escrow, still check the county record before January 31 to confirm posting.
How to look up Ellis County tax bills and appraisal records
Use the Tax Office portal for payment status and bill lookup. Use Ellis CAD for appraisal value, exemptions, property data and protest-related research.
Tax Office record
Use for tax bill, amount due, payment status, receipt questions, tax years, delinquent balance, payment options and collection issues.
Ellis CAD record
Use for market value, appraised value, exemptions, owner/mailing address updates, property details and protest or ARB questions.
| Search Field | Best Use | Official Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Owner name | Finding property by taxpayer name | Owner names are typically recorded last name first. |
| Property address | Residential lookup | Avoid terms like street, lane, boulevard or similar designations. |
| Account number | Exact Tax Office record | Best for payment, receipts and tax-office calls. |
| CAD Reference Number | Connecting tax record to appraisal record | Portal says CAD reference number is the appraisal district property account number and may differ from the Tax Office account number. |
| Owner ID | Owner reference lookup | Portal says Owner ID is different from the Tax Office property account number. |
How to estimate Ellis County property tax
Texas tax rates are commonly expressed per $100 of taxable value. Your final bill depends on the taxable value after exemptions and the combined rates for every taxing unit on your property.
Texas-style property tax estimate
Example: If your taxable value is $350,000 and your combined tax rate is 1.90 per $100, the estimated tax is $350,000 × 1.90 ÷ 100 = $6,650. Use the official Tax Office bill for the exact amount due.
| Step | Where to Find It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Market value | Ellis CAD property record / notice | This is the value estimate you may protest. |
| 2. Exemptions | Ellis CAD exemption section | Homestead and other exemptions reduce taxable value. |
| 3. Taxable value | CAD or tax bill | This is the value used for tax calculation after reductions. |
| 4. Tax rate | Ellis Tax Office tax rates / Truth in Taxation | County, city, school and special districts may all apply. |
| 5. Official bill | Tax Office portal | The bill is the payment record, not your estimate. |
Ellis County property tax dates that matter
These dates answer most taxpayer questions: when bills arrive, when to pay, when penalty starts, and when exemptions/protests must be filed.
| Date | Official Meaning | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Current collection period begins; tax bills are mailed October 1 or soon after | Watch mail and search online if statement does not arrive. |
| January 31 | Last day to pay taxes before delinquency; first quarter payment due for qualifying over-65/disability plans | Pay, verify escrow, or call Tax Office before this date. |
| February 1 | Penalty and interest begin on unpaid taxes | Do not ignore unpaid balance; contact Tax Office about options. |
| April 30 | Last day to file exemption application at Ellis Appraisal District | File homestead/other exemption early and save proof. |
| May 15 | Last day to file current-year protest with Ellis Appraisal District | File protest if value, exemption, property data or appraised value is wrong. |
| July 1 | Delinquent accounts may be turned over to tax attorneys with collection penalty up to 20% | Resolve delinquent balance before attorney collection if possible. |
Ellis County homestead exemption: what to know before filing
Exemptions are handled by Ellis Central Appraisal District. The Tax Office deadline page lists April 30 as the last day to file an exemption application at Ellis Appraisal District.
General homestead
Use this when the property is your principal residence and you meet Texas homestead requirements.
Over-65 / disability
Qualifying over-65 or disability homestead accounts may qualify for quarter payment options through the Tax Office.
Mailing address matters
The Tax Office FAQ says mailing address updates are handled through Ellis County Appraisal District.
1
Open Ellis Appraisal District
Use CAD, not the payment portal, for exemptions.
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Start at Ellis Appraisal District. Use ECAD for exemption applications, property value, appraisal notice, mailing address and protest questions.
2
Prepare documents before filing
Missing proof can delay approval.
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Prepare owner name, property address, CAD reference/account number, Texas driver license or Texas ID when required, proof of occupancy, and any age, disability, veteran or survivor documents for special exemptions.
3
Check the record after filing
Do not assume the exemption posted immediately.
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Save proof of filing. Later, check the Ellis CAD record and tax bill to confirm the exemption appears and reduces taxable value correctly.
How to protest Ellis County appraised value
A protest is not about payment posting. It is about appraisal district value, exemptions, property records or actions by the appraisal district. Texas Comptroller guidance says property owners may protest if they disagree with value or appraisal district actions.
Protest checklist
- 1Deadline: Ellis Tax Office lists May 15 as the current-year protest deadline with Ellis Appraisal District. Texas guidance says May 15 or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later.
- 2Read the appraisal notice. Notices explain how to file protest and may explain informal conference availability.
- 3Use Form 50-132 or written notice. Texas Comptroller says written protest is sufficient if it identifies the property, owner and dissatisfaction with appraisal district decision.
- 4Prepare evidence. Use comparable sales, closing statement, repair estimates, photos, wrong square footage, wrong property class or exemption proof.
- 5Pay undisputed taxes if continuing appeal. Texas Comptroller notes owners appealing after ARB may still need to pay taxes, usually the amount not in dispute, before delinquency.
Strong protest evidence
1
Review the CAD record and notice
Look for facts, value and exemption errors.
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Search your record at Ellis Appraisal District. Confirm market value, appraised value, exemptions, property class, land/building details, ownership and mailing address.
2
File before deadline
Late protest rights are limited.
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File by the date shown on your notice or the usual May 15 / 30-day rule. The ARB may grant late hearing only for good cause, and late filings after appraisal records are approved may lose protest rights.
3
Use informal conference before ARB if offered
It may resolve the dispute without full hearing.
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Texas Comptroller guidance says the notice includes information on informal conference availability before the formal ARB hearing. If unresolved, continue to ARB and present your evidence clearly.
Ellis County payment options if you cannot pay in full
The Tax Office FAQ says taxpayers can call about partial payments, homestead installment agreements and quarter payments for qualifying over-65 or disabled accounts.
Partial payments
Call the Tax Office if you cannot pay the full balance. Partial payment can reduce unpaid balance, but penalty and interest may still apply on remaining delinquent amounts.
Homestead installment agreement
The Tax Office FAQ lists Homestead Installment Agreement as one option to ask about when you cannot pay in full.
Quarter payments
Qualifying over-65 or disability homestead accounts may use four equal installments, with dates listed by the Tax Office.
Attorney collection risk
On July 1, delinquent current-year accounts may be turned over to tax attorneys, with collection penalty up to 20% of total unpaid balance.
| Payment Plan Date | What It Means | Who It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| January 31 | First quarter payment due for qualifying over-65/disability accounts | Qualified homeowners on quarter plan. |
| March 31 | Second quarter payment due | Qualified homeowners using four payments. |
| May 31 | Third quarter payment due | Qualified homeowners using four payments. |
| July 31 | Final quarter payment due | Qualified homeowners completing plan. |
Ellis County property tax offices: who to call
Use the Tax Office for bills and payments. Use Ellis CAD for value, exemptions, mailing address and protest. Both are in Waxahachie but they are different offices.
Ellis County Tax Office
Address: 302 N Monroe Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone: 972-825-5150
Fax: 972-825-5151
Email: taxoffice@elliscountytx.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Ellis Central Appraisal District
Address: 400 Ferris Ave., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Mail: P.O. Box 878, Waxahachie, TX 75168-0878
Phone: 972-937-3552 or 866-348-3552
Email: ecad@elliscad.com
| Tax Office Location | Official Address | Phone / Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Waxahachie | 302 N Monroe St., Waxahachie, TX 75165 | 972-825-5150 · Mon–Fri 8–4:30 |
| Red Oak | 101 Live Oak St., Red Oak, TX 75154 | 972-825-5640 · Mon–Fri 8–4:30 |
| Ennis | 207 South Sonoma Trail, Ennis, TX 75119 | 972-825-5390 · Mon–Fri 8–4:30 |
| Midlothian | 661 Aspen Pkwy, Suite 100, Midlothian, TX 76065 | 972-825-5600 · Mon–Fri 8–4:30 |
Map to Ellis County Tax Office in Waxahachie
The main Ellis County Tax Office is listed at 302 N Monroe Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. For appraisal questions, use Ellis CAD at 400 Ferris Ave.
Mailing a payment or paying in person
The Tax Office FAQ gives clear mailing and in-person payment guidance. Include the right identifiers so your payment posts correctly.
1
Use the official mailing address
Include your statement copy.
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Mail payment to Ellis County Tax Assessor-Collector, P.O. Drawer 188, Waxahachie, TX 75168. The FAQ says to enclose a copy of your statement and write the Property ID and your phone number(s) on your check.
2
Use local offices for in-person payment
Waxahachie, Red Oak, Midlothian or Ennis.
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The Property FAQ says you can pay property taxes at 302 N Monroe St. in Waxahachie, 101 Live Oak in Red Oak, 661 Aspen Pkwy in Midlothian, or 207 S Sonoma Trl in Ennis.
Official Ellis County property tax resources
Use these for live tasks. This guide summarizes key details, but official county, CAD and Comptroller sources control current balances, deadlines, penalties and forms.
Ellis County property tax FAQs
Short answers for payment, lookup, calculation, exemptions, protests, payment plans, offices and deadline questions.
QWhere do I pay Ellis County property taxes online?▾
Use the official Ellis County Tax Office search/payment portal. Search your account, confirm the tax year and property, then pay online if online payments are available.
QWhen are Ellis County property taxes due?▾
January 31 is the last day to pay before the delinquency date. Penalty and interest begin February 1 on unpaid taxes.
QWhen are Ellis County tax bills mailed?▾
The current collection period begins October 1. Tax bills are mailed October 1 or as soon as possible afterward, and the FAQ says statements are mailed in October each year.
QWho do I call for payment help?▾
Call Ellis County Tax Office at 972-825-5150 for tax bills, balances, payments, receipts, payment plans and delinquent account questions.
QWho do I call for value or exemption help?▾
Call Ellis Central Appraisal District at 972-937-3552 or use elliscad.org for value, exemptions, mailing address updates and protest questions.
QHow do I calculate Ellis County property tax?▾
Use taxable value after exemptions multiplied by the combined tax rate per $100 of value. Formula: taxable value × total tax rate ÷ 100. Use the official tax bill for exact amount due.
QWhat is the exemption deadline?▾
The Ellis County Tax Office deadline page lists April 30 as the last day to file an exemption application at Ellis Appraisal District.
QWhat is the protest deadline?▾
Ellis County Tax Office lists May 15 as the last day to file a current-year protest with Ellis Appraisal District. Texas guidance says the usual deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later.
QWhat if I cannot pay in full?▾
The Tax Office FAQ says to call the office to ask about partial payments, Homestead Installment Agreement and quarter payments for qualifying over-65 or disabled accounts.
QIs PropertyTaxUSA.org official?▾
No. PropertyTaxUSA.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify balances, receipts, deadlines, penalties, exemptions and protest rules with the official Ellis County Tax Office, Ellis CAD and Texas Comptroller sources.
Bottom line
For Ellis County property tax, use this workflow: search the Tax Office bill → confirm account and tax year → check Ellis CAD value/exemptions → calculate estimate if needed → pay before January 31.
Use the Ellis County Tax Office for bills, payments, receipts, delinquency and payment options. Use Ellis Central Appraisal District for value, exemptions, mailing address updates, appraisal records and protests.
Independent guide notice: This page is not Ellis County, Ellis County Tax Office, Ellis Central Appraisal District, a payment processor or legal/tax advice. Official county, CAD and state sources control balances, deadlines, penalties, fees, forms, exemptions and payment status.