If you’ve missed the property tax deadline in McLennan or Bell County, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to manage late payments and reduce extra fees. Here’s a guide to help residents of McLennan and Bell Counties get back on track and avoid penalties.
What to Do If You’re Behind on Property Taxes
Act Quickly: If you know you’ll be late, contact the tax offices in McLennan or Bell County as soon as possible. Both counties allow partial payments until your bill is fully settled. While late fees will still apply, setting up a payment plan can help spread out the cost and ease financial pressure.
Payment Arrangements: McLennan and Bell County allow partial payments until June. After June, the full balance must be paid, or a formal payment plan needs to be in place to avoid additional collection fees.Understanding Late Payment Penalties
Penalties and Fees:
- Initial Penalty: Late payments incur a 6% penalty and a 1% monthly interest charge, totaling 7% on February 1.
- Monthly Increase: From March through July, penalties and interest increase by 2% each month, reaching 22% by July.
- Additional Fees: Legal fees of up to 20% and multiple collection notices may apply, depending on how late the payment becomes.
- Legal Consequences: Significant delinquencies may lead to lawsuits and court costs.
Taxes remain your responsibility even if the property is sold, provided you owned it on January 1.
Property Tax Payment Options and Deadlines
When Are Property Taxes Due?
Property taxes in McLennan and Bell Counties are due by January 31 each year. Missing this deadline leads to:
- Penalties and interest beginning on February 1.
- No option for protesting your tax amount if payments remain overdue.
- The last day for partial payments without a formal payment plan is June 30.
Payment Options for McLennan and Bell County Residents
- Online: Visit your county’s website for a secure online payment option.
- Mail: Send payments to your county tax assessor’s office (ensure postmark by January 31 to avoid penalties).
- In-Person: Pay directly at the McLennan or Bell County tax office.
Get Started Today
Take control of your property tax situation with confidence. Contact Property Tax Help today by:
- Filling Out Our Contact Form: Send us your questions/concerns.
- Call (254) 640-0057: Personalized guidance.
- Share this post: Help others unlock Texas property tax savings
