Not all property tax firms offer the same level of service. O’Connor combines experienced tax professionals with personalized support designed to give property owners more than a standard, one-size-fits-all approach.
When property owners decide to protest their property taxes, they have several options. Some companies offer a largely automated process while others provide more personalized support throughout the appeal process.
So, what do you look for when choosing a property tax protest company?
Experience, personal service, property-tailored knowledge, and a drive to pursue every available opportunity can make all the difference. At O’Connor, these principles are at the center of how we serve our clients.
Property Tax Payment Plans in Major Texas Counties
Harris County and other major Texas counties offer several ways for property owners to manage their tax bills, including four-payment plans, partial payments, disaster installment plans, and arrangements for delinquent taxes. The available options depend on the account and the property owner’s circumstances.
Options for Current Tax Bills
Under Texas law, certain eligible homeowners can pay their current property taxes in four installments without penalty or interest, provided they meet the requirements and make their payments on time. In Harris County, eligibility generally includes homeowners age 65 or older or with disabilities who qualify for the required homestead exemption, as well as certain disabled veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses who qualify for an exemption. Property owners should contact their county tax office to confirm eligibility and payment deadlines.
Note: Similar four-payment plans are available through the tax offices in Travis, Dallas, and Bexar counties. Eligibility requirements and payment deadlines may vary.
Voluntary Partial Payments
Property owners may be able to make voluntary partial payments toward their property taxes rather than paying the entire existing bill at once. These payments can help reduce the balance owed, but they do not automatically prevent penalties and interest. Property owners should pay the full amount by the applicable deadline or check with their county tax office to understand their payment options.
Note: Harris, Travis, Dallas, and Bexar counties accept partial property tax payments through their respective tax offices. Payment methods and rules may vary by county.
Options for Prepaying Future Bills
Some Texas counties allow property owners to make smaller payments toward future property tax bills before the bills arrive. These payments are held in an account and applied to the tax bill when it becomes available, helping property owners spread out the cost instead of paying one large amount at once.
Note: Harris, Travis, and Bexar counties offer prepayment options through their tax offices. Travis County holds prepayments in escrow until the new bill is issued, and Bexar County offers a prepayment plan for eligible accounts. Dallas County accepts partial payments on existing tax bills, but its published payment options do not identify a separate future-tax prepayment plan.
Disaster Relief Options
Property owners whose homes or other qualifying properties are directly damaged in a qualifying disaster may be eligible for an interest-free payment plan through the Harris County Tax Office. The plan allows eligible property owners to split their tax bills into four installments. Applicants must provide proof of damage and meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Property owners should contact the Tax Office to confirm current deadlines and payment terms.
Note: Texas law also provides a four-installment payment option for certain property owners whose properties are damaged in a qualifying disaster. Eligible property owners in Harris, Travis, Dallas, and Bexar counties should contact their local tax office to confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms.
Options for Delinquent Tax Bills
Property owners who fall behind on their property taxes may qualify for an installment agreement to pay their overdue balance over time. Texas law requires tax collectors to offer installment agreements to certain qualifying homeowners with a residence homestead. These agreements can help property owners avoid some collection actions, but penalties and interest may still apply while they pay off the balance.
Note: Harris, Travis, Dallas, and Bexar counties offer payment arrangements for delinquent property taxes. Eligibility requirements, payment schedules, and other terms vary by county. Property owners should contact their local tax office to learn which options are available.
Online Payment and Account Management Features
Harris County (Multiple-Account Management): The online MyHarrisCountyTax portal lets property owners link and manage multiple property tax accounts through one profile. The platform supports up to 300 accounts and provides payment reminders, making it useful for real estate investors and property managers overseeing multiple properties.
Dallas County (Online Payment Arrangements): Dallas County allows eligible property owners to review available payment arrangements through its online tax-payment system. After looking up their property and selecting their account, taxpayers can use the yellow payment-plan options tab to check eligibility and access available agreements, including certain homestead and non-homestead plans.
Bexar County Property Tax Payment Plans
Bexar County offers two notable payment options for San Antonio-area property owners, including half-payments and a 10-month payment plan.
With the half-payment option, property owners can pay half of their current base taxes by November 30 and the remaining half by June 30 of the following year without penalty or interest, provided they meet both deadlines.
Bexar County also offers a 10-month payment plan that the county identifies as the only one of its kind in Texas. It is available to qualifying homeowners with a residence homestead and an age-65-or-older, disability, or disabled-veteran exemption. Certain surviving spouses age 55 or older may also qualify. Eligible homeowners can spread their payments across 10 months, from October through July, provided they follow the payment schedule.
These differences show why property owners should check their county’s payment options rather than assume the same arrangements are available throughout Texas.
Get Help With Your Property Taxes
Payment options vary by county and can help property owners manage their bills, but they do not reduce the total amount owed. O’Connor is here to help before payment plans are necessary, and we offer many solutions for property tax reduction. This includes free exemption assistance, full representation in filing property tax appeals, and even litigation if needed. We offer premium services to our clients as well, such as a personal client success consultant and concierge visits.
If a property tax bill seems too high, property owners may have other options. O’Connor helps Texas property owners navigate the property tax process, protest property values, and work to reduce their annual tax burden. Enroll now to learn more. There is no cost to enroll, and you will only pay if we are able to lower your property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Property Tax Payment Plans
Q: How can I set up a Harris County property tax payment plan?
A: Harris County property owners who are having trouble paying their property taxes may qualify for an installment agreement. The available terms depend on the account and property type. Property owners can contact the Harris County Tax Office to learn which payment options are available to them.
Q: Can I prepay my Travis County property taxes?
A: Yes. Travis County property owners can make payments toward future property tax bills before they arrive. Payments are held in an escrow account and applied to the new bill when it becomes available. Prior-year taxes must be paid in full before prepayments begin. Payments can be made manually online or through automatic monthly bank withdrawals.
Q: Can I make payments on delinquent property taxes in Dallas County?
A: Yes. Dallas County property owners may qualify for an installment agreement to pay overdue property taxes over time. Available arrangements depend on the account and property type. Partial payments are also accepted, but penalties and interest may continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.
Q: Who qualifies for Bexar County’s 10-month property tax payment plan?
A: Bexar County offers a 10-month payment plan for eligible homeowners with a residence homestead who qualify for an age-65-or-older, disability or disabled-veteran exemption. Payments are spread from October through July. Certain qualifying surviving spouses may also be eligible.
