Behind on property taxes, sued by the county, or facing a sheriff’s or constable’s sale? Find the paper you got, see the dates and the money, and write to the right office yourself.
General information about Texas law, not legal advice. Techoclaro is not a law firm. Amounts and dates are estimates from the statute — the tax office’s written statement and your court papers control.
Do I qualify?
A few yes / no / not sure questions. The answers say which programs are likely, maybe or unlikely to fit, where to file, and which official form — the appraisal district or tax office makes the decision.
Answer what you know and press “Show my options”. “Not sure” is a fine answer.
Installment agreement for delinquent taxes
Maybe
Answer the questions about your home and exemption to see whether the collector must agree.
Monthly payments, in writing, 12–36 months for a homestead. While you keep it: no suit, no sale, and no new penalty on a homestead (interest continues). Signing admits the debt.
Where to file
The county tax assessor-collector (the office that sends the bill).
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 33.02(a)
Pay current taxes in four quarters (65+, disabled, disabled veteran)
Maybe
Four equal payments with no penalty or interest if the first is paid before the delinquency date with a note saying you will pay in installments. With a February 1 delinquency date the rest are due before April 1, June 1 and August 1. A missed quarter gets a 6% penalty plus interest.
This is for the current year’s bill, not for taxes that are already years behind.
Where to file
The county tax assessor-collector (the office that sends the bill).
Date to watch
2026-02-01
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 31.031(a-1)
Four payments after a declared disaster
Maybe
For a home damaged in a declared disaster or emergency area, taxes imposed before the first anniversary of the disaster can be paid in four installments, first one before the delinquency date with notice.
Where to file
The county tax assessor-collector (the office that sends the bill).
Date to watch
2026-02-01
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 31.032(b)
Tax deferral (65+, disabled, disabled veteran)
Maybe
For owners who are 65 or older, disabled, or qualify for a disabled-veteran exemption, on the home they own and live in. It postpones collection — it does not erase the tax. Interest is 5% a year; earlier penalties and interest stay owed and come due after you no longer own and live in the home.
Filed as a sworn affidavit (Comptroller Form 50-126, signed before a notary) with the appraisal district. With a lawsuit pending, file it in the court. With a sale scheduled, deliver it at least 5 days before the sale to the appraisal district, the tax collector (or its attorney) and the officer holding the sale.
Other debts on the home (mortgage, HOA) can still be collected.
Where to file
The appraisal district (the chief appraiser) for your county — not the tax office and not the Comptroller.
Official form
Comptroller 50-126
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 33.06(a)
Deferral of the tax on a big value jump
Maybe
Any homestead owner can defer the tax on value above 105% of last year’s value (plus new improvements), if the rest is paid. Interest is 8% a year during the deferral. Form 50-274, filed with the appraisal district.
Where to file
The appraisal district (the chief appraiser) for your county — not the tax office and not the Comptroller.
Official form
Comptroller 50-274
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 33.065(a)(1)
Residence homestead exemption
Maybe
If you own and live in the home, school districts must exempt $140,000 of its value; cities, counties and others may add more. Apply with the appraisal district (Form 50-114, with a copy of your Texas ID showing this address).
Where to file
The appraisal district (the chief appraiser) for your county — not the tax office and not the Comptroller.
Official form
Comptroller 50-114
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 11.13(b)
Extra exemption for 65+ or disabled
Maybe
Another $60,000 off the school-district value (and often a local exemption too, plus a school-tax ceiling). Apply within a year of turning 65 or becoming disabled.
Where to file
The appraisal district (the chief appraiser) for your county — not the tax office and not the Comptroller.
Official form
Comptroller 50-114
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 11.13(c)
Late homestead application for past years
Maybe
The appraisal district must accept a late homestead application filed up to two years after the delinquency date. For taxes delinquent on 2026-02-01, that is about 2028-02-01. If approved, the tax on the exempt amount comes off the bill (or is refunded).
Where to file
The appraisal district (the chief appraiser) for your county — not the tax office and not the Comptroller.
Official form
Comptroller 50-114
Date to watch
2028-02-01
Law
Tex. Tax Code § 11.431(a)
Protest the value (for next year’s bill)
Maybe
File by May 15 or 30 days after your notice of appraised value, whichever is later. A letter that names you, the property and that you disagree is enough. A protest does not pause a delinquent bill.
Where to file
The appraisal review board, through the appraisal district.