Texas Property Tax Timeline: What Homeowners Need to Know Starting This October
- Admin Team
- Oct 24, 2025
- 3 min read
It’s October, which means your property tax statements are starting to hit mailboxes across Texas. For many homeowners, property taxes are one of the largest recurring expenses of owning a home. Staying informed about deadlines, payment options, and your rights as a property owner can save you stress and penalties. Here’s a full guide to the 2025–2026 Texas property tax timeline so you can plan ahead.
October 1 — Tax Statements Are Mailed
Local tax assessor-collectors begin mailing 2025 property tax statements this month. These statements show your assessed property value, applicable tax rates, and the total amount due.
Tip: If you don’t receive your bill, most counties — including Collin, Denton, Dallas, and Tarrant — provide online access to property tax records. Check your county’s tax assessor website to find your statement and pay online if needed.
January 31, 2026 — Payment Deadline
Your property taxes are due upon receipt, and payment must be made by January 31, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest.
If you escrow through a mortgage lender: Double-check that your servicer has received the updated statement.
If you pay independently: Make a note of the deadline and plan accordingly — late payments begin accruing charges on February 1, 2026.
February 1, 2026 — Penalties Begin
Property tax payments not received by January 31 begin to accrue penalty and interest starting February 1. Even small delays can add up, so staying ahead is crucial.
January 1 — Taxable Value Set
Texas law sets the taxable value of all property as of January 1 each year (Texas Tax Code §23.01). This value forms the basis for your annual appraisal and property tax bill.
Tip: Knowing your property’s taxable value can help you plan your finances and prepare for potential appraisal protests.
April 1 — Appraisal Notices for Single-Family Residences
Chief appraisers mail notices of appraised value for single-family homes by April 1. These notices tell you the assessed market value of your home.
Tip: Review your appraisal carefully — if it seems higher than the market value, you have the right to file a protest with your Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
May 1 & May 15 — Other Property Notices and Protest Deadline
May 1: Notices of appraised value for other property types are mailed.
May 15 (or within 30 days of receiving your notice): Deadline to file a protest with the ARB if you disagree with your property’s appraised value.
Protesting is a formal process where you can present evidence that your property’s assessed value is too high.
July 20 — ARB Finalizes Appraisal Records
By July 20, the ARB must approve all appraisal records. After this date, protests are generally closed unless special circumstances apply.
Tip: Keep documentation from your appraisal notice and any protests — it can be helpful for future tax planning or refinancing.
Stay Ahead This October
Property taxes can feel overwhelming, but understanding the timeline — from appraisal notices to payment deadlines — makes it manageable.
If you’d like, I provide a DFW Property Tax Resource Guide with links to Collin, Denton, Dallas, and Tarrant County online tax portals. It’s a simple way to check your bill, plan payments, and even prepare for potential protests next spring.
Message me “TAX GUIDE” and I’ll send it directly to you. Staying informed now means no surprises later!
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