📍PROPERTY • HOUSTON, TX
Behind on Property Taxes in Houston?
A tax notice doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
We review the numbers, timelines, and realistic paths forward so you can decide what makes sense.
No pressure. No commitment. Just clarity
The Harris County Tax Timeline (What Actually Changes Things)
Property taxes in Harris County follow a strict calendar. Certain dates matter more than others.
January 31
Last day to pay before taxes become delinquent.
February 1
Penalties and interest begin accruing.
The 2026 Homestead Reality (Often Overlooked)
For the 2026 tax year, Texas increased the school tax homestead exemption to $140,000.
If your tax bill feels unexpectedly high, it’s worth confirming that your homestead exemption was properly filed.
In some cases:
- Exemptions were never applied
- Ownership changes (inheritance, divorce, refinancing) caused exemptions to drop off
- Corrections can be applied retroactively, lowering the balance
This step alone sometimes reduces what’s owed — even after penalties have started.
July 1 — The Attorney Turnover
Unpaid taxes are transferred to delinquent tax attorneys.
This adds an automatic 15–20% collection fee on top of existing penalties
This July transfer is often the point where back taxes start feeling unmanageable — not because of the base tax, but because of added fees.
Why Back Taxes Usually Accumulate
In practice, unpaid taxes are usually a symptom, not the root problem.
Common underlying situations include:
Inherited Property
where taxes were overlooked during probate. Learn why →
Vacant / Land Properties
producing no income.
Major Repairs
taking priority over tax payments. Learn why →
Rental Stress
including non-paying tenants or insurance increases. Learn why →
Most owners don’t ignore taxes — they get outpaced by compounding obligations.
Key Factors That Shape Your Decision
There’s no single right move. Most Houston owners weigh the same core factors before deciding how to resolve back taxes.
Most decisions become clearer once these five variables are laid out side-by-side.
Realistic Ways Houston Owners Resolve Back Taxes
There is no single “right” solution. Most owners resolve tax issues through one of these paths, depending on timing, equity, and long-term goals.
Installment Agreements (Stopping Escalation)
Harris County offers payment plans that allow delinquent taxes to be paid over time — commonly 12 to 36 months.
When an installment agreement is approved:
- Ongoing collection lawsuits are paused
- New enforcement actions stop while payments are current
- The balance becomes predictable instead of escalating
For many owners, this is a way to stabilize the situation without making a permanent decision about the property.
Senior or Disability Deferrals
Owners who are 65+ or disabled may file a tax deferral affidavit.
This does not forgive taxes, but it:
- Pauses collection while the owner occupies the home
- Caps interest at 5% annually, far below standard penalties
This option is often used to protect housing stability rather than resolve the debt immediately.
Selling the Property
When holding the property no longer makes financial sense, selling resolves the tax issue through equity.
This can take different forms:
- Retail sale when the home is financeable and market-ready
- As-is sale when repairs, vacancy, or time constraints make holding impractical
Selling does not require paying taxes in advance.
Want help choosing the right path?
Every situation is different — condition, timeline, and ongoing costs all matter.
How Back Taxes Are Handled at Closing
A common misconception is that delinquent taxes must be paid out of pocket before selling.
In practice, this is handled as part of a standard Houston closing:
- The title company orders a final tax payoff
- Outstanding taxes are deducted from sale proceeds
- Harris County is paid directly at closing
- Title is cleared before ownership transfers
This process is routine and handled daily in Houston transactions.
Understanding Tax Foreclosure in Harris County
Tax foreclosure is not immediate, but it can occur if delinquent taxes remain unresolved for an extended period.
Once taxes are turned over to collection attorneys, legal action may begin. If a foreclosure sale eventually occurs, Texas law still provides protections for owners.
Right of Redemption
If a property is sold at a tax auction, the prior owner may legally reclaim it by repaying the required amount within a set timeframe.
Redemption periods under Texas law:
- 2 years for homestead properties
- 180 days for non-homestead properties (rentals or land)
Tax notices often feel urgent, but the law allows more time and options than most owners realize.
When It Makes Sense to Pause and Get Clarity
It’s often worth slowing down and reviewing the numbers if:
- Attorney fees are accelerating the balance
- You’re unsure whether exemptions were applied correctly
- The tax debt is approaching the property’s equity value
Understanding the timeline and options often changes the decision.
Why Process Matters More Than Promises
Most as-is deals fail because something wasn’t ready — not because of price.
We help you understand:
- what can close now,
- what needs time,
- and which option actually works for your situation.
Clarity first. Pressure never.
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“They made selling my inherited property so easy. Fair offer, quick closing, and no stress.”
FAQ
Do I have to pay back property taxes before selling?
No. In Houston, unpaid property taxes are typically handled at closing.
The title company orders a final payoff, deducts the balance from sale proceeds, and pays Harris County directly. You do not need to bring cash to the table in most cases.
➡️ This often comes up when owners are also considering an as-is sale (Sell Property As-Is in Houston).
What happens if the taxes are already with an attorney?
Once taxes are transferred to a delinquent tax attorney (usually after July 1), collection fees are added. However, the property can still be sold, and those fees are resolved at closing as part of the payoff.
➡️ This situation is common with vacant properties or long-term rental homes (link to: Selling a Houston Rental).
Can I set up a payment plan instead of selling?
Yes. Harris County offers installment agreements that can stop lawsuits and allow balances to be paid over time, often over 12–36 months.
Whether this makes sense depends on the property’s condition, equity, and ongoing costs.
➡️ Payment plans are often weighed against selling when a home also needs repairs or deferred maintenance (link to: Sell House As-Is Houston).
What if the property was inherited and taxes weren’t paid?
This is very common. During probate, tax bills may go unpaid simply because responsibility is unclear.
Inherited properties can still be sold with back taxes, and the tax balance is handled at closing.
➡️ More details are covered on the Inherited House in Houston page
Can the county take the house immediately for unpaid taxes?
No. Tax foreclosure is a process, not an instant action. Texas law provides multiple notices, timelines, and opportunities to resolve the debt before a sale ever occurs.
➡️ If you’re unsure where you are in that process, understanding your options early usually prevents escalation.
What if the taxes are higher than I expected?
It’s worth verifying whether exemptions — such as the homestead exemption — were applied correctly. In some cases, corrections or retroactive adjustments are possible.
➡️ This review often happens alongside a broader property review to understand equity and next steps.