What is a Property Tax Lien?
If you own property in Texas, or anywhere in the United States, you’re required to pay some level of property taxes each year. These taxes help fund essential public services like schools, police and fire departments, and local infrastructure. But if property taxes aren’t paid on time, the local government has a powerful legal tool…
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Property Tax Payment Relief for Those Impacted by the Texas Tragedy
At Johnson and Starr, our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by the recent natural disaster in Central Texas. We know how devastating these events can be for families and property owners. During times like these, community matters most, and we want you to know that Johnson & Starr is here for…
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The July 1st Deadline Has Passed, and You Still Owe a Lot, Now What?
If you missed the July 1st property tax payment deadline in Texas, you’re not alone and you still have options. Every year, thousands of property owners fall behind on their tax bills, whether due to financial hardship, confusion about deadlines, or simply being overwhelmed. Unfortunately, once July 1st hits, things can escalate quickly: penalties, interest,…
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Why Do Delinquent Property Taxes in Texas Spike in July?
The longer delinquent Texas property taxes go unpaid, the harder they become to manage. Each month of delinquency brings added penalties, interest, and fees, but July 1st marks a turning point. That’s when an especially steep penalty kicks in, making it significantly more difficult to catch up. What Happens in July? Starting July 1st, local…
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5 Money-Saving Hacks for Texas Homeowners Heading into the Summer
It’s no secret that the cost of living continues to rise just like temperatures in the Lone Star State, and Texas homeowners are looking for smart ways to stretch their dollars without sacrificing comfort. From Austin to Amarillo, and everywhere in between, these quick hacks can help you save money and keep your home running…
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Texas Property Tax Loan FAQ – 10 Questions about Texas Property Tax Loans Answered by Experts
When property tax season rolls around, many homeowners find themselves scrambling to cover a hefty bill that can threaten their financial stability. That’s why we’ve brought together Texas property tax loan experts to answer some of the most common questions they receive in our “Texas Property Tax Loan FAQ” webinar. In this post, you’ll find…
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How to Prevent Property Tax Penalties: Essential Tips
In the 1970’s in Texas, property taxes were roughly 2%-3%, on average, of a Texan’s income. Then in 1982, Texas abolished the state property tax making local governments fully responsible for property tax collection at the district and county level. Fast forward to the 2000’s and that average tax to income ratio had risen to…
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Why a Property Tax Loan with No Payments for a Year May Be a Bad Idea
For many Texas homeowners, being delinquent on Texas property taxes can be an overwhelming and stressful situation and can often lead to impulsive decision-making. If you are in a hurry to pay off your delinquent property taxes and decide to use a licensed lender, you may be tempted to choose the first property tax lender…
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Understanding Your Rights as a Property Owner
Purchasing your first home is always a major accomplishment worth celebrating. But owning a home comes with a lot of less-than-fun requirements including maintenance, repairs, and of course, property taxes. Property taxes are an even bigger commitment in Texas where property owners pay the seventh-highest property tax rate in the country. Paying them can be…
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How Do You Find Your Property Taxes? 3 Easy Ways to Locate Your Property Tax Bill
Owning your own home comes with many responsibilities, and one of the biggest is staying on top of your property taxes. Understanding your property tax bill isn’t just about avoiding late fees, it also impacts your overall budget and helps you plan for future expenses. The easiest ways to find your tax bills are by…
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