Everything You Need to Know About Paying Your Property Taxes in Travis County

Owning property in Travis County comes with responsibilities — and one of the most important is understanding how and when your property taxes are due. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned investor, this guide will walk you through what you must know to avoid penalties and stay compliant with county and state law.

📅 Key Deadline: January 31, 2026

In Travis County (as in most Texas counties), property taxes for the previous year are due by January 31st of the following year. For 2025 property taxes, this means you must pay by January 31, 2026 to avoid penalties and interest. Taxes not paid by this deadline are considered delinquent starting February 1, and penalty and interest charges begin accruing per Texas law. Travis County Tax Office+1

State law also mandates that if January 31 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day — but the intent of the law remains: pay on time to avoid extra costs. Travis County Tax Office

🧾 When You Receive Your Bill

Your property tax bill typically arrives in the mail around late October through November, and you can use that time to review your property’s assessed value and check for exemptions before the deadline. Travis Central Appraisal District

Even if you never receive a bill, you are still responsible for payment by the deadline under Texas law. Travis County Tax Office

🚫 What Happens If You Don’t Pay on Time

If your taxes remain unpaid after January 31:

Penalties and interest automatically apply starting February 1.
The Travis County Tax Office must charge at least a 7% penalty plus interest per state requirements; amounts rise the longer the balance goes unpaid. Travis County Tax Office

There’s no legal authority for the county to waive these charges.

💳 Ways to Pay Your Property Tax

There are several accepted payment methods* before the deadline:*

✔ Online:
Use the Travis County Tax Office’s online payment portal. You can pay via eCheck, credit/debit card, or even PayPal — and you’ll receive an immediate emailed receipt. Payments must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 31 to be considered on time. Travis County Tax Office

✔ By Mail:
Mail your payment with a U.S. Postal Service postmark no later than January 31 to have it count as timely. Travis County Tax Office

✔ In Person / Drop Box:
Pay at the tax office or use an approved drop box before the deadline.

✔ Installment Plans:
Certain taxpayers (like those over 65, veterans, or disabled persons who qualify for exemptions) may opt for quarter payment plans — but the first installment must be received or postmarked by January 31 to avoid penalty and interest. Travis County Tax Office

🏠 Exemptions & Protests

While paying your taxes is critical, you can also explore exemptions (e.g., homestead, over-65, disability) that may reduce your taxable value. Exemptions must be applied for with the appraisal district, not the tax office.

If you believe your appraised value is incorrect, you generally have until May 15th or 30 days after receiving your appraisal notice (whichever is later) to file a protest with the Travis Central Appraisal District. (Note: this deadline is after the January payment deadline.) Travis County Tax Office

Helpful County Property Tax Links

Here are direct resources for property tax information and payments in Travis County and neighboring counties:

Travis County

Travis County Tax Office – Pay Property Taxes
https://tax-office.traviscountytx.gov/properties/taxes Travis County Tax Office

Neighboring Counties

Hays County Property Tax – https://www.hayscountytx.gov/property-tax hayscountytx.gov
Williamson County Property Tax – https://www.wilcotx.gov/755/Payment-Options Williamson County, TX
Bastrop County Tax Office – https://bastroptac.com/ bastroptac.com
Blanco County Tax Assessor-Collector / Appraisal Info – https://www.co.blanco.tx.us/page/blanco.County.Assessor.Collector co.blanco.tx.us
Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector – https://tax.co.hays.tx.us/ tax.co.hays.tx.us

💡 Final Tips for Travis County Property Owners

Start early — don’t wait until the last day to pay, as the system can slow down due to high traffic. Travis County Tax Office
Consider paying by eCheck online for a quick receipt. Travis County Tax Office
Review exemptions and potential protests well before their respective deadlines.

If you own property in Travis County, staying on top of your property taxes not only protects your investment — it also keeps your title clean and your finances free of unnecessary penalties. If you have questions or need insights into property taxes as part of your home ownership journey in Central Texas, our team is here to help.