Key facts for Celina sellers
| Typical total property tax rate | About $2.016 per $100 of taxable value (Collin County side, 2025 tax year), before any special districtCity of Celina 0.576401 + Collin County 0.149343 + Celina ISD 1.208900 + Collin College 0.081220. A MUD or management district adds its own rate.Source: Collin CAD: Tax Rates and Exemptions (2025 tax year) |
|---|---|
| School districts | Celina ISD and Prosper ISDBoth districts serve Celina students. Prosper ISD's 2025 rate was 1.2141 per $100.Source: Celina Economic Development Corporation: Education |
| Appraisal district | Collin CAD for the Collin County part, Denton CAD for the Denton County partAbout 6,100 of Celina's residents live in Denton County (2025 estimate).Source: Denton Central Appraisal District |
| Homestead exemption | $140,000 off school taxes, plus 5% off Collin County and 20% off Collin College valueThe City of Celina offers no general percentage homestead exemption, but gives $30,000 for owners 65+ with a tax ceiling (2025). You must own and live in the home on January 1.Source: Texas Comptroller: Property Tax Exemptions |
| City rules at sale | No resale inspection for owner-occupied homes; rental homes must be registeredAll non-owner-occupied homes must be registered as rentals, renewed each January, and inspected each time a tenant moves out.Source: City of Celina: Rental Registration and Inspection |
| Population | 64,427 (July 1, 2025 estimate)Up from an April 2020 estimates base of 17,099.Source: U.S. Census Bureau: City and Town Population Estimates, Vintage 2025 |
Check for a MUD or management district
Some Celina neighborhoods carry a special district tax on top of the city, county, school and college rates. For example, Celina MMD #2 had a 2025 rate of 0.77 per $100 (Collin CAD). Buyers compare total monthly cost, so find every taxing unit on your appraisal record and have the total tax figure ready when you list.
How property taxes are split at closing
Texas property taxes are paid in arrears. Bills go out around October 1 and are generally due by January 31 of the next year (Texas Comptroller). The standard TREC resale contract prorates the current year's taxes through the closing date (TREC form 20-19), so a seller usually credits the buyer for the months already owned.
Selling a home you have been renting out
The City of Celina requires every non-owner-occupied home to be registered as a rental, renewed each January, and inspected each time a tenant vacates (City of Celina). If your tenant is moving out before you sell, factor that inspection into your plans and keep the registration current while the home is rented.
Protesting your appraisal
The usual protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later (Texas Comptroller). Collin County homes protest with Collin CAD, and Denton County homes with Denton CAD.
What shapes Celina prices
Celina's estimated population rose from 17,099 (April 2020 estimates base) to 64,427 (July 2025) (Census Bureau). In a city growing this fast, resale homes often compete with new construction. Total tax rate, school district, lot and condition all matter. A licensed local agent can pull comparable sales for your neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Celina tax rate higher than the city's published rate?
The city rate is only one part. Your bill also includes Collin or Denton County, your school district, Collin College where it applies, and any MUD or management district (Collin CAD).
Do I need a city inspection to sell my own home?
We did not find a Celina resale inspection requirement for owner-occupied homes. Rental homes must be registered and are inspected when a tenant vacates (City of Celina).
Is all of Celina in Celina ISD?
No. Both Celina ISD and Prosper ISD serve Celina (Celina EDC). Check the ISD on your appraisal district record.
I am over 65. Does my tax ceiling follow me?
The ceiling stays with the home, but you can transfer the same percentage of school tax savings to a new Texas homestead (Collin CAD).
Sources
- Collin CAD: Tax Rates and Exemptions (2025 tax year)
- Collin CAD: Homestead Exemption FAQs
- Denton Central Appraisal District
- City of Celina: Rental Registration and Inspection
- Celina Economic Development Corporation: Education
- Texas Comptroller: Property Tax Exemptions
- Texas Comptroller: Appraisal Protests and Appeals
- Texas Comptroller: Property Tax System Basics
- TREC: One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale), form 20-19
- U.S. Census Bureau: City and Town Population Estimates, Vintage 2025
Rates and rules change. Check the official source before relying on a figure. Other cities: McKinney, Frisco, Plano, Allen, Prosper, Wylie.