Houston Property Tax Bills 2026: When They’re Due, How to Pay, and What to Do If You Can’t

Serving Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria & Galveston Counties.

Quick answer: In Texas, property tax bills for the year are generally mailed in the fall and are due by January 31 of the following year. Pay by then and you avoid penalties and interest, which begin to accrue on February 1. Bills for 2026 will generally be due by January 31, 2027.

When do Houston-area property tax bills go out?

Most Houston-area tax offices begin sending bills in October. If you own in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, or Galveston County, your bill comes from the county tax assessor-collector, and it may combine several taxing units, such as the county, school district, city, and any special districts. If you live in a MUD, your bill can include a separate line for that district.

What if my mortgage company pays my taxes?

Many homeowners pay property taxes through an escrow account that is part of their monthly mortgage payment. In that case your lender usually receives the bill and pays it for you. It is still worth checking the tax office website once a year to confirm the bill was paid and that your homestead exemption was applied.

How do I pay my property tax bill?

Most county tax offices accept payment online, by mail, and in person. Check your county tax office’s website for the current options and any fees for paying by card or e-check. If you plan to mail a check, allow enough time that it is postmarked by January 31.

What happens if I miss the January 31 deadline?

Taxes not paid by then become delinquent on February 1. Penalties and interest are added, and they grow the longer the bill goes unpaid. A delinquent balance can eventually be sent to a collections attorney, with additional fees. If you are behind, contact your county tax office early and ask about payment plans, since some offices offer them for qualifying homeowners.

Can I lower my bill now?

For the 2026 tax year, the deadline to protest your appraised value has already passed, so the main lever left is making sure every exemption you qualify for is applied. A homestead exemption is available on your primary residence, and additional exemptions may apply if you are 65 or older or have a disability. Check your appraisal district’s website to confirm the exemptions on your account. If something is missing, ask how to apply, since applications generally have their own deadlines.

Why do Houston-area tax bills vary so much?

Two homes with the same value can have very different bills depending on which taxing units cover the address. School district rates, city limits, and special districts such as MUDs all change the total. If you are comparing neighborhoods, look at the all-in rate for each address, not just the price. For more on this, see our guides to Texas property taxes and MUD districts in Houston.

Frequently asked questions

Are Texas property taxes due all at once?
In most cases the full year is due by January 31. Ask your county tax office whether any installment option applies to your situation.

Do I owe tax if I just bought a home this year?
Property taxes for the year are generally prorated at closing between the buyer and seller, but the bill for the full year still has to be paid. Your closing paperwork shows how it was handled.

Will my taxes go up next year?
Your bill depends on both your appraised value and the rates set by each taxing unit. Both can change from year to year.

Who do I call about my bill?
Your county tax assessor-collector’s office. Your appraisal district handles values and exemptions, and the tax office handles bills and payments.

Planning a purchase? Talk to us first.

Property taxes are one of the biggest parts of what a Houston-area home really costs per month. If you are buying, selling, or investing, reach out to The Monroe Team and we can walk through the true cost of any address before you make an offer.