Paying Your Property Taxes in Texas: What Are Your Options
Paying property taxes in Texas can be challenging, especially if you’re unable to pay the full amount by the January 31 deadline. If you owe more than $3,500, you may want to consider a Texas property tax loan, but it’s also worth exploring county property tax payment plans first.
Texas counties offer installment options that may allow you to spread payments over 12 to 36 months. However, these plans are often restrictive. In most cases, the property must be your homestead, the interest rate is set at 12% annually by law, and if you miss a payment, penalties and collection costs may apply retroactively.
Fortunately, there are several other ways to manage your property tax burden—from credit card payments and disaster relief programs to early payment discounts and loans. In the sections below, we’ll walk through each option to help you choose the one that best fits your financial situation.
Credit Card Payment for Property Taxes: Pros and Cons
When Texas property taxes are due and immediate funds are limited, paying with a credit card can offer a temporary solution. The tax assessor-collector in many Texas counties allows credit card or e-check payments online or in person, giving taxpayers flexibility in meeting their obligations.
Advantages of Paying Property Taxes with a Credit Card
Paying your Texas property taxes with a credit card offers several short-term benefits, especially if you’re facing a cash flow gap.
- Convenience: Payments made by credit card can be processed online, allowing you to meet the due date without mailing a check or visiting the county tax office.
- Access to Funds: Even if funds are unavailable, a credit card lets you make a payment to avoid delinquency and prevent a tax lien from being placed on your property.
- Rewards: Some credit card companies offer cashback or points for payments made online, potentially offsetting fees.
Disadvantages to Consider
However, there are also important drawbacks to weigh before using this option.
- Additional Fees: Most tax collector offices charge a convenience fee for credit card transactions. This increases your total tax bill and does not reduce the amount of taxes due on the property.
- High Interest Charges: If the balance isn’t paid off quickly, interest rates, often exceeding one percent monthly, can quickly add up and surpass any reward benefits.
- No Guarantee of Deferral: Unlike structured programs such as an installment payment option under Tax Code Section 31.07, credit card payments do not defer your obligation and must be repaid on your billing cycle.
Best Practices When Using a Credit Card
- Include your property account number and verify your property address to ensure the payment is correctly applied.
- Confirm the methods of payment accepted by your tax collector (some may accept debit card, money order, or e-check as lower-cost alternatives).
- Always request a confirmation number and retain your receipt, regardless of whether the tax is already delinquent or how the payment was submitted.
Additional Considerations
Paying with a credit card may be a viable short-term strategy for taxpayers responsible for paying on time and avoiding penalties. However, it is not a substitute for long-term tax relief solutions. If you’re struggling with a large personal property or real property tax burden, especially when installments without penalties are not offered by your county tax office, a Texas property tax loan may offer a more sustainable, long-term solution.
Can You Pay Your Property Taxes in Installments?
Yes, Texas property taxes can be paid in four equal installments under certain circumstances. To qualify, a written notice of intent must be submitted with the first payment. If this requirement is not met, the full amount becomes delinquent, and penalties and interest will apply.
Installment Plans for Seniors, Disabled Individuals, and Veterans
Texas Tax Code Section 11.22 allows the following groups to pay property taxes in installments:
- Individuals aged 65 or older
- Persons with disabilities
- Disabled veterans
- Unmarried surviving spouses of those who qualify
- Partially disabled veterans with homes donated by charitable organizations and their unmarried surviving spouses
Installment Plans After a Disaster or Emergency
If your property is located in an area that is declared an emergency or disaster zone, you may qualify for installment payment options. This may apply to the following:
- Homeowners with disaster-related property damage
- Owners of residential property
- Certain small businesses and commercial property owners
Eligibility and terms vary by county, so you should contact your local tax assessor-collector for specific guidance.
Property Tax Help for Low-Income Homeowners
Low-income homeowners in Texas often face challenges in keeping up with property tax payments. Fortunately, there are programs available to reduce this burden, like:
- Property tax deferrals
- Tax exemptions
- Property tax loans
These options are designed to help prevent foreclosure and protect homeownership. If you’re struggling to pay your property taxes, reaching out for assistance early can provide more options and long-term relief.
Other Property Tax Payment Arrangements Offered by Texas Counties
In addition to standard installment and deferral plans, some Texas counties may offer flexible payment options to better suit your financial situation.
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Partial Payments: Some counties, including Travis County, allow you to make partial property tax payments. But keep in mind that this does not delay the delinquency date. Penalties and interest still apply to your unpaid balance.
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Split Payments: In certain counties, you may pay half of your property tax payments by November 30 and the remaining half by June 30 without incurring penalties or interest. If approved by the taxing unit.
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Monthly Payment Plans: Counties like Bexar County offer 10-month informal payment plans, with equal payments starting in October and ending in July. These plans can help taxpayers budget more easily, especially if traditional installment plans are not available. Tarrant County also provides online payment options and installment plans under Texas Property Tax Code Section 31.06, giving residents additional flexibility in managing their tax obligations.
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Work Contracts: Though rare, some taxing units may accept services instead of payment. This option is usually reserved for residents aged 65 or older or qualified individuals who can provide teaching or other services in exchange for a reduction in property taxes.
For the most accurate information on available arrangements, you should contact your local tax assessor-collector to find out which options apply in your county.
Can You Pay Delinquent Property Taxes in Installments?
Some property tax collectors will allow you to pay delinquent property taxes in installments on a residence homestead. The terms are strict, and if you fail to make the payments, you may not enter into another agreement for two years.
If you’re struggling to keep up with your property tax payments, especially as you approach retirement, it’s important to explore all the available options. For those wondering at what age you stop paying property taxes in Texas, there are specific tax relief programs designed for seniors. While property taxes aren’t completely eliminated, qualifying individuals aged 65 and older can benefit from exemptions that help reduce the financial burden. Understanding how these programs work can provide much-needed relief and help you manage your property tax obligations more effectively.
Do You Get A Discount for Paying Your Property Taxes Early?
If allowed by a taxing unit, discounts are available for early payments, called a 3-2-1 discount. For example, if your tax is paid in October or earlier, you get a 3% discount, a 2% discount if the tax is paid in November, and a 1% discount if it is paid in December.
Comparing Your Property Tax Payment Options: County Plans vs. Property Tax Loans
When it comes to paying your Texas property taxes, it’s important to evaluate all of your options. Each method, whether it’s a credit card payment, an in-person visit, a county installment plan, or a property tax loan, comes with pros and cons. Choosing the right one can help you avoid penalties and manage your finances more effectively.
County payment options are usually more cost-effective if your balance is low and you’re confident you can repay it quickly. Many counties offer installment plans, such as those in Dallas County and Harris County, allowing you to spread payments over several months. However, these plans often come with strict eligibility requirements, limited flexibility, and statutory interest rates. Missing a payment can result in penalties or the retroactive loss of the plan.
Paying online or in person is convenient for those who are able to pay in full. Online payments allow you to receive immediate confirmation, while in-person payments offer face-to-face service for those who prefer direct interaction.
If you’re facing a larger balance (over $3,500), dealing with financial hardship, or at risk of foreclosure, a Texas property tax loan may be a better fit. At American Finance & Investment Company, Inc. (AFIC), we offer manageable repayment plans with flexible terms, often up to 36 months, and the ability to stop penalties and collection efforts immediately.
Get Help Paying Your Property Taxes
AFIC can provide you with an instant quote by completing the form on our homepage. For qualifying properties, we can help you pay off your delinquent taxes and offer you the following benefits:
- Quick and completely online process
- No money down
- No credit check
- Free 30-day rate match
- Match competitors and beat their rate by 1%
- Avoid high penalties and foreclosure
We pride ourselves on finding solutions to suit the unique needs of our clients. If you would like to discuss our property tax loans, please contact our experienced team at AFIC today.
