Dallas County homeowners will not receive their 2026 property tax bills until after the Nov. 3 election, when voters decide whether to approve a higher county tax rate. The delayed mailing shortens the period between bill receipt and the Jan. 31 payment deadline, leaving taxpayers with less time to prepare for amounts that are rising regardless of the election outcome. For a median homestead, the county portion of the bill would be $666.52 at the higher rate, up from $558.97 last year, according to Dallas County figures. The rate increases to about 22.5 cents per $100 of value even if voters reject the measure, and would reach about 24.9 cents with approval.
The compressed timeline creates a cascade of deadlines. On Oct. 1, the county calculated bills at tentative rates, so online balances before Election Day may reflect the higher proposed rate. On Nov. 3, voters approve or reject the higher rate; a rejection sets the county rate at the voter-approval level. After the election, the county mails final bills. Payment is due in most cases by Jan. 31, and the Texas Comptroller notes that delinquent taxes incur a 6 percent penalty and 1 percent interest on Feb. 1.
For homeowners already behind on their mortgage or facing foreclosure, the delayed bills add another layer of uncertainty. Texas property taxes are secured by a lien on the home, and a bankruptcy filing does not remove that lien. Homeowners who pay taxes through escrow may see the increase as a higher monthly mortgage payment after the servicer's next escrow review. A Chapter 13 repayment plan can spread delinquent taxes and missed mortgage payments over three to five years while the homeowner stays current on new payments.
Leinart Law Firm is urging Dallas County homeowners who are behind on their mortgage or facing foreclosure to review their options before 2026 property tax bills arrive. Meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer in Dallas, TX now gives homeowners time to see how a repayment plan would treat past-due property taxes.
"A tax increase is seldom the only reason a homeowner falls behind, but it adds to arrears that may already be difficult to cure," said Marcus Leinart, founder of Leinart Law Firm. "We review the mortgage, tax account, and household budget together so a repayment plan accounts for all three."
The implications extend beyond the immediate tax bill. With less time to pay, homeowners who are already stretched thin may face difficult choices. The rate increase, even at the lower voter-approval level, means higher monthly escrow payments for many. For those considering bankruptcy, the timing of a filing can affect how past-due taxes and mortgage arrears are treated. A Chapter 7 filing may eliminate unsecured debts but does not discharge property tax liens, while a Chapter 13 plan allows homeowners to catch up on secured debts over time. Acting before the bills arrive can provide a clearer picture of available options and help homeowners avoid the harsher consequences of delinquency.
