When Are Texas Property Taxes Due? 2026 Deadlines, Rates & Exemptions

When are Texas property taxes due? Most Texas homeowners must pay by January 31st, though some counties allow installment payments throughout the year. With an effective state tax rate of 1.80% and up to $100,000 in homestead exemptions available, understanding Texas's property tax landscape can help you avoid costly penalties and maximize savings.

When Are Texas Property Taxes Due?

Texas property taxes are due January 31st annually in most counties, though installment options vary by location. Some counties split payments into semi-annual due dates (typically January 31st and July 31st), so confirm your specific county's schedule with your local county treasurer's office.

This deadline applies whether you pay directly or through your mortgage lender's escrow account. If your lender handles payments via PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance), they'll submit on your behalf—but the underlying deadline remains January 31st.

Schedule	Due Date	Notes
Annual payment	January 31	Standard deadline; confirm with county treasurer
Installment option	Jan 31 + July 31 (some counties)	Check with your county assessor's office

Texas Property Tax Rates

Texas's effective property tax rate is 1.80% statewide, though actual rates vary significantly by county and municipality. Some counties charge as little as 1.4%, while others exceed 2.0%, depending on local school funding, infrastructure, and municipal services.

For example, a $380,000 home (Texas's average home price) would generate roughly $6,840 in annual property taxes at the state average rate. However, homestead exemptions can reduce this burden substantially—making it crucial to claim all available deductions.

Texas Property Tax Exemptions

Texas offers up to $100,000 in homestead exemptions for primary residences, which directly reduces your taxable property value. A homeowner with a $380,000 home and a $100,000 exemption pays taxes on only $280,000 of assessed value.

Beyond the homestead exemption, Texas residents may qualify for additional exemptions based on age (65+), disability, or military service. School districts can also offer property tax caps for seniors. Contact your county appraisal district to verify all eligibility categories and application deadlines, which typically occur in April.

How to Pay Texas Property Taxes

You can pay directly to your county treasurer or tax assessor's office—either online, by mail, phone, or in person. Most Texas counties accept credit cards and e-checks, though fees may apply for certain payment methods.

If your property is financed with a mortgage, your lender likely collects property taxes via escrow and pays the county automatically. Use our Texas mortgage calculator to estimate your full PITI payment, including taxes.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing the January 31st deadline triggers a 6%–7% penalty plus interest on unpaid balances. The longer you delay, the more interest accrues, potentially adding hundreds or thousands to your bill.

If you anticipate difficulty paying by the deadline, contact your county treasurer immediately. Many counties offer payment plans or deferral options for seniors or those facing hardship. Ignoring the bill will eventually result in a tax lien against your property.

Property Taxes and Your Mortgage Payment

Most mortgage lenders require borrowers to pay property taxes via escrow—a monthly deposit that covers annual taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. This ensures the lender's collateral (your home) remains tax-current and insured.

Your escrow account is analyzed annually, typically in spring, to verify sufficient funds are set aside. If your property tax or insurance rates increase, your monthly payment will rise accordingly. Understand how this works by using our mortgage calculator for Texas to model different tax scenarios.

Property tax is also a key component of your debt-to-income ratio when applying for a loan. Lenders review your tax burden as part of affordability assessment. Learn more about how property taxes factor into homeownership costs and explore available exemptions to lower your long-term costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I appeal my Texas property tax assessment?
Yes. You can protest your appraisal value at your county appraisal district, typically between April and May. File a formal appeal if the assessed value seems incorrect or if comparable homes sold for less. Most appraisal districts offer online portals and forms. If you disagree with the district's decision, you can escalate to the State Office of the Appraiser Licensing and Certification (SOALC) or pursue binding arbitration.

Q: Are there payment plans if I can't pay by January 31st?
Some Texas counties offer installment agreements or deferral programs, especially for seniors and disabled homeowners. Contact your county treasurer's office immediately—penalties and interest begin accruing after the deadline, but negotiating a plan upfront is far better than ignoring the bill. Early communication can prevent a tax lien on your property.

Q: Does Texas have a property tax cap?
Texas has no statewide property tax cap, but school districts are limited to a 3% annual tax increase for homeowners with homestead exemptions. Separately, seniors (65+) may qualify for a "freeze" on school district taxes at the value assessed when they first applied. Eligibility and terms vary by county.

Q: What's the difference between assessed value and market value?
Market value is what your home would sell for today; assessed value is used to calculate taxes and is typically 80%–100% of market value, depending on county methodology. The appraisal district reviews sales data and property conditions to determine assessed value. You receive a formal notice of assessed value in spring; that's your window to appeal.