What Month Are Property Taxes Due in Texas?

Property taxes in Texas fund local government services, including public schools, cities, counties, and special districts. These taxes are levied on the assessed value of real property, such as homes and land, and contribute to the infrastructure and operations that benefit local communities.

Understanding Your Texas Property Tax Bill

Your Texas property tax bill details the financial obligation for your real estate. It is determined by two main factors: your property’s appraised value and the tax rates set by local taxing units. Appraisal districts in each county value all taxable property annually, establishing its market value as the basis for taxation.

Once the appraisal district determines your property’s value, local taxing units, such as your city, county, school district, and special districts, apply their individual tax rates. Each of these entities sets its own tax rate based on its budgetary needs. The combined tax rates from all applicable taxing units are then applied to your property’s appraised value, resulting in the total amount of property taxes you owe for the year. This process ensures the tax burden is distributed among property owners to support local services.

Key Deadlines for Texas Property Tax Payments

Property tax bills in Texas are typically mailed in October. The primary due date for payments is January 31st of the following calendar year. This deadline provides a window of several months to prepare for payment after receiving the bill. If January 31st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline for payment is automatically extended to the next business day.

Beyond the payment deadline, other important dates relate to the property tax cycle. Appraisal notices, which inform property owners of their property’s assessed value, are generally mailed in April or May by the appraisal district. Property owners typically have until May 15th or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later, to formally protest their property’s valuation. Protesting an appraisal can reduce the property tax owed before bills are generated.

Texas Property Tax Exemptions and Reductions

Several exemptions and reductions are available to Texas property owners to lower their annual tax burden. One of the most widely utilized is the homestead exemption, which applies to a property owner’s primary residence. This exemption reduces the taxable value of the home, leading to a lower tax bill. To qualify, the property must be owned and occupied as the principal residence on January 1st of the tax year.

Additional exemptions are available for specific groups. Homeowners who are 65 years or older or those with a disability can qualify for an additional homestead exemption, further reducing their taxable property value. Surviving spouses of qualified individuals may also be eligible to retain the exemption. Applying for these exemptions typically involves submitting an application to the county appraisal district, often by April 30th, with required documentation.

Making Your Texas Property Tax Payment

Property owners in Texas have various options for submitting their property tax payments. Most taxing units offer online payment through their websites, often using a credit card or electronic check, though convenience fees may apply for card transactions. Paying by mail is another common method, where taxpayers send a check or money order to the tax assessor-collector’s office, ensuring it is postmarked by the January 31st deadline.

For those who prefer in-person transactions, payments can usually be made at the local tax assessor-collector’s office during business hours. Certain taxpayers may also qualify for installment payment plans. For instance, homeowners with an over-65 or disability homestead exemption can often choose to pay their taxes in four equal installments, with deadlines in January, March, May, and July. Eligibility for these plans and terms should be confirmed with the local tax assessor-collector.

Consequences of Missing Texas Property Tax Deadlines

Failing to pay property taxes by the January 31st deadline in Texas results in penalties and interest charges. Beginning February 1st, a 6% penalty and 1% interest are typically added to the unpaid amount. These charges accrue monthly, with the penalty increasing by 1% per month up to 12% by July 1st. Interest also accumulates at 1% per month, reaching 8% by September.

If taxes remain unpaid, additional collection fees, often 15% to 20% of the total tax, penalty, and interest, can be added when referred to a delinquent tax attorney. Non-payment can lead to legal actions, including a lawsuit to collect overdue taxes. In extreme cases, this can result in a tax foreclosure sale of the property to satisfy the outstanding liability.