Dallas County Property Tax Payment Plans | Complete Guide
Property taxes in Texas can catch homeowners off guard, especially in years when appraised values increase or unexpected expenses make it difficult to keep up. Falling behind on taxes is more common than people realize, and Dallas County provides several payment plan options to help you get caught up and avoid legal trouble.
This guide explains every major payment plan available, how they work, how to qualify, and what to do if you can’t afford the repayment terms.
Why Staying Current on Dallas County Property Taxes Matters
Texas relies heavily on property taxes to fund local schools, infrastructure, and city services. That means penalties add up quickly when payments are missed.
If you fall behind:
Penalties and interest start accruing immediately
Your account can be turned over to collections/attorneys
The county can file a tax lawsuit
Your home can eventually be sold at a tax foreclosure auction
The good news: Dallas County offers structured payment plans to help homeowners avoid these outcomes.
Standard Dallas County Property Tax Payment Plan
Dallas County offers a 12–36 month payment plan for most homeowners.
Who qualifies?
Property owners who owe delinquent taxes
Homeowners who agree to pay penalties + interest
Owners who commit to monthly payments
Key features:
Monthly payments divided across the agreed term
Stops additional collection action while the plan is active
Requires staying current on future taxes
Important:
If you miss payments, the county can cancel the agreement and restart collections or foreclosure.
The 10-Month “Split Payment” Plan (Early Payment Option)
This is a popular plan for homeowners wanting to avoid penalties.
How it works:
Pay half your taxes by November 30
Pay the other half by June 30
No penalties or interest as long as both payments are on time
Who qualifies?
This plan is available to all Dallas County homeowners as long as the first payment is made by November 30.
Payment Plans for Delinquent Seniors, Disabled Homeowners & Disabled Veterans
Texas law provides additional protections for qualifying homeowners.
If you are 65+, disabled, or a disabled veteran:
You may qualify for:
Deferred property taxes (postpones payment entirely)
Reduced penalties and interest
Flexible installment plans
A tax deferral stops foreclosure, but interest continues accruing until the taxes are paid.
Attorney/Collections Payment Plans
If taxes remain unpaid long enough, your account may be transferred to a law firm such as Linebarger, Perdue Brandon, or MVBA.
Once in collections:
Additional fees apply (usually 20%)
Payment plans must be made directly with the attorney
A lawsuit may be filed if you don’t respond
However:
Collections attorneys are still required to offer reasonable payment plans under Texas law.
How to Set Up a Dallas County Tax Payment Plan
The process is fairly simple:
Step 1 — Contact the Dallas County Tax Office
You can call or visit in person to request available plan options.
Step 2 — Provide your property information
Including name, address, and account number.
Step 3 — Choosing a plan
A clerk will determine eligibility and provide monthly payment amounts.
Step 4 — Sign the installment agreement
This pauses additional collection action as long as payments are made.
Step 5 — Make consistent monthly payments
Missed payments can cause cancellation.
How Much Do Penalties & Interest Cost if You Don’t Set Up a Plan?
Texas has some of the highest property tax penalties in the country.
Typical timeline after January 31:
February: 7% penalty + interest
March–July: Increases each month
July 1: Collections attorney fee added (up to 20%)
After filing: Additional legal costs
A payment plan limits these fees and prevents further escalation.
Can a Payment Plan Stop Tax Foreclosure?
Yes.
As long as you enter a valid payment plan and stay current, foreclosure cannot proceed.
However, if the plan is violated, the county can resume foreclosure.
What If You Can’t Afford the Payment Plan?
If payments are too high—or you’re already facing collections, lawsuits, or foreclosure—you still have options.
Many Dallas homeowners choose to:
Refinance
Borrow against equity
Work with investors
Sell the property to stop foreclosure
If the home has equity, selling may allow you to:
Pay off taxes
Avoid foreclosure
Keep remaining profits
Protect your credit
Peña Real Estate can prepare a “net sheet” showing exactly how much you’d walk away with after paying off taxes and liens.
Get Help With Dallas County Property Taxes
Whether you're behind on payments, confused about your options, or worried about foreclosure, Peña Real Estate can help you:
✔ Understand your tax status
✔ Review payment plan options
✔ Stop foreclosure timelines
✔ Explore selling or refinancing options
✔ Get a no-pressure cash offer if needed
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
If you want a FAST OFFER ON YOUR HOME or want to see your options before penalties increase, tell me the address and I’ll break everything down for you
