Need Help With Property Taxes? Here Are Five Solutions 

Are you struggling to pay your property taxes? You aren’t alone; more than 100,000 Texas homeowners find themselves delinquent on their property taxes each year. Property taxes can be a financial challenge for every homeowner, but there are solutions to help make paying property taxes more manageable. If you need help with your property taxes here are five solutions.  

Apply For Property Tax Exemptions 

The state of Texas offers several exemptions to lower the overall taxable value of your home, thus making your property tax bill more affordable. If you wish to apply for an exemption, you’ll do so through your local tax assessor’s office. Common exemptions include the homestead exemption, exemptions for those 65 and older, and exemptions for surviving spouses of first responders. You can find out more about specific exemptions from the Texas Comptroller’s Office.  

Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment 

Sometimes the assessor can overvalue your home which will lead to a higher tax bill. If you disagree with the assessed value of your home, you can appeal it. It is important to note that it is unlikely that you’ll win an appeal, but you are allowed by law to challenge the assessor’s findings.  

To appeal your property tax assessment, you’ll need to request the property assessment details from your local office, compare your assessment to similar properties in the area, and then file the appeal at the tax assessor’s office. There are deadlines for filing appeals, so be sure to ask your tax assessor the deadline for your county.  

Explore Tax Deferral Programs 

Tax deferral programs allow you to ‘push off’ your property tax payments for an indefinite amount of time if you qualify for specific criteria. In Texas, the most common deferral options are for homeowners who are disabled, over 65, or veterans. Some owners may qualify for a temporary deferral if they have experienced financial hardship, but you’ll have to prove it.  

Tax deferrals don’t eliminate your tax bill however, and if your taxes remain unpaid at your death the burden falls on whoever inherits the property, and the county still retains their right to collect those unpaid property taxes upon your death.  

Seek Financial Assistance 

If you can’t afford to pay your property taxes there are options available to Texas homeowners to ease the burden.  

Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund 

Low-income homeowners in Texas may qualify for up to $25,000 in assistance to help them pay off delinquent property taxes. Each county implements the program themselves, some offer information and application details online, for other counties you’ll need to contact your local tax assessor for application details. For example, Harris County offers easy application details on its website.  

Payment Plans 

Most counties offer flexible payment plans to homeowners who can’t pay their property tax bills all at once. The terms of payment plans are county-specific and more information can be found at your local tax assessor’s office.  

Consider A Property Tax Loan 

If you are already delinquent on your property taxes and facing foreclosure, you may think you are out of options to pay your property tax bill. Applying for a property tax loan like the ones at Johnson & Starr could provide the relief you need. Property tax loans differ from traditional loans, most don’t factor your credit score into the application, and they also offer flexible repayment terms with your monthly budget in mind. Once you are approved for a property tax loan, the company pays off your taxes directly, ending any further penalties or legal actions keeping you safe in your home.  

Johnson & Starr Has Your Solution 

If you need help with your property taxes, Johnson & Starr is here to help. We offer property tax loans to homeowners in need and truly want to see you stay in your home. For more information, contact us here.