Texas County Property Tax Guides for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. County rates and contact details come from county and appraisal district sites. A rate appears only where we could confirm the adopted figure from an official source.

Every Texas county follows the same Property Tax Code, but each one has its own appraisal district, tax office, rates and payment portal. The guides below cover the deadlines, penalties and payment options for 78 counties, plus how a cash sale can clear unpaid taxes at closing.

How Texas property tax works

The appraisal district sets the value of your property each year as of January 1. The county, city, school district and any special districts each adopt a rate, and the county tax assessor-collector sends one combined bill in the fall. The tax is due by January 31 and turns delinquent in February. A tax lien attaches to the property every January 1, so unpaid tax stays with the house until it is paid.

For 2026 taxes, January 31, 2027 is a Sunday, so under Sec. 1.06 the last day without penalty is Monday, February 1, 2027. Penalty and interest run from 7 percent in February to 18 percent in July under Sec. 33.01, and after June 30 an attorney can add up to 20 percent under Sec. 33.07.

Texas property tax guides by county

Select a county for its tax office, appraisal district, payment options, local housing figures and the steps to sell a house that owes taxes.

Texas property tax FAQ

When are Texas property taxes due?

Texas property taxes are due by January 31 of the year after the tax year. For 2026 taxes, January 31, 2027 is a Sunday, so the last day without penalty is Monday, February 1, 2027 (Property Tax Code Sec. 31.02 and 1.06).

How much penalty and interest do Texas counties charge for late property taxes?

The statewide schedule runs from 7 percent in total in February to 18 percent in July, and an attorney can add up to 20 percent after June 30 (Sec. 33.01 and 33.07).

Can I sell a Texas house that owes property taxes?

Yes. Taxes are usually paid from the sale proceeds at closing. Ask the county tax office for the amount due for your expected closing month and give it to the title company.

Sources

• Texas Property Tax Code, Chapter 31 (billing and payment)
• Texas Property Tax Code, Chapter 32 (tax liens)
• Texas Property Tax Code, Chapter 33 (delinquent taxes)
• Texas Comptroller: Property Tax Bills
• U.S. Census Bureau: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rates, fees and dates change, so confirm amounts with your county tax office and appraisal district.

Texas statewide guides

• Texas property tax guide
• Texas homestead exemption
• Texas property tax protest
• Texas tax deed sales
• Texas property records
• Texas foreclosure process
• Texas probate process
• Texas closing costs
• For sale by owner in Texas
• Texas housing market

Texas city property tax guides

Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Lubbock, Irving, Garland, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Wichita Falls, San Angelo, Victoria, Galveston, Brownsville, McAllen, Katy, Beaumont, Killeen, Waco, Georgetown, Round Rock, New Braunfels, Tyler, Mesquite, Carrollton, Richardson, Rockwall, Pearland, Sugar Land.