Can't Afford Your Texas Property Taxes? Your Options, In Order
Last Updated: August 31, 2026
If you're behind or worried about being behind, there are several established options in Texas — from partial payment to deferral to installment plans. None of them requires an immediate decision, and each is worth understanding before you choose.
This page explains what the published rules say. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not a determination of your eligibility. Only your county appraisal district can tell you whether you qualify. Figures are for the tax year shown and were last verified on the date shown.
Before January 31: pay what you can
Property taxes for the prior year are due by January 31. If you can't pay the full amount, paying a partial amount before that date still reduces the balance that penalties and interest apply to afterward. It's generally worth paying whatever portion you can, even if it isn't the full bill.
After February 1: penalties and interest begin
Once a balance goes unpaid past January 31, penalties and interest start accruing on it. The specific schedule and amounts are set by your local tax office, so the most accurate numbers for your account will come directly from them, not from a general guide.
Deferral, if you qualify
If you're 65 or older, disabled, or a disabled veteran, you may be able to defer collection of property taxes on your homestead entirely. This pauses collection rather than eliminating the debt — interest keeps accruing and a lien remains on the property.
5% per year — property tax deferral interest rate (age 65+/disabled/disabled veteran). Tax year current.
As of 2026-08-31, per Texas Tax Code, Chapter 33 (Tax Code §33.06).
Read the full picture, including how this differs from a related 8% program, on our deferral page.
Installment agreements
Many Texas tax offices offer some form of installment arrangement that lets qualifying homeowners spread a balance over multiple payments rather than paying it all at once. Terms, eligibility, and availability vary by county and by circumstance — contact your local tax assessor-collector directly to ask what installment options exist for your account.
Check for exemptions you may have missed
If you haven't applied for the homestead or over-65 exemption, or if you turned 65 without realizing it changed your eligibility, you may be able to reduce future bills — and potentially get a retroactive refund. See what you can still do after a missed deadline.
Free help resources
Your county tax office can walk through your specific account and the options available to you. Beyond that, legal aid organizations and AARP Tax-Aide are known assistance channels that help homeowners with property tax questions. We don't have verified contact details or specific claims about what each organization offers in your area — search for the one nearest you and confirm what services they provide directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I can't pay my Texas property taxes by January 31?
Pay what you can before January 31 to reduce the base amount that accrues penalties and interest starting February 1. Partial payment is generally accepted and helps.
What happens after February 1 if I still owe?
Penalties and interest begin accruing on the unpaid balance. The exact schedule is set by your local tax office — contact them directly for your account's specific numbers.
Can I defer my property taxes instead of paying them?
If you're 65+, disabled, or a disabled veteran, deferral is an option that pauses collection, though interest keeps accruing and a lien remains. See our deferral page for the full picture.
Are installment plans available?
Many Texas tax offices offer some form of installment arrangement for qualifying homeowners. Terms vary by county — contact your local tax office directly to ask what's available to you.
What if I never filed for an exemption I qualify for?
Check whether you've missed an exemption you're entitled to — Texas allows late filing for up to two years after the delinquency date, with a retroactive refund.
Where can I get free help?
Your county tax office can explain your specific options. Legal aid organizations and AARP Tax-Aide are also known assistance channels for homeowners navigating property tax questions.
Sources and Last-Verified Dates
| Figure | Tax Year | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property tax deferral interest rate (age 65+/disabled/disabled veteran)Tax Code §33.06 | current | Texas Tax Code, Chapter 33 | 2026-08-31 |