Texas property taxes are due January 31st. Missing the deadline triggers escalating penalties and interest. Penalties for unpaid Texas property taxes increase monthly, with potential foreclosure after lawsuits. Payment plans, deferrals, and exemptions can help, but ignoring the debt leads to property auctions. Act promptly to avoid losing your home.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Property Taxes in Texas?
Property taxes in Texas are due on January 31. If you miss the deadline, things go south fast. Here’s the timeline:
- February 1: The county tacks on penalties and interest for being late.
- July 1: If unpaid, your bill gets sent to collections with even bigger fees.
- Lawsuit & Foreclosure: The county can file a lawsuit and, if ignored, sell your property at a tax foreclosure sale.
Skipping property taxes isn’t just about extra fees. You could lose your home entirely.
How Much Are the Penalties for Unpaid Texas Property Taxes?
Missing your Texas property tax payment means stacking penalties and interest.
| Month | Penalties & Interest |
|---|---|
| February | 7% (includes 6% penalty + 1% interest) |
| March | 9% |
| April | 11% |
| May | 13% |
| June | 15% |
| July | ~ 22% (includes a hefty collection fee) |
That last jump is brutal. If you’re still behind in July, Texas law allows the county to add a collection fee of up to 20% on top of everything else.
Can You Lose Your Home for Unpaid Property Taxes?
Yes. Ignore the bills long enough, and your home could be put up for a tax foreclosure sale.The county hires attorneys to collect unpaid taxes. If you keep ignoring them, they can take legal action. That often means a lawsuit leading to a court order allowing the county to sell your home at auction. Is there a way to stop it? Yes, but don’t wait until the last minute.
How Long Before the County Sells Your Property?
There’s no set time frame. It depends on your county and how aggressive they are with tax collections. But once a lawsuit is filed, things can move quickly. Some counties may start foreclosure proceedings within one to two years of missed payments.
The best move? Get ahead of the problem before the county starts legal action.
What to Do If You Can’t Pay Your Texas Property Taxes
Falling behind on property taxes happens. Life gets rough. But ignoring the issue only makes it worse. Here’s what you can do:
- Set Up a Payment Plan: Many counties offer installment agreements. You pay in chunks instead of one huge bill.
- Apply for a Deferral: If you’re over 65, disabled, or a veteran, Texas law allows certain homeowners to defer taxes.
- Look Into Property Tax Loans: Some lenders will pay your tax bill, and you pay them back in monthly payments.
- See If You Qualify for Exemptions: Homestead, disabled veteran, and over-65 exemptions can lower your bill.
Ignoring property taxes isn’t an option. Tackling it early can keep you from losing thousands—or worse, your home.
FAQs
How long can property taxes go unpaid in Texas?
There’s no fixed time, but once you fall behind, it doesn’t take long for the county to start foreclosure proceedings—sometimes as soon as one to two years.
What happens if I ignore my tax bill completely?
The county will add penalties, take legal action, and eventually sell your property at auction. Not a smart move.
Can I get my house back after a tax foreclosure sale?
Texas gives homeowners a redemption period, but the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. Expect to pay back the taxes plus massive fees and interest.
Can I make partial payments on property taxes?
Most Texas counties offer payment plans, but you’ll need to request one before things get too far out of hand.
What if I inherit a home with unpaid property taxes?
You’re still responsible. Work with the county to set up a plan or seek legal advice if the debt is overwhelming.
Conclusion
Texas doesn’t play when it comes to property taxes. If you’re behind, act now before penalties pile up—or worse, the county auctions your property.