How to Pay Your Dallas Property Tax Bill
Where to send your Dallas property tax payment
Dallas property taxes are collected by the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD), but you pay them to the Dallas Tax Assessor-Collector's Office. These are two separate departments — DCAD values your property, and the Assessor-Collector's Office bills you and processes your payment.
You can pay in person at the Assessor-Collector's Office located at 1500 Marilla Street, Dallas, TX 75201, during business hours. You can also mail a check or money order to the same address. Online payment through the Dallas County website allows you to pay by bank account transfer or credit card, though credit card payments include a processing fee. The phone number for questions about your bill is 214-653-7811.
Your tax bill arrives in October each year and is due by January 31 of the following year. If you do not receive your bill by late November, contact the Assessor-Collector's Office to confirm your mailing address is correct.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas property taxes are billed by the Assessor-Collector's Office and due by January 31 each year, with bills mailed in October.
- You can pay online through the Dallas County website, by mail, or in person at 1500 Marilla Street.
- Payments made after January 31 accrue a penalty of 6 percent of the unpaid amount, plus interest that compounds monthly.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, you can request a payment plan through the Assessor-Collector's Office before the bill becomes delinquent.
- Homeowners over 65, disabled homeowners, and low-income households may be may be able to access for exemptions or deferrals that reduce or delay payment.
What happens if you pay late
A penalty of 6 percent of the unpaid amount is added to your bill if payment arrives after January 31. Interest then accrues at a rate set by Texas state law — currently 8 percent per year — and compounds monthly on the unpaid balance. This means the longer you wait, the more you owe beyond the original tax amount.
If your bill remains unpaid for two years, the property can be sold at a tax sale to recover the debt. The county publishes a list of properties headed for sale, and investors or the county itself can purchase the property at auction. You retain the right to reclaim the property by paying the full debt plus costs within a set period, but this process is complex and expensive.
If you know you cannot pay by January 31, contact the Assessor-Collector's Office before the deadline to discuss a payment plan. The office can sometimes arrange installment payments that stop the penalty from applying, though this depends on the amount owed and your circumstances.
Payment plans and hardship options
The Dallas Assessor-Collector's Office can set up a payment plan if you request one before your bill becomes delinquent. You will need to contact the office directly at 214-653-7811 to discuss the terms. The office does not post a standard payment plan policy online, so the terms available depend on your situation and the amount owed.
If you own your home and meet income limits, you may be may be able to access for a property tax deferral through the state of Texas. Homeowners age 65 or older, disabled homeowners, and families with a disabled family member can defer property taxes, meaning you do not pay them while you own the home, but the debt is collected from your estate after you sell or pass away. To explore this option, contact DCAD at 214-509-1300 or visit their office at 2601 Spur 352, Dallas, TX 75212.
Homeowners may also be may be able to access for a homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of your home and therefore lowers your tax bill each year. You must apply for this exemption by April 30 of the tax year. The exemption is not automatic — you have to file the paperwork with DCAD even if you have received it in previous years.
How to check your bill and dispute the value
You can view your tax bill online through the Dallas County website by entering your property address or account number. The bill shows the appraised value of your home, the tax rate, and the total amount due. If you believe the appraised value is too high, you have the right to challenge it.
To dispute the value, you must file a Notice of Protest with DCAD by May 15 of the tax year. You can file online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide evidence that the value is incorrect — comparable sales in your neighborhood, a recent appraisal, or photos showing the condition of your home. DCAD will review your protest and either agree to lower the value or schedule a hearing where you can present your case.
Lowering the appraised value reduces your tax bill for that year and future years, but it does not change what you owe for past years. If you have already paid a bill based on a higher value, you will need to request a refund separately from the Assessor-Collector's Office.
Online payment and automatic options
The Dallas County website allows you to pay your property tax bill online using a bank account or credit card. To pay online, go to the Dallas County Assessor-Collector's website, enter your property information, and follow the payment instructions. Bank account payments (ACH transfers) have no fee, but credit card payments include a processing fee charged by the payment processor.
You can also set up automatic payments through your bank by providing the Assessor-Collector's Office mailing address and your account number. This ensures your payment arrives by the deadline each year. Contact the office at 214-653-7811 to confirm the current mailing address and account number before setting up automatic payments.
If you pay online, keep a record of your confirmation number and the date the payment was processed. Online payments typically post to your account within one to three business days. If you do not see the payment reflected on your bill within a week, contact the Assessor-Collector's Office to confirm it was received.
Understanding your tax bill and rate changes
Your property tax bill is calculated by multiplying the appraised value of your home by the tax rate set by the city, county, school district, and other local entities. The appraised value is determined by DCAD and may change each year based on market conditions and property improvements. The tax rate can also change each year depending on the budgets of local governments.
Your bill shows a breakdown of how much tax goes to each entity — the city of Dallas, Dallas County, Dallas Independent School District, and any other taxing units that serve your property. The total is what you owe. If your bill increased significantly from the previous year, it could be because the appraised value went up, the tax rate increased, or both.
You can see how your home's appraised value compares to similar homes in your neighborhood by searching the DCAD website. This information is public and can help you decide whether to file a protest if you believe the value is too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I did not receive my property tax bill in the mail?
Contact the Assessor-Collector's Office at 214-653-7811 to confirm your mailing address and request a duplicate bill. You can also view your bill online through the Dallas County website. Even if you did not receive the bill, you are still responsible for paying by January 31 to avoid penalties.
Can I pay my property taxes in installments?
You can request a payment plan through the Assessor-Collector's Office before your bill becomes delinquent. Call 214-653-7811 to discuss options. If your bill is already delinquent, payment plans may still be available, but penalties and interest will have already been added.
What is the difference between DCAD and the Assessor-Collector's Office?
DCAD appraises your property and determines its value for tax purposes. The Assessor-Collector's Office uses that value to calculate your bill and collects your payment. DCAD handles protests about value; the Assessor-Collector handles billing and payment questions.
If I own my home free and clear, do I still have to pay property taxes?
Yes. Property taxes are owed by the owner of the property, regardless of whether there is a mortgage. If you own the home outright, you are responsible for paying the full tax bill by January 31 each year.
How do I know if I may have access to for a homestead exemption?
You must own and live in the home as your primary residence. Income limits apply for some exemptions. Contact DCAD at 214-509-1300 or visit their office to learn which exemptions you may be may be able to access for. You must file the application by April 30 each tax year.