Dallas County homeowners who are behind on their mortgages or facing foreclosure should review their options before 2026 property tax bills arrive, according to Leinart Law Firm. The bills will not be mailed until after the Nov. 3 election, when voters decide whether to approve a higher county tax rate, WFAA reports. Meeting with a bankruptcy lawyer in Dallas, TX now gives homeowners time to see how a repayment plan would treat past-due property taxes.
For a median homestead, the county portion of the bill would be $666.52 at the higher rate, up from $558.97 last year, per Dallas County figures. The rate rises to about 22.5 cents per $100 of value even if voters reject the measure and would reach about 24.9 cents with approval. This means that regardless of the election outcome, homeowners will see an increase in their tax burden.
The delay in mailing bills after the election shortens the time between receiving a bill and the usual payment deadline. 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 Jan. 31 in most cases, and the Texas Comptroller notes that delinquent taxes incur a 6 percent penalty and 1 percent interest on Feb. 1.
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.
"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 compressed timeline means homeowners have less time to react to the final bill before it becomes delinquent. For those already struggling with mortgage payments, the added tax burden could be the tipping point that leads to foreclosure. Bankruptcy options such as Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 can provide relief, but timing is critical. Consulting with an attorney before the bills arrive can help homeowners understand their rights and choose the best path forward.
