2025 Texas property taxes become delinquent on February 1, 2026. Learn the penalty schedule, your payment options, and how selling could protect your equity before July's 20% collection fee.
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It's January 2026, and if you own property in Texas, your property tax bill is likely top of mind. Whether you received your notice months ago or it's still sitting unopened, understanding the key deadlines and your options can save you thousands in penalties and protect your home from foreclosure.
Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the nation—averaging 1.80% of assessed value—and missing the payment deadline triggers an aggressive penalty schedule. This guide breaks down everything Texas property owners need to know about the 2026 tax deadlines, what happens if you can't pay, and how selling your property might be the smartest financial decision.
This article provides general real estate information and is not legal, financial, or tax advice. For questions about your specific tax account, contact your county tax office or consult a qualified Texas attorney or CPA.
In Texas, property taxes are due upon receipt of the tax statement (usually mailed in October) and become delinquent on February 1st of the following year. For 2025 property taxes, this means:
Tax statements mailed. Full amount due.
Last day to pay without penalty.
Delinquency begins. Penalties attach immediately.
Unlike other states that may offer grace periods, Texas starts the penalty clock at 12:01 AM on February 1st. There's no wiggle room.
Don't assume your mortgage company paid your taxes through escrow. Every year, homeowners discover their lender missed a payment or the escrow account was short. Visit your county tax office website and search your property address to verify your 2025 taxes show as "paid."
Texas property tax penalties are cumulative and aggressive. Here's exactly what happens to your balance once you miss the January 31st deadline:
| Date | Penalty Added | Cumulative Impact |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2026 | 6% penalty + 1% interest | 7% total |
| March 1, 2026 | +1% penalty + 1% interest | 9% total |
| April 1, 2026 | +1% penalty + 1% interest | 11% total |
| May 1, 2026 | +1% penalty + 1% interest | 13% total |
| June 1, 2026 | +1% penalty + 1% interest | 15% total |
| July 1, 2026 | +1% penalty + 1% interest + 20% collection fee | Up to 37% total |
July 1st is when most Texas counties add a collection attorney fee of up to 20% to your delinquent tax bill. On a $6,000 tax bill, this single day can add $1,200+ to what you owe. This is the most expensive single day in the Texas property tax calendar.
Let's say you owe $6,000 in 2025 property taxes and miss the deadline:
That's $2,220 in penalties just for waiting 5 months.
If you have the funds to pay your property taxes, here are your options:
The simplest option. Pay online, by mail, or in person at your county tax office. Most counties accept credit cards (with a processing fee), checks, and electronic payments.
Some counties allow you to pay your taxes in installments if you apply before they become delinquent. Contact your tax office by mid-January to ask about this option.
If you're 65 or older, disabled, or a disabled veteran, you may qualify for quarterly installments. Apply with Form 50-127 at your county tax office.
If paying your property taxes in full isn't an option right now, you still have choices. The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem—it only gets more expensive.
Texas law allows certain homeowners to defer (postpone) paying property taxes on their homestead:
File Form 50-126 with your county tax office. This stops foreclosure but interest (typically 5%) continues to accrue until paid.
After July 1st, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the collection attorney. These plans typically require a down payment (often 10-20%) and monthly installments. Interest and penalties continue to accrue until the balance is paid in full.
If you have equity in your home, selling may be the smartest financial decision. When you sell:
Yes, you can absolutely sell a house or land with unpaid property taxes in Texas. The tax lien doesn't prevent a sale—it just means the taxes must be paid at closing before you receive your proceeds.
If you owe $6,000 in taxes and it's February, every month you wait adds roughly 2% to your debt. A 3-month listing period could cost you an extra $360+ in penalties alone—on top of the 7% you already owe for missing the deadline.
We buy houses and land throughout Texas—including properties with delinquent taxes. Get a fair cash offer with no obligation.
Here are direct links to check your property tax status in the areas we serve:
Texas property tax deadlines aren't suggestions—they're hard dates with real financial consequences. Whether you pay in full, set up a deferral, or decide to sell, the important thing is to make a decision before February 1, 2026.
If you're underwater on your taxes and the penalties are eating into your equity, selling to a cash buyer like Dabney Real Estate Group can help you walk away with money in your pocket instead of watching it disappear into fees and interest.
If selling fast is your priority, request a no-obligation offer and we can typically respond within 24 hours.
We've helped dozens of Texas families through difficult property situations with compassion and fairness.
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