How It Works
How Does a Property Tax Loan Work?
Property tax loans can provide a manageable way to address delinquent Texas property taxes and protect your property from foreclosure. At Johnson & Starr, we make the process as straightforward as possible.
Our experienced team will walk you through all your options, help you complete your loan, coordinate payment to the taxing authorities, and handle the tax lien transfer. We'll be your property tax guide for every step of the way.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Property Tax Loan Process
Step 1 Apply and Speak with a Loan Officer
Start by sharing some basic information with a Johnson & Starr loan officer. We will learn about your situation and determine what solutions may be available to you.
Step 2 Verify Your Property and Tax Balance
Next, our team gathers the details needed to confirm your property information and the amount currently owed to the applicable tax offices.
Step 3 Review Your Loan Terms
You’ll receive the details of your proposed financing, including the amount, rate, payment schedule, and other important terms, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 4 Complete Your Closing
When you’re comfortable moving forward, you’ll sign the required documents to finalize your financing.
Step 5 Process Your Property Tax Payment
Johnson & Starr sends the necessary funds to the appropriate tax offices on your behalf, taking care of the payment process for you.
Step 6 Begin Your Repayment Plan
After everything is finalized, you’ll begin making your scheduled loan payments to Johnson & Starr based on the terms you agreed to.
What Happens to the Property Tax Lien?
When property taxes go unpaid, the taxing authority has a lien on your property. When Johnson & Starr pays your delinquent property taxes, that lien is transferred from the taxing authority to Johnson & Starr as security for your property tax loan.
This does not mean ownership of your property is transferred. You remain the property owner. The lien simply secures the amount you now owe Johnson & Starr, much like a mortgage secures a home loan.
From there, instead of owing to the taxing authority for your delinquent taxes, you make payments to Johnson & Starr according to the terms of your loan. Once the loan is paid in full, the lien is released.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once your loan is pre-approved, an appointment to sign the loan documents can typically be scheduled within 2–3 days, provided there are no issues with the property title.
For homestead and family-occupied properties, there is a three-day waiting period after the loan documents are signed, as required by law. Once that waiting period is complete, Johnson & Starr will overnight a check to the tax office to pay the delinquent property taxes.
If there are title issues or other circumstances that need to be resolved, the process may take longer.
What Happens After Johnson & Starr Pays the County?
Your property taxes have been paid, but you may not see the change online immediately.
Once your loan is complete, Johnson & Starr sends payment directly to the appropriate taxing authorities and submits the necessary documentation for the tax lien transfer.
From there, the county needs time to process the payment, update its records, and reflect those changes online. During this processing period, you may still see your taxes listed as unpaid or delinquent on the county’s website. That doesn’t mean your payment wasn’t made or that you will be charged additional late fees.
If you have questions while the county is updating its records, you can always contact Johnson & Starr for help.
What You Can Expect from Johnson & Starr
Johnson & Starr keeps the property tax loan process straightforward, with:
- No application fee
- No credit check
- No home inspection
- No money due at closing
- Flexible repayment options
- Personal guidance throughout the process
From your first conversation through your final payment, our team is here to answer your questions, explain what comes next, and help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to Get Started?
Have questions or want to learn more about your property tax loan options? Contact Johnson & Starr today to speak with our team and find out how we can help.