Travis County Tax OfficeJanuary 15, 2026
A recent change in United States Postal Service (USPS) operations now delays the date mail is postmarked, which could impact whether property tax payments are delinquent and if voters register in time for the upcoming primary election.
“We’re seeing a three-day lag between the date on checks and the postmark stamped by the postal service,” said Celia Israel, Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector. “This could result in added penalties and interest starting at 7% if the postmark is after the deadline.”
Travis County property owners can take advantage of our online services to quickly submit payment and receive an instant receipt at www.TravisCountyTax.org. Paying by eCheck is only $1 and is the best way to meet the Jan. 31, 2026, deadline.
The deadline to register to vote at your current address for the March 3 Primary Election is Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Voters should visit post office retail locations to request a hand stamp before mailing voter registration applications by the deadline or drop off their application at any Travis County Tax Office. The Travis County Voter Registration office at 2433 Ridgepoint Drive, Austin, will be open until 7 p.m. on the February 2.
“For voters, this change in the way mail is postmarked could mean losing your voice in the March primary if your voter registration is postmarked late, regardless of when it was collected from your mailbox,” Israel continued. Texas is one of the few states that does not allow online voter registration, but citizens can always stop by our offices to register to vote before the deadline.”
Important property tax reminders
- Payments must be postmarked on or before the Jan. 31, 2026, deadline.
- Under Texas Tax Code Section 33.011, if payment is received after the delinquency date with no postmark, the payment shall be considered late, and penalties starting at 7% will be imposed.
- Not receiving a bill does not change the due date or eliminate penalties or interest. Duplicate bills are available online at www.TravisCountyTax.org.
- For more information on installment payment options for seniors and flood victims, please visit Qualifications for four-payment installment plans.
Important voter registration reminders
- Citizens can check their voter registration status by visiting the Texas Secretary of State Voter Portal.
- According to state law, registrations must be postmarked or delivered by Feb. 2, 2026, to vote.
- Current registered voters will receive voter registration certificates in the mail before the start of early voting with updated district information.
- Citizens and volunteer deputy registrars may also visit any Travis County Tax Office location to register to vote or drop-off voter registration applications.
For more information, visit www.TravisCountyTax.org or call 512-854-9473.
Tax Assessor-Collector Israel will provide an update to Travis County Commissioner’s Court in public comment on Tuesday, Jan. 20 regarding the implications of this USPS postmark change on upcoming Tax Office deadlines. Tax Assessor-Collector Israel is available for interview Friday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.