What Happens If You Don't Pay Property Taxes in Texas?
Learn what happens when Texas property taxes go unpaid: penalties, lawsuits, tax sales, and your right to redeem, plus your options at every stage.
Guides, deadlines, and answers to help Texas property owners understand their options, from penalties and tax sales to loan eligibility.
Texas has no state income tax, so local governments rely heavily on property taxes. When a bill goes unpaid, penalties and fees build quickly, and state law sets the timeline.
Most owners who fall behind have an ordinary reason: a job change, a medical bill, a major repair, or a larger property tax bill than expected. Your options include an installment plan from your tax office, though terms are short and missed payments bring penalties, or a loan from a licensed property tax lender with a longer repayment schedule.
Here’s how the timeline plays out if a bill goes unpaid:
For most bills, the last day to pay without penalty or interest.
A 6% penalty plus 1% interest applies, and the penalty grows each month.
Penalties and interest reach 18% (12% penalty plus 6% interest), and a collection fee of up to 20% may be added when the account goes to the taxing unit’s attorney.
The taxing unit can sue to foreclose its tax lien and sell the property.
If you’re not sure where your account stands, your county tax assessor-collector’s website or office can tell you the current balance, including penalties and fees.
Below is what we've written about each stage: what happens, what your rights are, and the realistic paths forward.
The cost of unpaid property taxes isn’t fixed. It grows every month after February 1, and in many counties an attorney collection penalty can be added on July 1.
There’s more than one way to pay delinquent property taxes over time. These guides explain how each option works, what it costs, and how to choose the right one for your property.
Deadlines and penalties are the same statewide, but tax rates, appraisal districts, and tax offices vary across Texas. Find local tax information and loan options for your county or city.
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Will I qualify?
99% of Texas property owners qualify, even with less-than-perfect credit. Borrowers cannot be in bankruptcy, and homeowners 65 or older cannot obtain a property tax loan on their homestead.
What are the interest rates?
Interest rates vary based on loan amount, term, and property type. Contact us for current rates and a personalized estimate.
How quickly can I get approved?
Once we have your basic information, you can be approved and scheduled for closing in as little as 24 hours.
Will this affect my credit score?
No. A loan from Property Tax Funding does not affect your credit score. We do not pull credit or report to credit agencies.
What documents do I need to apply?
We require a copy of your driver’s license to verify your identity. Properties owned by an entity or trust will also require governing documents.
Why should I choose Property Tax Funding?
We’re Texas's highest-rated property tax lender — trusted by 12,000+ property owners. We can get you approved for a loan in 24 hours, there are no payments for up to 12 months, and you can repay us through affordable monthly payments.
Fast, affordable funding to pay your property taxes with a team that treats you right.