When property taxes, protests are due, and other key dates for Texas homeowners to know

Texans are fast approaching the most important day in the property tax cycle, and no, it’s not when they’re due.

Two months from now, May 15, is the last day for most homeowners to file a protest with their local Appraisal Review Board. But there are a litany of other dates to be aware of too.

Here’s a calendar of important dates to know to stay on top of what you may (or may not) owe:

Jan. 1 – Valuation date and lien date

Your property taxes are determined by the value of your home on the first day of the year.

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Jan. 1 is also when a lien attaches to each taxable property to ensure payment.

Jan. 31 – Previous year’s taxes are due

The last day of January is generally when taxes are due, but the delinquency date may be extended if your tax bill was sent late. The due date may also be extended if, like in 2026, the due date falls on a Saturday, when tax offices were closed.

Feb. 1 – Unpaid taxes become delinquent

On Feb. 1, unpaid property taxes from the previous year become delinquent, and local taxing units can begin charging penalties and interest.

April 1 – Appraisals mailed

Though mailed on April Fool’s Day, appraisals are no joke. April 1 is the deadline for your local chief appraiser to send appraisals for single-family homes, and thus when the clock starts on examining whether your home was appraised fairly and planning for what the year’s tax bill will be.

April 30 – Exemption applications due

If you are applying for any property tax exemptions, those applications are due on the last day of April. This is also the last day to notify the district if your home no longer qualifies for an exemption.

May 15 – Appraisal protests due

Appraisal protests are due on May 15 or 30 days after your appraisal notice is delivered to you, whichever is later. Missing this date means your are locked in to whatever number you were given for the year, and must wait to appeal until the following year.

Single family houses are seen in the Wynnewood North neighborhood of Oak Cliff, Tuesday,... July 1 – Unpaid taxes reach 12% penalty

Any property taxes still unpaid by July 1 will begin incurring a hefty 12% penalty, in addition to accumulated interest. Attorney fees can also start being added to cover the cost of collecting the taxes.

July 20 – Appraisal records approved

If you protested your property tax appraisal, you will have most likely completed your appraisal hearing by early July. By July 20, the Appraisal Review Board must approve appraisal records.

However, in counties of more than 1 million people — Dallas, Collin, Denton and Tarrant counties all exceed this — appraisal districts may extend that deadline until Aug. 30.

Oct. 1 – Tax bills for next year mailed

In October, tax districts begin mailing out bills for the next year. Pay attention to when you receive yours, because if it was mailed late, your delinquency date may be later than most homeowners.

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