Unfortunately, state law mandates that the appropriate late fees must still be assessed. However, I hope this extension helps ease property owners’ burdens during this critical time.”

Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Ann Harris Bennett

The Harris County Tax Office released a statement March 30 saying it is providing a three-month extension to all 12-month delinquent property tax payment plans in order to help ease stress for property owners during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Due to our area’s current health crisis and resulting economic uncertainties, property owners who are currently on 12-month property tax payment plans will not have to make payments for three months," said Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector and Voter Registrar Ann Harris Bennett.

This means that Harris County property owners that are enrolled in a 12-month installment plan will not have to make their March, April or May 2020 payments, the release said. The next required payment date would be on or before June 30 of this year and then would be ongoing each month after that.

Late fees must be assessed according to state law, the press release indicated. As a result, the final payments on the tax bills this decision impacts will change and property owners should contact the tax office at 713-274-8000 or via email at tax.office@hctx.net for final balances or other information regarding this measure.

"Unfortunately, state law mandates that the appropriate late fees must still be assessed. However, I hope this extension helps ease property owners’ burdens during this critical time,” Bennett said.