It’s property tax season right now in Texas, and taxes will be due soon for property owners all over the state. Here are a few of the basic details you’ll want to know as you arrange to pay your property taxes in Texas.
What are the Payment Deadlines for Texas Property Taxes?
The deadline for paying your property taxes in Texas is January 31st, and paying them beyond that date may result in interest and penalty charges added to the original amount due. A few exceptions exist regarding the due date including a late bill that doesn’t arrive at least 21 days before January 31st. Property owners have at least 21 days to make a payment, so if the bill comes after January 10th, the date at which the taxes become delinquent is postponed.
Tip: Property tax bills are typically issued in October and are due by the end of January. However, if you would like the federal tax deduction in the current tax year, you will need to pay them by December 31st.
Have any Business /Personal Property Tax questions or concerns in Texas? 972.248.9574
Property owners who decide to dispute their tax bill and file a property tax appeal in Texas must still pay the amount of tax that isn’t disputed by the deadline. If you’re unable to pay your taxes on time during an appeal, the court may allow you to postpone prepaying your taxes by filing paperwork of your inability to pay. Getting a postponement requires attending a hearing with the court.
What If You Can’t Pay?
If you can’t pay your property taxes, you may need to work with a Texas property tax consultant to see what solutions are available to you. You may want to speak with an expert in advance of your tax delinquency date to limit the total amount of fees and penalties added to your bill.
Here Are a Few Penalties You May Experience If You Don’t Pay Your Taxes:
You Might Have to Deal with Interest and Penalties
The tax collector will add a penalty of six percent to your tax bill and begin charging one percent interest on the balance on the date your taxes become delinquent. It’s important to pay by July 1st because the penalty increases to 12 percent after that date.
The Tax Collector Will Send out Delinquency Notices
You may get one or more pieces of mail that notify you that your taxes are past due. It’s important to pay attention to the notices because the tax collector has a variety of means to encourage payment, and the penalties can add up fast if the taxes remain overdue.
Installment Payments Might Be Available to You
If you owe taxes on a residence homestead, you may be able to set up an installment plan that will allow you to make payments over 36 months. If you choose to enter into an installment agreement, your participation means you admit to the full amount owed.
The Tax Collector Might Sue You
If your taxes remain unpaid, and the tax collector feels there is no other option, you might be sued in court for the amount due, as well as the fees and penalties added to the delinquency. It’s important to note that you can be sued for past-due taxes even if you’ve sold your property in the months since the taxes became delinquent.
It Might Be Impossible to Sell Your Property
The tax collector may be able to prevent the sale of your property by placing a “tax lien” on it that will allow the court to conduct a foreclosure and seize the property to pay the tax bill. You may not have the option to transfer a title to a new owner until the delinquent taxes are paid.
If you’re worried about paying your taxes on time, or you simply want assistance in making sure your taxes are paid correctly, contact Hegwood Group today to speak to your trusted Texas property tax consultants.
