Facts About Tarrant County Property Taxes
Tarrant County property tax rates are determined by the county government, each city’s government and the school districts. Each entity decides on a budget for the fiscal year in September and files it with the county clerk. Tarrant County then sets a tax rate based on these figures to ensure that all budgetary needs are met. The amount that you owe is based on this rate (which differs by address) multiplied by the tax assessor’s determined value of your home.
Where Are the Highest Property Taxes in Tarrant County?
As mentioned, the average overall tax rate is one of the highest in Texas at 2.16%. However, Tarrant County property tax rates differ by city, and many average higher than that, including:
- City of Mansfield: 2.47%
- City of Newark: 2.45%
- City of Kennedale: 2.44%
- City of Crowley: 2.40%
- City of Fort Worth: 2.26%
- City of Blue Mound: 2.22%
- City of Grand Prairie: 2.21%
- City of Saginaw: 2.21%
- City of Burleson: 2.19%
- City of River Oaks: 2.19%
Residents in these areas will want to pay close attention to their tax bills because of the higher-than-average rates.
How Do I Make a Tarrant County Property Tax Payment?
The assessor-collector starts sending out tax bills the first week of October. The Tarrant Appraisal District website also lists rates for each year around this time. Residents can also view and print an e-statement online through the assessor-collector’s section of the Tarrant County website. As such, failure to get a mailed statement is not a valid excuse for missing a Tarrant County property tax payment — penalties and interest will still accrue if you pay after January 31st of the following year. The following types of payment are acceptable either in person, by mail, by phone or online:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check
- Money order
- E-check
- Debit card (fees apply)
- Credit card (fees apply)
All mailed payments must be postmarked by January 31st to avoid entering property tax delinquency.
Can I Get an Exemption on Tarrant Property Taxes?
Yes, but they’re not available to everyone. Homestead exemptions are the most common, and there are other qualifications based on age and status as a veteran with disabilities. The Tarrant Appraisal District answers questions about these and other forms of protest through its online resources. If you qualify, the tax assessor’s assessed value of your home will be lowered, thereby lowering the amount you owe. If you’re awaiting a determination, you still have to make the full Tarrant County property tax payment — if the exemption is approved, you’ll simply get a refund. However, the assessor-collector can also decide that your bill was too low, in which case you’ll receive a supplemental bill requiring further payment.
How High Can Tarrant County Delinquent Property Taxes Get?
Quite high. If your payment is late, you’ll immediately incur a 6% penalty and 1% interest fee in February, and each of these rates will go up for every month you don’t pay in Tarrant County. Texas property tax penalties are notoriously strict, and there’s an even bigger penalty that hits in July. Take a look at our Property Tax Penalty Chart to see just how your rates will rise.
During this time, a tax lien can also be placed on your property. Tax liens can cause you to lose your property to the government, and it will eventually be sold at auction.
What Other Forms of Tarrant Property Tax Assistance Are Available?
Tarrant County offers residents different payment options as a form of property tax assistance. You can do the following:
- Make your Tarrant County property tax payment in full when you get your bill.
- Choose the Half Payment Option — you’ll pay two equal installments, one on November 30th and one on June 30th, without entering delinquency.
- Select the Quarter Payment Option — you’ll pay four smaller payments, but it must be for your residence homestead (i.e., not a rental) and you have to be eligible for an exemption.
Aside from these, you’re responsible for paying your property taxes in Tarrant County on time.
What Is the Fastest Way to Pay Off Tarrant County Delinquent Property Taxes?
The quickest and easiest way to settle your Tarrant County delinquent property taxes is through a loan. It will immediately remove tax liens placed on your property and take care of your debts. Then, you can pay back the lending authority on the terms set in your contract, which are usually more affordable than the penalties you’ll rack up in delinquency.
Get Help with Tarrant County Delinquent Property Taxes Now
Tax Ease is ready to help you with Tarrant County delinquent property taxes. We offer loan options with some of the lowest interest rates in the business, and we have a ton of experience helping Texans get their finances back on track. Reach out to us today or fill out an application to get the process started.