You Got a Property Tax Bill. Do You Need to Pay It?
It’s that time of year again. Property tax bills are starting to arrive in mailboxes—and every year, I get a few calls that sound something like this:
“Shachi, I just received my property tax bill. I thought this was included in my mortgage payment. Do I need to pay this?”
If you have an escrow account for your property taxes, don’t panic.
Your mortgage servicer is generally collecting a portion of your property taxes with your monthly mortgage payment and holding those funds in your escrow account. When the tax bill comes due, the servicer uses those funds to pay the county on your behalf.
But there’s something first-time homeowners in particular should know.
The First Year Can Be a Little Different
When you purchase a home, the county may not yet have your mortgage servicer’s information in its system—or your servicer may not have received a copy of the tax bill.
So don’t assume the servicer received a copy just because you did.
My suggestion? Take a few minutes and verify it.
Call your mortgage servicer’s customer service number, ask to speak with someone in the escrow department, and let them know you’ve received your property tax bill.
Ask: “Do you already have this bill scheduled for payment, or would you like me to send you a copy?”
If they need it, ask exactly where and how they would like you to send it.
It’s a simple phone call, but I’d much rather have you verify that the bill is being handled than discover later that everyone thought someone else was taking care of it.
And While We’re Talking About Escrow…
After property taxes and homeowners’ insurance are paid, your servicer periodically reviews your escrow account to determine whether enough is being collected for the coming year.
That’s your escrow analysis.
If your taxes or insurance have increased, you may have an escrow shortage, and your monthly mortgage payment could increase. If your escrow account has more than required, you may have a surplus and could receive a refund, depending on the amount and applicable requirements.
So when that escrow analysis arrives, please don’t toss it in the pile of mortgage mail you assume you don’t need to read.
Open it. Look at the new payment amount. And if your mortgage is on autopay, make sure everything is set up correctly for the new amount.
One More Reminder for New Homeowners
If you bought your home this year, this is also a good time to put another important item on your calendar: Homestead exemption.
If the home is your primary residence and you’re eligible, make sure you understand your county’s filing requirements and deadline for next year. Your mortgage company doesn’t file that for you.
And if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, send me a copy or give me a call. I’m always happy to help you figure out the next step.
Even if it’s just a quick question. No pressure. Just clarity.
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Blog post date: Thursday, September 10, 2026
