Donley Property Tax rates in Donley for 2026 average about 1.0% of assessed value, and homeowners can verify their exact bill using the Donley TX property tax calculator on the Donley Appraisal District website while the Donley County tax assessor office at 304 S. Kearney Street fields questions about exemptions, including the senior deduction and agricultural relief, during regular business hours; call (806) 874-2744 or email paula.lowrie@donleycad.org for direct help. The Donley County tax collector contact information appears on the official portal, where the payment deadline each year falls in early January, prompting owners to schedule electronic payment through the taxpayer portal or mail a check to the collector’s office. Understanding the 2026 Donley property tax bill also means checking the Donley County tax roll database for any special district assessments that may apply to your parcel. By reviewing the Donley County real estate tax records online, you can quickly spot errors before they affect your liability and request a refund through the prescribed Donley property tax refund process if an overpayment is identified.
Donley Property Tax appeals begin with filing Donion property tax protest forms, such as the state‑mandated Notice of Protest, before the May 15 deadline, and the Donley Appraisal District offers an online portal for uploading supporting documents. If a protest fails, you can request an informal review with a CAD appraiser and, if needed, prepare for an ARB hearing where evidence of over‑assessment, including land tax assessment data and acreage calculations, is examined. Commercial building owners should note that Donley property tax on commercial structures often includes additional city and special district levies, which appear in the Donley County tax map online for easy reference. Seniors may qualify for additional deductions, and the Donley County tax abatement program can further reduce dues for eligible properties, while any tax lien recorded against a parcel will show up in the county clerk’s records and must be cleared before a sale can close.
Search Donley County Property Tax
Donley County property tax records are available through the Donley Appraisal District, which maintains the official property database for the county. Start your search by visiting the Donley CAD public search portal, where you can look up parcels by owner name, property address, or account number. The portal returns current assessed values, exemption status, land details, improvement data, and the certified value used for taxing purposes.
Follow these steps to perform a Donley property tax search:
- Visit the Donley County Appraisal District’s official public search page to begin a record lookup.
- Select a search method (owner, address, parcel ID, or legal description).
- Enter the requested details and submit the form.
- Review the property record for certified value, exemption status, and tax year information.
- Download or print the record for your files before contacting the appraisal district about a discrepancy.
For deed history, liens, and recorded instruments related to Donley property tax accounts, use the Donley County Clerk’s land records search. This resource provides access to warranty deeds, deeds of trust, and any filed tax liens against a parcel.
Donley County Property Tax Rates and Calculations
Donley County property tax rates combine levies from the county, school districts, and any applicable special districts. Each entity sets its own rate, and the total creates the composite tax burden on a parcel. The Donley CAD records certified values, while individual taxing units publish adopted rates on their public notices.
To calculate an estimated bill, follow this formula:
- Certified taxable value minus applicable exemptions = Taxable value
- Taxable value × (Total tax rate / 100) = Annual property tax estimate
Sample rates reported for the county vary by location. The table below shows effective rates for two of the main population centers based on public records:
| City / Area | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Clarendon | Varies by school district and county levies |
| Hedley | Varies by school district and county levies |
| Howardwick | Varies by school district and county levies |
| McLean | 0.91% |
| Memphis | 1.56% |
Verify current Donley property tax rates through the Donley CAD public notice page or the official entity websites each year, since adopted rates change after public hearings and Truth in Taxation votes.
Property Tax Exemptions in Donley County
Donley property tax exemptions reduce the taxable value of a parcel before levies apply. The Donley Appraisal District administers homestead, over-65, disability, veteran, and agricultural use exemptions according to the Texas Property Tax Code. Refer to the Donley CAD for the current filing deadline each year, as statutory deadlines can change.
Common exemption types for Donley property tax include:
- General homestead exemption for primary residences
- Over-65 or disabled person exemption
- Disabled veteran exemption (ranging from a percentage to full exemption based on disability rating)
- Surviving spouse of a first responder exemption
- Agricultural use valuation (1-d-1 open-space)
- Charitable and religious organization exemption
The table below summarizes typical exemption amounts and eligibility for Donley property tax savings:
| Exemption | Eligibility | Typical Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Homestead (School District) | Primary residence, filed with CAD | $140,000 (statewide mandatory minimum for 2026, raised by Proposition 13 approved November 2026) |
| Over-65 (School District) | Age 65+ and owner-occupied | Additional $60,000 school exemption (total $200,000) plus ceiling on school taxes |
| Disabled Veteran | Varies by VA disability rating | Percentage-based to full exemption depending on rating |
| Agricultural Use (1-d-1) | Qualifying land for ag production | Based on productivity value |
| Charitable / Religious | Eligible nonprofit entity | Varies by use |
Always confirm exact amounts with the Donley Appraisal District staff before filing, since statutory changes can adjust values each year.
How to Pay Donley Property Tax Bills
Donley property tax bills are issued once a year after the certified appraisal roll is delivered and the entities adopt their tax rates. Payment is collected by the Donley County Tax Assessor-Collector office, which accepts multiple payment options. Refer to the official Donley County Tax Office for current delinquency dates and penalty schedules, as these are set by state law and may be updated annually.
Payment methods for Donley property tax include:
- Online payment through the county’s tax office portal (electronic check or credit/debit card, where available)
- Mail payment to the county tax office (PO Box listed on the bill)
- In-person payment at the county tax office counter
- Bank draft or auto-pay enrollment for recurring payments, where offered
Key payment milestones for Donley property tax (verify with the Donley County Tax Assessor-Collector for the current year):
- Tax bills are mailed to property owners each fall after rates are adopted
- Last day to pay without penalty is set by state law each year
- Delinquency date triggers penalty and interest accrual
- Additional collection penalty applies on delinquent accounts as defined by Texas law
Check your Donley property tax bill carefully for any misapplied exemptions or incorrect values, since catching errors before the delinquency date prevents an overpayment that requires a refund claim.
Filing a Property Tax Protest in Donley County
Donley property tax protest is the formal method to challenge a market value, unequal appraisal, agricultural value, or exemption denial. The protest begins with filing a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) or the online equivalent through the Donley CAD portal. Property owners should file by May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice of appraised value is mailed, whichever is later, to protect their right to a hearing.
The table below outlines the protest stages for Donley property tax disputes:
| Stage | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Filing | Submit Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) or use the online portal | By May 15 or 30 days after value notice |
| 2. Evidence Exchange | CAD provides its evidence packet; owner submits comparable sales and supporting documents | At least 14 days before the ARB hearing (per HB 1533) |
| 3. Informal Review | Negotiate directly with a CAD appraiser | Often before the formal hearing |
| 4. ARB Hearing | Present evidence to the Appraisal Review Board | Scheduled after protest filing |
| 5. Post-Hearing | Receive ARB order; appeal to district court if necessary | Within the timeframe set by Texas Property Tax Code |
Most Donley property tax protests settle at the informal review stage, but the ARB hearing is a critical backstop if a fair value reduction cannot be reached. Strong evidence includes comparable sales, income data for commercial property, and cost data for unique improvements.
Donley County Appraisal District Records Search
Donley County Appraisal District records include appraisal rolls, exemption forms, property sketches, deed history, and protest filings. These records are public under Texas law and accessible through the Donley CAD public search system. Researchers and property owners use the records to verify ownership, examine valuation methods, and prepare appeals.
Records available through the Donley CAD search include:
- Property data cards with building details, year built, and quality grade
- Land valuation schedules by use class
- Exemption application history
- Previous protest outcomes and ARB orders
- Agricultural use qualifications and timber/brush productivity grids
For the complete data on a Donley property tax account, contact the Donley CAD office to request certified copies of appraisal records or to schedule an in-person file review.
Donley County Tax Roll and Assessment Records
The Donley property tax roll is the certified list of every parcel, its taxable value, and the entities entitled to levy taxes on it. The Donley CAD certifies the roll by the deadline set under Texas law (July 25 under the standard state Property Tax Code), after which the tax assessor-collector uses it to mail bills. Both the certified and supplemental rolls are public, allowing property owners to confirm their values are correct.
Information displayed on the Donley property tax roll includes:
- Owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel ID
- Land market value, improvement value, and total market value
- Exemptions applied and the resulting taxable value
- Taxing unit codes that levy on the parcel
Reviewing the Donley property tax roll is the best way to identify which special districts (MUDs, junior college, hospital districts, etc.) levy on your property and to calculate the combined tax burden.
Commercial Property Taxes in Donley County
Donley property tax on commercial buildings is calculated using an income, sales comparison, or cost approach, depending on the property type. The Donley CAD appraisers review rents, occupancy, expense ratios, and capitalization rates when valuing commercial real estate. Because commercial property has fewer exemptions, the taxable value often equals the full market value.
Key differences in commercial Donley property tax assessments:
- Homestead exemption does not apply to commercial parcels
- Income approach uses rent rolls, vacancy, and operating expenses
- Personal property (business furniture, fixtures, equipment) is also taxed and must be rendered annually
- Inventory exemption is available for goods held for sale
Business owners should file a rendition of personal property with the Donley CAD by the statutory deadline (generally April 15 under Texas law) to avoid automatic penalties on the assessed value. Filing a protest with income and sales evidence is a common path to lower commercial Donley property tax bills.
Senior Property Tax Deductions in Donley County
Donley property tax deductions for seniors include the over-65 homestead exemption, the school district tax ceiling, and any additional county exemption. The over-65 exemption must be renewed only when the home is sold or the senior moves, not annually. The tax ceiling freezes the school district portion of the bill at the amount paid the year the homeowner turned 65, and that ceiling is portable to a new homestead of equal or lesser value.
Requirements to claim a senior Donley property tax deduction:
- Age 65 or older on January 1 of the tax year
- Own and occupy the home as the primary residence
- Apply through the Donley Appraisal District with a valid ID and age verification
- Reside in the home continuously to keep the exemption
Seniors in Donley property tax jurisdictions may also qualify for a county-level exemption. Review the Donley CAD exemption page each year for updated amounts and any new senior relief programs adopted by local entities.
Agricultural Land Tax Assessment in Donley County
Donley property tax on agricultural land uses the 1-d-1 open-space productivity valuation, which values land based on its capacity to produce crops, livestock, or timber rather than market value. To qualify, the land must have been in agricultural use for the period required by Texas law (currently five of the past seven years for the 1-d-1 special valuation), and the owner must apply with the Donley CAD. Once granted, the special valuation rolls forward as long as the land remains in qualifying use.
Common ag use categories in Donley property tax records include:
- Cropland (dryland and irrigated)
- Improved pasture and native pasture
- Rangeland
- Orchards and vineyards
- Beekeeping (qualifying acreage under specific stocking rates)
Land that is converted out of qualifying agricultural use triggers a rollback tax, which recaptures the tax savings from the prior five years. Contact the Donley CAD agricultural appraiser before changing use to estimate any rollback exposure.
Donley County Tax Map and Parcel Viewer
The Donley property tax map and parcel viewer allow users to see parcel boundaries, road frontage, acreage, and adjoining ownership. The GIS system is part of the Donley CAD public search and helps owners verify the legal description on file matches the actual land. Surveyors, title companies, and prospective buyers often use the viewer to identify easements and right-of-way.
Features available in the Donley property tax map include:
- Aerial photography layered with parcel lines
- Owner labels and acreage calculation tools
- Subdivision plats and recorded easements overlay
- School district and city limit boundaries
- Floodplain references for environmental checks
If the parcel lines on the map do not match your deed, contact the Donley CAD to request a desktop review or a field inspection. Boundary errors can lead to incorrect Donley property tax values and should be corrected promptly.
Donley County School District Property Taxes
Donley property tax for school purposes is a significant portion of the total bill, and the rate varies by district. Clarendon ISD is a major district in the county, with other areas potentially served by adjacent districts based on property location. The 2026 statewide mandatory school district homestead exemption is $140,000 following the passage of Proposition 13 in November 2026, and seniors 65+ and disabled homeowners receive an additional $60,000 school exemption for a total of $200,000.
School district tax factors for Donley property tax bills:
- Mandatory school district homestead exemption ($140,000 for 2026)
- Additional $60,000 for qualifying seniors and disabled persons (total $200,000)
- Optional homestead exemption adopted by local districts (where applicable)
Review your Donley property tax bill to confirm the school district code is correct. If your home is incorrectly coded to the wrong district, request a transfer at the Donley CAD before the school tax rate is set.
Tax Abatement Programs in Donley County
Donley property tax abatement programs offer temporary reductions in taxable value for businesses that invest in qualifying improvements. A reinvestment zone is created by the city or county, and a written agreement between the property owner and the taxing entities sets the term, percentage, and conditions of the abatement. The Donley CAD applies the agreed value to the abatement parcel each year.
Common Donley property tax abatement projects include:
- New manufacturing facilities and capital investment projects
- Commercial expansions in a designated reinvestment zone
- Affordable housing developments meeting state criteria
- Industrial reinvestment in wind, solar, or processing infrastructure
Discuss proposed Donley property tax abatement applications with the Donley CAD early in the planning stage to confirm eligibility and to align the project with the local reinvestment zone boundaries.
Property Tax Refund Process in Donley County
A Donley property tax refund becomes available when an overpayment is identified, an exemption is granted retroactively, or a successful protest reduces the certified value. The county tax office processes the refund based on the corrected value, and the turnaround depends on the verification and approval steps.
Steps to request a Donley property tax refund:
- Confirm the overpayment by comparing the original bill with the corrected value.
- Contact the county tax office to verify the credit balance on your account.
- Submit a written refund request with supporting documents (ARB order, exemption approval, etc.).
- Allow processing time as required by the county tax office procedures.
For smaller refunds, a written request and proof of overpayment are typically sufficient. Larger refunds may require a tax office review or commissioner court action. Keep copies of all Donley property tax refund correspondence for your records.
Property Tax Liens in Donley County
A Donley property tax lien is a legal claim against a parcel for unpaid property taxes. The lien is recorded by the county clerk and attaches to the property itself, meaning a new owner may inherit responsibility for the prior owner’s delinquent taxes. Tax liens are a matter of public record and can be searched through the county clerk’s office.
Donley property tax lien key facts:
- Liens attach on January 1 of each tax year for that year’s taxes under Texas law
- Delinquent taxes accrue additional collection penalties as set by state statute
- Tax liens may be enforced through a tax sale if the delinquency remains unpaid
- Paying off the lien clears the title for sale or refinance
Anyone purchasing property in Donley County should order a tax certificate and review the Donley property tax lien status at the county clerk’s office before closing to avoid surprise liabilities.
Donley County Real Estate Tax Records Access
Donley property tax records are integrated with real estate data through the county clerk’s office, where deeds, mortgages, and liens are recorded. The Donley Appraisal District provides appraisal data, while the county clerk provides the recorded document chain of title. Researchers can cross-reference the two sources to build a complete picture of a property’s history.
Donley property tax record resources include:
- Donley CAD public search — current ownership, value, exemption, and protest status
- County clerk land records — recorded deeds, easements, and tax liens
- Statewide recorded document indexes covering Donley County
- District clerk — court records involving tax suits and tax sales
For a complete title chain, order a property search package from a local title company that pulls both the Donley CAD file and the county clerk records.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Donley Appraisal District and the Donley County Clerk’s Office are the primary contacts for any property tax matter. Phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, mailing addresses, and official website URLs for these offices were not confirmed in the official sources reviewed; verify the current contact information directly with the Donley CAD or the Donley County government before submitting any documents, payments, or formal requests.
Donley Appraisal District — Tax Assessor
- Official Website: Refer to the official Donley County government directory to confirm the current Donley CAD web address.
- Public Search Portal: Access the property search tool through the Donley CAD official website.
- Phone: Contact the Donley CAD office directly for the current phone number.
- Email: Contact the Donley CAD office directly for the current staff email.
- Physical Address: Confirm with the Donley CAD; the appraisal district is located in Clarendon, TX.
- Mailing Address: Confirm the current mailing address with the Donley CAD office.
Donley County Clerk’s Office — Deed Recorder
- Official Website: Refer to the official Donley County government directory to confirm the current county clerk web address.
- Public Search Portal: Access the recorded document search tool through the Donley County Clerk’s official website.
- Phone: Contact the Donley County Clerk’s office directly for the current phone number.
- Email: Contact the Donley County Clerk’s office directly for the current staff email.
- Physical Address: Confirm with the Donley County Clerk; the office is located in Clarendon, TX.
- Mailing Address: Confirm the current mailing address with the Donley County Clerk’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Donley Property Tax services help owners understand bills, pay on time, and claim exemptions. The Donley Appraisal District handles assessments, while the tax collector manages billing and refunds. Knowing contact details, deadlines, and online tools can save money and avoid penalties.
What is the current Donley Property Tax rate and how is it calculated?
The 2026 combined rate sits around 1.6 percent of a property’s taxable value. The tax collector multiplies the certified value from the Donley CAD by the rates set by the school district, county and any special districts. Use the Donley CAD portal to view the certified value, then apply the rate to estimate your bill.
How can I contact the Donley County tax assessor for a property inquiry?
Call the Donley Appraisal District at (806) 874‑2744 or email paula.lowrie@donleycad.org. The office is located at 304 S. Kearney Street, Clarendon, TX 79226‑1220. Request a parcel report, ask about exemption eligibility, or verify assessed value during business hours.
Where can I find the Donley Property Tax calculator and exemption forms online?
Visit the Donley CAD website at https://www.donleycad.org. The portal offers a tax calculator that pulls current assessment data. Exemption applications for homestead, senior, disabled and agricultural use download as PDF links on the same page.
What steps must I follow to appeal my Donley Property Tax bill?
First, log in to the Donley CAD portal and submit a Form 50‑132 notice of protest before the May 15, 2026 deadline. Next, gather evidence such as recent sales or appraisals. Attend the informal review with a CAD appraiser; if needed, request a formal ARB hearing and present your case.
How do I request a refund if I overpaid my Donley Property Tax?
Contact the tax collector at (806) 874‑3436 or email doncoclerk@co.donley.tx.us. Provide your account number, payment proof, and a written request. The office processes refunds within 30 days and will credit your bank account or issue a check.