Texas homeowners should expect property tax bills to arrive this fall, and missing deadlines can be a costly mistake with steep penalties and interest. The typical tax bill arrival date is late October or November, with payments due by January 31 of the following year (2026) when the tax is imposed. With tax bills arriving soon, Texans may be feeling stressed or anxious over payment deadlines and options, but O’Connor is here to help ease your mind and stay on track.
Tax Bills Are Mailed in October
Property tax bills typically start arriving in late October and throughout November. Delivery depends on the Texas county; however, you should receive your tax bill before Thanksgiving. If you own property in Texas as of January 1 of a year, you are liable for that year’s taxes. The standard due date is January 31 of the following year, and if you’re not careful, on February 1 unpaid taxes become delinquent, and penalties and interest begin to accrue. Fortunately, if your tax bill is mailed after January 10, this allows some wiggle room and the delinquency date for missed payments is delayed, allowing at least 21 days for payment. For example, if your tax bill is mailed on January 15, the delinquency date might not start until March 1 (21-day rule), and the specific adjusted delinquency date will be on your bill.
Payment Options in Texas
Most Texas counties require full payment by January 31, but through Texas law, some counties allow split or installment payments under certain conditions. According to Texas Tax Code § 31.03, if a county has designated, property owners who pay one-half of the property tax before December 1 may pay the remaining one-half before July 1 of the following year without being subject to late fees or interest. A few counties offer installment payments for certain types of property.
- Travis County: Quarterly payment plans available for 65/disability homestead exemption accounts and disaster areas.
- Ellis County: Quarterly payment plans available for over 65/disability homestead accounts.
- Williamson County: Tiered instalments due on January 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31.
If you live in a county that allows split payments, you must choose this option early and meet initial deadlines to be eligible.
Accepted forms of payment in Texas include:
- The county’s online portal
- Check through mail
- In-person
- Mortgage escrow
- Credit Card (a service charge may apply)
Penalties and Fees
| Topic | Key rules or deadlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Billed Mail | 65/October-November | Varies By County |
| Due Date (Non – Split) | Jan 31st | Standard in most counties |
| Delinquency begins | Feb 1 | Unless delayed by late mailing |
| Split installments | Confirm your county’s policy | First payment and notice required, then follow your county’s phased schedule |
| Penalty and interest | 6% + 1% per month until July, then 12% | Additional collection penalty possible |
| Waiver of penalties | May request if timely and under limited, qualifying conditions | Up to 181 days after delinquency |
| Liens and foreclosure | Automatic lien attaches Jan 1 | Unpaid taxes may block title or lead to foreclosure |
If you are not careful, by July, your account can be turned over to attorneys with an additional 20% collection fee. If you have opted for split or installment payments, check your county commissioner’s website for penalties and fees.
Local Elections and State-Level Effects
Property taxes are often debated during local elections and state-level policy discussions, because rising tax bills can influence candidate platforms and voter turnout. It’s important for you to stay informed about local elections, but remember that elections do not delay or change immediate payment deadlines.
Action Items You Can Do
- Mark your calendar
- Check with your county
- Prepare payment arrangements
- If using installments, submit a Letter of Intent
- Choose your payment method wisely
- Protest or appeal
- Keep proof of payments
- Watch election outcomes
Tax bills arrive in late October through November, and the deadline is January 31. Make sure you review your tax statement and prepare payment arrangements and sign up for installments if your county offers that option. Mark your calendar before the year ends to avoid penalties and to keep more money in your pocket.
How Can O’Connor Help?
If you need property tax advice, O’Connor has seasoned experts to help you with every step of the process. We at O’Connor have been in the business for over 50 years and aided over 185,000 clients to successfully lower taxes in 2024 alone. Based in Houston, we have a strong grasp of how to help Texans fight Texas appraisal districts. There is no cost to enroll in O’Connor’s Property Tax Protection Program™ online, and it only takes two or three minutes. You will only pay if we lower your taxes.
