Texas property tax bills are due by January 31 of the year following the tax year, but you can pay in installments starting in October
Property tax in Texas runs on a calendar year — taxes on property you owned on January 1 are billed the following fall. The first installment is due October 31, and the second installment is due January 31. You do not have to split the payment; you can pay the full amount when the first bill arrives in October. If you miss the January 31 deadline, a penalty of 6 percent is added immediately, and interest accrues daily after that.
Your county tax assessor-collector sends the bill to the address on file with the property deed. If you do not receive a bill by mid-October, contact your county tax office directly — not receiving the bill does not erase the debt. The bill itself shows the due dates, the amount owed, and the tax assessor-collector's office address and payment methods.
Key Takeaways
- Property tax bills arrive in October and split into two installments: October 31 and January 31.
- You can pay the full amount in October or split it across both due dates without penalty.
- Missing the January 31 deadline triggers a 6 percent penalty plus daily interest.
- Your county tax assessor-collector's office handles billing and payment; contact them directly if you do not receive a bill.
- Payment methods vary by county but typically include mail, online portals, phone, and in-person payment at the tax office.
How to pay your property tax bill
Each county tax assessor-collector offers different payment methods. Most accept payment by mail (send a check to the address on your bill), online through the county website, by phone using a credit or debit card, or in person at the tax office. Some counties also accept automatic bank draft or payment through third-party services. Check your county's tax assessor-collector website or call their office to confirm which methods they offer and whether there are fees for credit card or online payments.
When you pay, keep a record — a cancelled check, receipt, or confirmation number. If you pay online or by phone, save the confirmation email or number. This protects you if a payment is lost or misapplied. If you mail a check, send it early enough to arrive before the deadline; the postmark date does not count as the payment date in Texas.
What happens if you miss the deadline
A 6 percent penalty is added to any balance unpaid after January 31. After that, interest accrues at 1 percent per month (12 percent annually) on the unpaid balance plus the penalty. The county can file a tax lien against the property, which means the tax debt is recorded against the deed and must be paid before you can sell or refinance. After three years of non-payment, the county may foreclose and sell the property at a tax sale to recover the debt.
If you cannot pay by the deadline, contact your county tax assessor-collector immediately. Some counties offer payment plans or can defer payment in cases of hardship, though these are not may provide. The sooner you contact them, the more options may be available before penalties and interest compound.
Homestead exemptions and tax reductions
Texas offers a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which lowers your tax bill. The exemption is not automatic — you must file for it with your county appraisal district, usually by April 30 of the year you want it to take effect. The amount of the exemption varies by county and school district, but it typically reduces your taxable value by $25,000 to $40,000. Seniors (age 65 and older) and disabled persons may may have access to for additional exemptions or deferrals.
If you have not filed for a homestead exemption and own your home as your primary residence, you may be paying more tax than necessary. Contact your county appraisal district to learn what exemptions you may be may have access to to and what documents you need to file. Filing late does not disqualify you, but the exemption usually takes effect the following tax year.
Property tax bills for new homeowners and transfers
When you buy a home mid-year, the seller is responsible for property tax up to the closing date, and you are responsible from that date forward. The tax bill you receive in October reflects the full year's tax, but it is prorated between you and the seller at closing. Your closing statement shows how much tax you owe for the portion of the year you owned the property. You are still responsible for paying the full bill by the deadline; the proration is settled between you and the seller, not with the county.
If you inherited property or received it as a gift, you become responsible for taxes from the date of transfer. Make sure the deed is recorded with the county and your name is on file with the tax assessor-collector so bills are sent to you. If bills continue to go to the previous owner, contact the tax assessor-collector to update the mailing address and ownership information.
Deferral and payment plan options
Texas allows property owners age 65 and older to defer property tax payments on their primary residence. A tax deferral means you do not have to pay the tax while you own and live in the home, but the debt remains a lien on the property and must be paid when you sell, move, or pass away. To file for deferral, contact your county tax assessor-collector before the deadline. The application process and requirements vary by county.
Some counties also offer payment plans for taxpayers facing hardship, though these are discretionary and not may provide. If you cannot pay by January 31, call your county tax assessor-collector and explain your situation. They may be willing to work with you on timing, but you must contact them before the deadline passes. Waiting until after penalties are added makes negotiation much harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property tax online?
Most Texas counties offer online payment through their tax assessor-collector website. Some charge a convenience fee for credit card payments. Check your county's website or call the tax office to confirm the payment portal and any associated fees before you pay.
What if I pay late by accident?
A 6 percent penalty is added immediately after January 31, and interest accrues daily after that. Contact your county tax assessor-collector right away to pay the balance plus penalty and interest. The sooner you pay, the less interest you will owe. Ask whether they can waive the penalty in cases of genuine hardship, though this is not may provide.
Do I have to pay property tax if I am on a payment plan with my mortgage lender?
Yes. Your mortgage lender may collect property tax through an escrow account and pay it on your behalf, but you are still legally responsible for the debt. If your lender does not pay on time, the tax lien falls on your property. Check your loan documents to confirm whether your lender is handling tax payments or whether you must pay directly.
What if the property tax bill is sent to the wrong address?
Not receiving the bill does not erase the debt or extend the deadline. If you move, notify your county tax assessor-collector in writing with your new address. If you suspect a bill was sent to an old address, contact the tax office directly to confirm they have your current information and to request a copy of the bill.
Can I deduct property tax from my federal income tax?
Texas property tax is deductible on your federal return as part of the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, up to $10,000 per year. This is a federal tax question, not a Texas tax question — consult a tax professional or the IRS website for details on how to claim the deduction on your return.