How to Set Up a Payment Plan for Your Property Taxes in Texas
Property taxes can be a significant expense, and paying the entire bill at once isn’t always realistic. If you’re having trouble covering the full amount, you may be wondering, “Can I make payments on property taxes?”
In Texas, you may have options. Depending on your circumstances and local tax office, you may be able to set up a property tax payment plan, make partial payments, or use an installment agreement.
If the county’s payment options don’t fit your situation, a property tax loan may provide another way to address the balance and repay it over time.
Make Payments on Property Taxes in Texas?
Because the rules vary, start by contacting your local tax office to find out which property tax payment options you qualify for and what the requirements are.
If a payment plan is available to you, ask about:
- Required upfront payments
- Monthly or installment amounts
- Length of the payment plan
- Penalties and interest
- Additional fees
- Consequences of missing a payment
This can help you understand the total cost and determine whether the county’s plan fits your budget.
If you don’t qualify for a county option, or the available payment plan doesn’t work for your circumstances, a property tax loan may provide another way to address the balance through scheduled payments over time.
Can You Make Payments on Delinquent Property Taxes?
If your property taxes are already past due, you may still have options.
Some Texas tax collectors allow you to pay delinquent property taxes through installment agreements, which may extend for up to 36 months. Certain residence homesteads also have specific protections under Texas law.
However, setting up a payment plan doesn’t necessarily stop all costs associated with delinquent taxes. Penalties and interest may continue to accumulate on unpaid balance. That’s why it’s important to contact your tax office as soon as you realize you’re having trouble paying.
How to Set Up a Property Tax Payment Plan
Start by visiting the website of your county tax assessor-collector or the tax office listed on your property tax bill. Look for sections such as “Payment Options,” “Payment Plans,” “Installment Agreements,” or “Delinquent Taxes.”
If you can’t find the information online, call the office directly.
Have your property information and tax bill available. The tax collector can explain which programs you qualify for, what documents are required, and how much you’ll need to pay.
Before signing an agreement, make sure you understand the payment schedule and whether penalties and interest will continue.
What If the County Payment Plan Isn’t Possible?
A county payment plan can be a useful option, but it isn’t always a possible option for every homeowner.
If the required payments are too high or you don’t qualify, consider a property tax loan from a trusted lender, like Johnson & Starr. Instead of paying the taxing authorities directly, homeowners repay the loan through scheduled payments or installments.
How A Property Tax Loan Works
If you don’t qualify for a county payment plan, a property tax loan can provide another way to address your property taxes while making payments over time.
With Johnson & Starr, the process starts with a conversation with a loan officer. You’ll share some basic information about your situation, and the team will help determine what options may be available. Johnson & Starr will then verify your property information and the amount currently owed to the applicable tax offices.
Next, you’ll receive your proposed loan terms, including the loan amount, rate, payment schedule, and other important details. This gives you an opportunity to understand the cost and repayment structure before deciding to move forward.
Once you’re comfortable with the terms and complete the required closing documents, Johnson & Starr sends the necessary funds directly to the appropriate taxing authorities on your behalf. Your property taxes are paid, and you begin making scheduled loan payments to Johnson & Starr according to the terms you agreed to.
Johnson & Starr offers flexible payment plans to help borrowers manage their property tax obligations over time. The process also includes no application fee, no credit check, no home inspection, and no money due at closing.
For delinquent property taxes, the existing property tax lien is transferred from the taxing authority to Johnson & Starr as security for the loan. You remain the owner of your property, and once the loan is paid in full, the lien is released.
Learn more about Johnson & Starr’s property tax loan process here.
Contact Us Today to Get Started
Johnson & Starr can provide a more manageable way to address your property taxes without having to pay the entire balance at once. Our team will guide you through the process, explain your repayment options, and help you determine whether a property tax loan is right for your situation. Contact us today to get started.
Can you make payments on property taxes in Texas?
Yes, payment options may be available. Depending on your circumstances and local tax office, you may qualify for installment payments, partial payments, or other arrangements.
Can you make payments on delinquent property taxes?
Potentially. Some Texas tax collectors allow delinquent property taxes to be paid through installment agreements, including agreements that may extend for up to 36 months.
How do I set up a property tax payment plan?
Contact the tax office responsible for collecting taxes on your property. Ask about available payment plans, eligibility requirements, payment amounts, and deadlines.
Do penalties and interest stop during a property tax payment plan?
Not necessarily. Penalties and interest may continue to apply to an unpaid delinquent balance depending on the agreement.
What if I can’t afford the county’s property tax payment plan?
Ask the tax office whether another arrangement is available. You can also explore alternatives such as a property tax loan through Johnson & Starr, which may allow qualifying property tax balances to be repaid through scheduled payments or installments.