2012 Property Tax Calendar


There are numerous important dates and deadlines during the tax year that can affect your property tax payment obligations. Many, such as the January 1 assessment date, are specifically set out in the Texas Property Tax Code.

Others, such as a property owner's deadline to file a notice of protest, depend on the date the chief appraiser takes some action (such as the date she mails a notice of appraised value to the property owner).

Remember: if the last day for you to pay falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday, the deadline is extended to the following regular business day. Texas Property Tax Code Section 1.06.

January 1, 2012	Harris County Appraisal District  (HCAD) determines appraised value and exemption status for property taxes, except for disability and over-65 exemptions, for the 2012 tax year.
January 31, 2012	This is the last day to pay property taxes without delinquent penalty and interest. This also is the last date to pay the first payment on quarter payment plans for Over 65 and disability homestead accounts.
February 1, 2012	Penalty and interest charges begin to accrue on unpaid taxes for the preceding year. The penalty rate begins at 6% and increases each month that the payment remains unpaid to a maximum rate of 12%. Interest also begins to accrue on this date at the rate of 1% per month until the account is paid in full. Taxpayers can enter into installment agreements on current taxes only.
April 2, 2012	This is the last day to pay the second payment on quarter payment plans for Over 65 and disability homestead accounts.
April 2, 2012	This is the last day to pay accounts with section 33.11 notices before the accounts are turned over to the delinquent collection attorneys.
April 3, 2012	The Harris County Tax Office turns over for collection all delinquent business personal property accounts on this date.  Immediately, a collection penalty of 15% - 20% of the total unpaid balance is added to the current delinquent accounts.
May 31, 2012	This is the last day to pay the third payment on quarter payment plans for Over 65 and disability homestead accounts. This is the last day to file a protest with the Harris County Appraisal District for the new tax year.
July 2, 2012	This is the last day to enter into an installment agreement with the Harris County Tax Office to pay current taxes.
July 3, 2012	The Harris County Tax Office turns over for collection all delinquent real property accounts on this date.  Immediately, a collection penalty of 15% - 20% of the total unpaid balance is added to the current delinquent accounts.
July 31, 2012	This is the last day to pay the final payment on quarter payment plans for Over 65 and disability homestead accounts.
October-November	The new year's collection period begins. Tax Bills are mailed by the Harris County Tax Office as soon as possible throughout Harris County to real and personal property owners.
December 31, 2012	Last day to make payment for federal income tax purposes, it is recommended that checks be written and mailed in time to receive a December postmark.