Property Tax Due Dates in Texas

In Texas, property taxes are assessed and collected at the county level — there is no state property tax. Each county has an appraisal district (CAD) that determines the taxable value of all property within the county as of January 1 each year. The county tax assessor-collector then sends tax bills, typically in October or November, covering taxes levied by all local taxing units: the county, cities, school districts, and special purpose districts. Tax bills are due by January 31 of the following year. For example, your 2024 property taxes are due January 31, 2025. Because Texas relies heavily on property taxes to fund local services — especially public schools — effective tax rates typically range from 1.5% to 3.0% of assessed value depending on the county and local taxing units.

Texas property taxes are due in full by January 31. There is no grace period — taxes become delinquent on February 1, at which point penalties and interest begin accruing immediately. For homeowners who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability, state law allows payment in four quarterly installments without penalty, with payments due January 31, March 31, May 31, and July 31. Most counties offer online payment through the county tax assessor-collector's website. Some counties charge a convenience fee for credit card payments — check your county's website for details. If your property is escrowed through your mortgage, your lender pays property taxes on your behalf. Verify that payment has been made, as you remain legally responsible even if the lender fails to pay.

Texas offers several exemptions that can significantly reduce your property tax burden: Homestead Exemption — If your home is your primary residence as of January 1, you qualify for a $100,000 homestead exemption from your school district's appraised value (as of 2023 legislation). Apply by April 30 with your county appraisal district. This exemption also caps annual assessed value increases at 10% per year (the "homestead cap"). Over-65 and Disability Exemption — Homeowners who are 65 or older or have a qualifying disability receive an additional $10,000 school district exemption. These homeowners also receive a tax freeze — your school district taxes cannot increase once you turn 65 or qualify for disability. Veteran Exemptions — Disabled veterans receive exemptions based on their VA disability rating, ranging from $5,000 (10–29% rating) up to a full property tax exemption (100% disabled). Surviving spouses of certain veterans may also qualify. To claim any exemption, file an application with your county appraisal district. The homestead exemption must be filed by April 30 of the tax year.

If you believe your property's appraised value is too high, you have the right to protest with your county appraisal district (CAD). The deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed to you, whichever is later. Step 1: File a Notice of Protest with your county CAD before the deadline. Most districts allow online filing. Step 2: Gather evidence. The most effective evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood, photos showing condition issues, and repair estimates for any damage. Step 3: Attend your hearing. Many protests are settled informally before the hearing. If you are not satisfied, you can request a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). If you remain unsatisfied after the ARB ruling, you can appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) or district court, though these options involve additional filing costs.