What to Do When You’re Behind on Property Taxes in Texas
Falling behind on property taxes can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone, and you do have options. In Houston and across Texas, thousands of homeowners each year face mounting penalties, interest, and the looming threat of foreclosure. Whether your home is vacant, inherited, or simply too much to maintain, this page will help you understand your rights, your choices, and how to take action before things spiral out of control.
How Property Taxes Work in Texas
In Texas, property taxes are assessed annually and due by January 31st of the following year. If you miss this deadline, penalties and interest begin to accrue starting February 1st, and they can stack up fast:
-
7% in February
-
9% in March
-
Up to 47.6% in total by July, including attorney fees once your account is handed to collections
If your taxes remain unpaid, the county can file a lawsuit to foreclose on your property—even if you own it free and clear.
Common Reasons Homeowners Fall Behind
Life happens. If you’re behind on property taxes, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not a bad homeowner. Here are a few common reasons people fall behind:
-
Loss of income or sudden medical expenses
-
Inherited a property with unpaid taxes
-
Aging homeowners on fixed incomes
-
Investment properties that sit vacant
-
Divorce or separation
Whatever your situation, the most important thing is not to ignore the problem.
Your Options If You’re Behind on Taxes
1. Set Up a Payment Plan with the County
Many counties, including Harris, Fort Bend, and Galveston, offer installment plans if you contact them early enough. These plans allow you to break up your tax bill into manageable monthly payments.
➡️ Note: You’ll need to act before the account is turned over to attorneys—usually by early summer.
2. Apply for a Tax Deferral or Exemption
If you're over 65, disabled, or a surviving spouse of someone who was, Texas law may allow you to defer your taxes entirely. You may also qualify for:
-
Homestead exemption
-
Disability exemption
-
Veteran’s exemption
These can reduce your total tax bill or delay collection efforts.
3. Work with a Property Tax Loan Company (Use Caution)
Some private lenders will pay your taxes in exchange for a high-interest loan secured by your home. This can provide short-term relief, but be very careful—these loans often come with high fees and foreclosure risks if you can’t keep up with payments.
4. Sell the Property and Eliminate the Debt
If catching up isn’t realistic, selling the property may be your best option. This is especially true if:
-
The home is vacant or in poor condition
-
You inherited the house and don’t plan to keep it
-
You’re already facing foreclosure or legal action
You don’t have to go through the listing process or spend money on repairs. Selling to a local buyer who understands the tax process—like Stephen Buys Houses In Houston—can help you walk away with cash and peace of mind before the county takes over
What Happens If You Do Nothing?
If property taxes remain unpaid, the county will:
-
File a tax lien against the property
-
Take you to court
-
Eventually hold a tax sale, where your house can be auctioned off—even if you owe only a few thousand dollars
Many homeowners assume they have more time than they really do. In reality, waiting too long can leave you with nothing, especially if attorney fees and court costs start eating into your home’s equity.
A Hard Lesson from Baytown: Don’t Wait Too Long
Not long ago, I got a call from a homeowner in Baytown, Texas who had fallen behind on property taxes. He had been getting the notices in the mail but thought he had more time to figure things out. Unfortunately, he didn’t show up to court and didn’t realize the situation had already progressed to the final stages of a tax foreclosure.
By the time he called me, it was too late. The property had already been auctioned off at a tax sale, and the county had taken full ownership. He lost the house—and all the equity he had built over the years—because he simply didn’t know how fast things move once legal action begins.
I wish he had reached out sooner. We could have worked something out, either helping him sell the property before the court date or stepping in to pay off the taxes and give him some breathing room. But once the county sells your house at auction, there’s no getting it back.
This story isn’t to scare you—it’s to help you avoid the same mistake. If you’re behind on taxes, even just by a few months, don’t wait. Reach out and explore your options while you still have them.
You Still Have Options—But Time Matters
Whether you're one month or several years behind, there is always a path forward. The sooner you act, the more options you have.
If you’re considering selling, we understand the local process and can make things easier. We’ll look at your situation privately and offer a solution that helps you move on—without repairs, commissions, or out-of-pocket costs.
Over the past eight years, we’ve helped several homeowners across Houston and surrounding Texas counties who were behind on their property taxes. In one case, we purchased a 10-acre tract right here in Houston from a gentleman who had moved to Dallas and fallen far behind on his taxes. He couldn’t catch up on the payments, and the property was at risk of being lost entirely. We stepped in, handled the details, and helped him walk away with cash in hand—no stress, no judgment.
At Stephen Buys Houses In Houston, we’re dedicated to solving all kinds of property problems, not just buying houses. Whether you're dealing with unpaid taxes, inherited property, or a vacant lot you no longer want, we’ll listen first and provide a real solution—on your timeline.
Need Help Understanding Your Next Move?
If you're behind on taxes and unsure what to do, we’re here to help—not pressure you. Reach out to Stephen Buys Houses In Houston for free, no-obligation advice. Whether you end up selling or not, you’ll walk away with clarity and a plan.
👉 Call or text Stephen
👉 Or request a free property review