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Tax Information
Ad Valorem (Property) Tax
The City of Bellmead levies an ad valorem (property) tax on land, buildings, and certain business personal property within City limits. Revenues are used for two primary purposes:
- Debt Service (Interest & Sinking Fund): A portion of property taxes is dedicated to repaying general obligation debt issued for large-scale capital and infrastructure projects such as fire stations, streets, and parks.
- Maintenance & Operations (M&O):The remainder supports general municipal operations, including police, fire, streets, parks, and administration.
- Street Improvements: By policy direction of the City Council, a portion of the M&O tax rate is specifically dedicated to street improvements only.
Property values are determined each January by the McLennan County Appraisal District. Taxes are billed in October and become delinquent on February 1 of the following year.
Current Tax Rate (FY 2026 / Tax Year 2025): $0.382358 per $100 of assessed value.
Historical Tax Rates
| Fiscal Year | Tax Year | M&O Tax Rate | Streets Rate* | I&S Tax Rate | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2026 | 2024 | 0.289899 | 0.04 | 0.052459 | 0.382358 |
| FY 2025 | 2024 | 0.267991 | 0.02 | 0.055178 | 0.343169 |
| FY 2024 | 2023 | 0.266233 | 0.056936 | 0.323169 | |
| FY 2023 | 2022 | 0.263142 | 0.060027 | 0.323169 | |
| FY 2022 | 2021 | 0.296291 | 0.078896 | 0.375187 | |
| FY 2021 | 2020 | 0.287381 | 0.090473 | 0.377854 | |
| FY 2020 | 2019 | 0.275518 | 0.084481 | 0.359999 | |
| FY 2019 | 2018 | 0.228781 | 0.091218 | 0.319999 | |
| FY 2018 | 2017 | 0.227640 | 0.072350 | 0.299990 | |
| FY 2017 | 2016 | 0.227990 | 0.075770 | 0.303760 | |
| FY 2016 | 2015 | 0.239000 | 0.079610 | 0.318610 | |
| FY 2015 | 2014 | 0.214410 | 0.084200 | 0.298610 | |
| FY 2014 | 2013 | 0.214190 | 0.084420 | 0.298610 |
*Beginning in FY 2025, the City Council dedicated a portion of the M&O rate exclusively for street improvements.
Truth in Taxation
Texas law gives property owners the right to be informed of increases in property appraisals and the estimated taxes that may result.
The Truth in Taxation website provides:
- Proposed property tax information for local taxing entities
- Dates and locations of public hearings on budgets and tax rate adoption
- A property search tool to view tax rate details
- A calculator that uses appraised values and adopted tax rates to estimate tax amounts
The City of Bellmead levies a 1.5% local sale and use tax on taxable transactions within the City limits. When combined with state and county rates, the total sales tax rate in Bellmead is 8.25%
Sales Tax Breakdown:
- 6.25% - State of Texas
- 0.50% - McLennan County
- 1.00% - City of Bellmead (general government purposes)
- 0.25% - City of Bellmead (street maintenance purposes)
- 0.25% - City of Bellmead (economic development purposes)
This revenue structure ensures that a portion of sales tax directly supports infrastructure improvements and economic growth within the community.
View historical sales tax collections on the State Comptroller's website.
The City of Bellmead levies a 7% hotel occupancy tax on rooms or spaces rented within the City. This local tax is in addition to:
- 6% - State of Texas hotel tax
- 2% - McLennan County hotel tax
This brings the total combined rate to 15% for hotel stays in Bellmead.
By State law, revenues from the City's hotel occupancy tax must be used to promote tourism and the support the convention and hotel industry in Bellmead.
Definitions
- Occupant: Any person who pays for the use, possession, or right to use a hotel room, sleeping space, or similar facility under a lease, license, contract, or agreement.
- Hotel: Defined under Section 156.001 of the Texas Tax Code, as amended.
Reporting Requirements
- Due Dates: Hotel occupancy tax reports and payments are due quarterly, no later than:
- April 30
- July 31
- October 31
- January 31
- Penalties for Late Payment:
- 5% penalty if not paid by the deadline
- Additional 5% penalty after 30 days
- Delinquent taxes accrue 10% annual interest beginning 60 days after the due date
- Compliance: Failure to collect, report, or remit the tax is a misdemeanor under City ordinance.
Audits
The City may conduct periodic audits of hotel tax payments, including hotels and short-term rentals. Property owners are required to maintain records of revenues, bookings, and exemption forms in case of audit.