Property Tax Deadlines in Texas: Key Dates to Remember

Staying on top of your property taxes is crucial for every homeowner, but in Texas, it's especially important to be mindful of key deadlines to avoid penalties and missed savings opportunities. Missing these deadlines can lead to hefty fines, interest charges, or even liens on your property. Here’s a guide to all the important property tax deadlines in Texas, how to file, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Key Deadlines in Texas

January 1st

This is the effective date for determining the taxable value of your property for the year. Essentially, the property's value as of this date will be used to calculate your taxes.

January 31st

Property tax bills for the previous year are generally due by January 31st. You must pay the full amount or set up a payment plan to avoid penalties.

April 15th

This is the deadline to file for homestead exemptions. Missing this can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, in tax savings. Make sure to file before this date to claim your exemption.

May 15th

If you disagree with your property tax appraisal, this is typically the last day to file a Notice of Protest. If you miss this deadline, you’ll have to wait until the next tax year to contest your assessment.

October 1st

Property taxes become delinquent if not paid in full by this date. Late payments after October 1st will incur penalties, interest, and additional fees.

Do You Need to File a Tax Return?

In Texas, homeowners do not file a property tax return, but if you’ve bought or sold a home, you must update your ownership information with your local County Appraisal District (CAD). The CAD determines your property’s value and will send a notice of appraised value each year.

Online or In-Person?

Most counties in Texas offer the convenience of paying your property taxes or filing protests online. You can either visit your County Appraisal District’s website or your county’s tax assessor-collector office. For example, Harris County offers an online portal where you can pay your taxes or file any necessary protests or exemptions. But if you prefer the old-school way, you can still file documents in person.

How to Access Your Online Tax Account

Accessing your property tax account online is usually straightforward:

• Visit your county’s tax assessor-collector website (see the list below).
• Enter your property’s address or unique property ID.
• From here, you can check your tax balance, view past payments, and set up payment plans.

Once logged in, you can choose to pay in full, set up installment plans, or explore any exemptions you may qualify for.

Property Tax in Texas: Top 10 Property Tax by County 

1. Property Tax in Harris County 
2. Property Tax in Dallas County  
3. Property Tax in Tarrant County (Fort Worth)
4. Property Tax in Bexar County (San Antonio)
5. Property Tax in Travis County (Austin)
6. Property Tax in Collin County (Plano)
7. Property Tax in Denton County (part of the DFW metroplex)
8. Property Tax in El Paso County (El Paso)
9. Property Tax in Fort Bend County (suburb of Houston)
10. Property Tax in Montgomery County (north of Houston)

How to Pay Your Property Tax

You can typically pay online using credit cards, debit cards, or e-checks. Some counties even offer pay-by-phone options. In-person payments are accepted via check or money order.

How Is Rental Income Taxed?

If you own rental property in Texas, any rental income you earn is subject to federal income tax, but not state income tax, as Texas doesn’t have one. However, you still need to report this income to the IRS. Make sure you keep accurate records of all rental-related expenses, such as maintenance, repairs, and property management fees, as these can be deductible.

What Can You Claim as Expenses?

As a rental property owner, you can claim several expenses to reduce your taxable income:

• Mortgage interest
• Property taxes
• Repairs and maintenance
• Insurance premiums
• Property management fees
• Utilities, if paid by you
• Depreciation on the property itself

These deductions can significantly lower your overall tax liability, so make sure you track your expenses thoroughly.

What Are the Late Filing Penalties?

Miss the deadline to pay your property taxes, and you’ll face some steep penalties. Here’s what you can expect:

• 1% penalty if unpaid in the first month
• An additional 1% penalty for each month up to six months
• Interest charges accrue monthly, starting at 6%
• After July 1st, a 20% penalty is added for collection fees, which could bring your total penalties and interest to as high as 41% of the original amount due.

How Can You Avoid or Appeal Late Filing Penalties?

To avoid these penalties, the best thing you can do is pay your taxes by the January 31st deadline. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you may be able to request an installment plan or file an appeal to waive some of the penalties.

If you’ve already incurred penalties, you can sometimes appeal them by showing proof of hardship or filing errors. However, counties are often strict with deadlines, so it’s essential to stay ahead of these dates.

Can You Reduce Your Property Tax?

Yes, there are several ways to reduce your property tax:

• Apply for exemptions such as the Homestead Exemption, which lowers the taxable value of your home.
• Appeal your property tax assessment if you believe your home is overvalued.
• Explore tax reduction programs for disabled veterans, seniors, or those with disabilities.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay?

If you fail to pay your property taxes, your home can eventually go into tax foreclosure. The county has the right to sell your home to recover the unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest. Avoid this nightmare by paying your taxes on time or setting up a payment plan if needed.

Can I Pay Property Tax in Installments?

Yes! Some counties offer quarterly installment plans for senior citizens, disabled homeowners, and those who qualify for certain exemptions. You can set up a payment plan through your county’s online tax portal or by visiting the tax office in person.

Can Married Couples Claim Two Homestead Exemptions?

No, if you and your spouse live in the same home, you can only claim one homestead exemption. However, if you both own separate properties and use them as primary residences, each property could potentially qualify for its own homestead exemption.

Should You Hire Someone or Go DIY?

While you can definitely handle most property tax issues on your own, working with a property tax consultant—like Abode—can help simplify the process. At Abode, we help homeowners navigate complex taxes, identify missed exemptions, and potentially reduce their property tax bills through appeals.

Consider Working with Abode

Navigating the property tax maze can be overwhelming. That’s where Abode comes in. Whether you need help filing for exemptions, appealing an over-assessment, or setting up a payment plan, we’ve got your back. Let Abode guide you through the process, ensuring you’re not overpaying on your property taxes.

By staying informed and proactive, you can avoid penalties, reduce your property taxes, and save money. Consider reaching out to Abode today for expert guidance tailored to your needs!