Key Homeowner Dates to Know: Dallas & Collin County Edition

Stay ahead of property taxes, exemptions, and planning as we head into the new year

As we move through the final months of 2025, there are a few key dates every North Texas homeowner should keep on their radar. From property tax deadlines to homestead exemption reminders, staying organized now can save you money and stress later.

Here’s a quick breakdown for Dallas and Collin County homeowners — plus a few tips to make the most of the season.

💰 October – December: Finish the Year Strong

October 2025

• October 15: Final federal tax filing deadline (for those who filed extensions).

• Late October: Property tax statements are mailed out by your county’s appraisal district. Review your bill carefully — you’ll want to ensure exemptions (like Homestead or Over-65) are correctly applied.

November 2025

• If you recently bought a home, confirm your Homestead Exemption eligibility so you can file right after January 1. This one-time step can save you thousands over time.

December 31, 2025

• Last day for charitable or home-improvement deductions for 2025 taxes.

• Last day to make year-end updates to your mailing address with your local appraisal district to ensure you receive 2026 notices on time.

🏠 January: A Fresh Start for Homeowners

January 1, 2026

• The official appraisal date for Texas properties. Your home’s value as of this day determines your 2026 property taxes.

• Deadline for most property ownership changes: whoever owns the home on January 1 receives the tax bill for the year.

January 1 – April 30, 2026

• Homestead Exemption filing window for new homeowners (both Dallas and Collin Counties).

  • Apply online through your county appraisal district:

    • Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD)

    • Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD)

January 31, 2026

• Property tax payment deadline: this is the big one. Payments not received or postmarked by this date are considered delinquent starting February 1, and penalties begin accruing immediately.

🧾 February – May: Watch for Appraisal Notices

February 1, 2026

• Property taxes become delinquent if not paid in full. Interest and penalties start adding up each month.

April 2026

• Appraisal notices are mailed. Review your home’s assessed value: if it seems inflated, you’ll have a chance to protest.

May 15, 2026 (or 30 days after your notice date)

• Property value protest deadline for both Dallas and Collin Counties. You can file online or in person with your local appraisal district.

💡 Kelly’s Pro Tip:

If you’re thinking about selling anytime between now and early 2026, now is a great time to get a market evaluation and see how your home’s current value compares to recent neighborhood sales. Knowing your appraised vs. market value can help you plan your next move and even inform your protest if your tax assessment seems high.

📬 Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

Property taxes and homeowner paperwork aren’t glamorous, but keeping these dates in mind can help you protect your investment and your peace of mind.

If you’d like a personal reminder list or help checking your current home value before next year’s appraisals, reach out anytime, I’m happy to help you plan ahead.