When Are Property Taxes Paid in Texas?
Navigate Texas property tax responsibilities effectively. Understand key dates, payment methods, and options to manage your obligations.
Property taxes in Texas represent a significant source of funding for local government services, including public schools, county operations, and municipal services like police and fire protection. Understanding the specific timelines and procedures for property tax payments is therefore important for all property owners. This helps ensure compliance and avoids financial repercussions.
Understanding the Texas Property Tax Calendar
The annual property tax cycle in Texas begins with property valuation on January 1st, establishing the taxable value. Local appraisal districts complete their assessment work, and tax rolls are certified. Tax statements are mailed to property owners beginning in October.
Property taxes are due upon receipt of the tax bill. The standard payment period extends from October 1st through January 31st. If a tax bill is mailed after January 10th, the delinquency date is postponed, allowing at least 21 days from the mailing date for payment. Property owners are responsible for timely payment even if they do not receive a tax bill, as non-receipt does not invalidate the tax or its due date.
Making Your Property Tax Payment
Property owners have several options for submitting tax payments. These include online payment portals that accept credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks (eChecks). Payments can also be made by mail using a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. In-person payments are accepted at local tax assessor-collector offices.
When mailing a payment, the envelope must bear a United States Postal Service postmark no later than January 31st. For online payments, ensure the transaction is completed and a confirmation number is received before the deadline. Some payment methods, particularly credit cards, may involve a convenience fee, up to 5% of the payment amount. If a tax bill has not been received by mid-January, property owners should contact their local tax assessor-collector’s office to request a duplicate.
What Happens If You Pay Late
Property taxes become delinquent if not paid by the January 31st deadline. Beginning February 1st, a 6% penalty is applied to the unpaid balance, along with 1% interest. This penalty increases by 1% each month, up to 12% by July 1st. Interest continues to accrue at 1% per month, with no maximum limit.
If taxes remain unpaid, additional collection fees can be added. On July 1st, delinquent accounts are referred to a tax attorney, and a collection penalty of up to 20% of the total tax, penalty, and interest can be assessed. A tax lien attaches to the property on January 1st, securing tax payment. Continued non-payment can lead to a lawsuit and foreclosure, where the property may be sold to satisfy the debt.
Alternative Payment Options
Texas law provides qualified property owners with alternative payment arrangements. Homeowners who are age 65 or older, disabled, disabled veterans, or surviving spouses of disabled veterans can pay their property taxes in four equal installments. The initial installment must be paid by January 31st, with notification of intent to use the installment plan. Subsequent payments are due by March 31st, May 31st, and July 31st.
Another option for qualified homeowners (age 65 or older or disabled) is tax deferral. This allows property owners to postpone homestead property tax payments as long as they own and reside in the home. While deferred, interest continues to accrue at 5% or 8% annually until the property is sold. To defer, an affidavit must be filed with the local appraisal district. For taxpayers facing delinquency, some tax collector offices offer a delinquent tax payment plan, allowing payments up to 36 months to help avoid attorney collection fees.