Texas property taxes come with several deadlines, but they are not all the same. October is generally when tax bills arrive. Homestead exemptions are handled by appraisal districts, tax bills are collected by tax offices, and protests of appraised values take place earlier in the year.
When property taxes are due
Most Texas property taxes are payable without penalty through January 31 of the following year. Because January 31, 2027 falls on a Sunday, the state weekend rule generally allows payment on the next business day, Monday, February 1, 2027. Different deadlines can apply when bills are mailed late or special arrangements apply. Confirm the due date printed on your own tax statement with the collecting office. Texas Comptroller: Property Tax Bills.
Exemptions that may reduce a homeowner's bill
General residence homestead: Qualifying owner-occupied primary residences receive a mandatory $140,000 school district exemption under current Texas law.
Age 65 or older or disabled: Qualified homeowners receive an additional mandatory $60,000 school district exemption. A school district tax ceiling may also apply.
Disabled veterans and certain surviving spouses: Additional partial or total exemptions may be available depending on qualifying status. A qualifying veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating or individual unemployability may be eligible for a full residence homestead exemption.
Local optional exemptions: Cities, counties and other taxing units may grant additional exemptions; amounts depend on the taxing unit.
These exemptions generally reduce taxable value, not the property's market value or the full amount of every tax bill. Texas Comptroller: Homestead Exemptions · Disabled-veteran eligibility.
How and when to apply
Apply for homestead and other qualifying exemptions with the appraisal district where the property is located, not with the tax collector. April 30 is the usual application deadline for many exemptions, but state law permits late filing for some homestead and veteran exemptions. Homeowners who missed a deadline should ask the appraisal district whether a late application is available rather than assuming they are ineligible. State property tax deadline calendar · Lubbock Central Appraisal District.
When and how to protest an appraisal
A protest challenges the appraisal district's value or certain other appraisal determinations. The usual deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice of appraised value is delivered, whichever is later, subject to applicable exceptions. File a notice of protest with the appraisal district; an appraisal review board (ARB) can hear unresolved cases. A protest does not automatically suspend tax-payment obligations. Texas Comptroller: Protest deadlines.
Local help with property tax protests
ACE of TEXAS is a locally owned West Texas business based in Lubbock that helps homeowners and property owners challenge appraised values. Founded in 2014 by Gary Adrian, a former Lubbock Central Appraisal District appraiser, the company says its team reviews valuations, prepares protests and represents clients in appraisal proceedings. Its staff includes longtime Lubbock residents and Texas Tech graduates. Property owners considering professional representation can learn more about its services and fees at ACEofTexas.com. The standard annual protest deadline has passed for 2026; owners should check the appraisal district for any applicable exceptions.
Editor’s disclosure: This mention was included independently by the Lubbock Chronicle. ACE of TEXAS did not solicit or pay for placement.
What Lubbock homeowners should do now
Review your 2026 statement for exemptions, taxing units, taxable values and the due date.
Check your property account with the Lubbock Central Appraisal District for exemption status and property records.
For payment questions, use the collecting tax office named on the bill. The appraisal district determines values and exemptions but does not necessarily collect the tax.
Lubbock-Cooper ISD statements have been delayed pending the November 3 tax-rate election. Chronicle coverage of delayed statements.
