Property taxes
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.
Dealing with the tax office and the courts
Five offices handle a property-tax problem, and they are easy to mix up. Who does what, what to say, and what to keep.
County tax assessor-collector
Bills, payments, payoff amounts, installment agreements, quarter payments.
What to say
- “My account number is ___. I want a written statement of everything owed, by year and taxing unit, good through ___.”
- “This is my homestead and it has a homestead exemption. I am requesting an installment agreement under Tax Code section 33.02.”
What to ask
- Is my account with a delinquent-tax attorney? Which firm?
- Has a lawsuit been filed? What is the cause number?
Keep: Name of the person, date, and what they said. Every receipt.
Appraisal district (chief appraiser)
Value, exemptions, late homestead applications, deferral affidavits, protests.
What to say
- “I want to check which exemptions are on my property for each year.”
- “I am 65 (or disabled) and I am filing a tax deferral affidavit, Form 50-126. Please give me a stamped copy.”
What to ask
- When will the tax office be notified of my exemption or deferral?
Keep: A file-stamped copy of everything you hand in.
Delinquent-tax law firm (collects for the county, city or school district)
Demand letters, lawsuits, judgments, requests for sale. Its fee is the collection penalty already on your bill.
What to say
- “I want to resolve this. Please send me the payoff and the terms for an installment agreement in writing.”
- “I am 65 (or disabled) and live in the home. I am filing a deferral affidavit.”
What to ask
- Is a sale date set? Is there a judgment? Can I get a copy?
Keep: Do not agree to anything by phone only — ask for it in writing.
District clerk
The court file of the tax suit, the judgment, and excess proceeds after a sale.
What to say
- “I need a copy of the petition and judgment in cause number ___, and whether excess proceeds are on deposit.”
What to ask
- How do I file a petition for excess proceeds and set a hearing?
Keep: Copies of what you file with the file stamp.
Sheriff or constable
Serves the citation, conducts the sale, executes a writ of possession.
What to say
- “What is the date, time and place of the sale of my property, and the amount due under the judgment?”
What to ask
- Where do I deliver a deferral affidavit for the sale?
Keep: The name of the deputy and the sale notice.
Reading the papers
- Tax statement: one line per taxing unit, the exemptions applied, the value, the rate, and the date it becomes late.
- Notice of delinquency: must say in capitals that a homestead owner may have a right to an installment agreement; 65+ or disabled owners are told to ask the appraisal district about postponing.
- Citation: a court case was filed; the deadline to answer is printed on it. Write down the cause number.
- Notice of sale: the authority for the sale, the date, time and place, and a short description of the property.