For a standard Texas property tax bill that becomes delinquent February 1, penalty and interest generally total 7% in February, 9% in March, 11% in April, 13% in May, 15% in June and 18% in July. After July, the penalty remains 12% while interest usually continues increasing by 1% for each month or part of a month. A separate collection fee of up to 20% may apply when authorized and properly noticed.
Enter the unpaid base tax and select how long the standard bill has been delinquent. The estimate separates statutory penalty, interest and an optional collection fee.
Enter an unpaid base tax amount greater than $0.
Estimate only. This calculator assumes a standard annual bill delinquent February 1 and applies the general rates in Texas Tax Code Section 33.01. It does not replace the payoff amount from the county tax assessor-collector. Special bill types, later delinquency dates, deferrals, abatements, installment agreements, partial payments and local collection arrangements can change the result.
This first-year chart assumes a standard bill became delinquent February 1. Multiply the unpaid base tax by the combined percentage to estimate penalty and interest before any applicable collection fee.
| Payment Month | Penalty | Interest | Combined P&I | Example on $5,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | 6% | 1% | 7% | $350 |
| March | 7% | 2% | 9% | $450 |
| April | 8% | 3% | 11% | $550 |
| May | 9% | 4% | 13% | $650 |
| June | 10% | 5% | 15% | $750 |
| July | 12% | 6% | 18% | $900 |
| August | 12% | 7% | 19% | $950 |
| September | 12% | 8% | 20% | $1,000 |
| October | 12% | 9% | 21% | $1,050 |
| November | 12% | 10% | 22% | $1,100 |
| December | 12% | 11% | 23% | $1,150 |
| January | 12% | 12% | 24% | $1,200 |
For a regular bill mailed on time, taxes are generally due on receipt, may be paid without penalty through January 31 and become delinquent February 1.
The penalty begins at 6% for the first delinquent month, increases by 1% for each additional month through June and becomes 12% on July 1.
Interest generally accrues at 1% for each month or part of a month that the tax remains unpaid. Unlike the penalty, interest continues after July.
An additional fee of up to 20% may apply when a taxing unit has authorized collection costs and the statutory notice requirements are met. It is not automatically included in the calculator.
For official statewide guidance, review the Texas Comptroller's paying your taxes and payment options resources. For the annual schedule, see the Texas property tax payment and protest deadlines.
For taxes delinquent before June 1, an additional collection-cost penalty of up to 20% may apply on July 1 when the statutory requirements are satisfied. Taxes becoming delinquent on or after June 1 follow a different notice timetable. Confirm the fee and effective date on the tax office or collection notice before selecting the calculator checkbox.
Waivers are limited to circumstances allowed by Texas Tax Code Section 33.011. A qualifying request depends on the facts, required documentation and the collecting unit's determination. Failure to receive a tax bill, by itself, generally does not change the tax, due date, lien, penalty or interest under Tax Code Section 31.01(g).
If the balance appears to result from a tax-office or appraisal-record error, contact the collector immediately, keep written evidence and review the statutory waiver requirements. Do not assume a waiver has been granted until the collector confirms it in writing.
Paying delinquent taxes and challenging an appraisal are different processes. A protest does not erase an existing delinquent balance, but a successful future protest or a valid exemption can reduce the taxable value used for a later bill.
Attorney-backed help reviewing an appraisal, evidence and the local protest process.
Check homestead, over-65, disability, veteran and other exemption categories.
Compare protests, exemptions, record corrections and other lawful strategies.
Follow the filing, evidence, informal-review and ARB steps.
Review land classification, agricultural valuation and protest considerations.
Find local appraisal-district and county-specific protest information.
For a standard bill delinquent February 1, the first month's charge is generally a 6% penalty plus 1% interest, or 7% total. The combined rate generally rises to 9% in March, 11% in April, 13% in May, 15% in June and 18% in July.
There is generally no interest-free grace period after the applicable delinquency date. Penalty and interest begin accruing once the tax becomes delinquent, and continued nonpayment can lead to collection action and foreclosure. Confirm the exact status with the county tax assessor-collector.
The unpaid amount generally begins accruing statutory penalty and monthly interest. An additional collection-cost penalty of up to 20% may apply when authorized and properly noticed. The collector will provide the official payoff amount.
Possibly. Some tax collectors allow delinquent payment agreements for up to 36 months, but availability and terms vary. Contact the collecting office promptly because penalty and interest may continue during the agreement.
Only in limited circumstances allowed by Texas Tax Code Section 33.011. A taxpayer should submit the required documentation to the collector and obtain written confirmation rather than assuming a waiver applies.
Not automatically. A protest challenges an appraisal issue, while payment and delinquency follow separate rules. Confirm the required payment and deadline with the tax assessor-collector, especially during an appeal or other pending proceeding.
PropertyTaxes.Law can review the appraisal, exemptions and protest options that may affect a future bill. If taxes are already delinquent, contact the county tax assessor-collector first for the official payoff amount and payment options.
Request a Property Tax ReviewThis calculator provides a general estimate, not legal advice or an official tax payoff. Local records and statutory exceptions control.
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