Property tax bills aren’t due until later this month, but Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber is warning taxpayers that changes at the post office could affect when you should drop your payment in the mail.

Of course, the easiest way to pay your property tax bill is online. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement -- it will take you directly to the payment page on your account.

“If you want to skip the long lines at the Tax Office, I highly recommend you pay online,” he said.

Taxpayers can also make their payments in person, through the Tax Office’s drop box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail.

January 31, 2026, is the deadline for paying property taxes.

The U.S. Postal Service recently changed how postmark dates are determined.

In the past, the postmark reflected the date you dropped your mail in a mailbox or at the post office. Now, the postmark will show the date your envelope is first processed by an automated postal service sorting machine. This could be later than the day you mailed it, which could mean that your tax payment is past the deadline, Barber said.

To avoid a late postmark, go to the post office and request a hand-stamped postmark showing the actual mailing date. You can also buy the postage at the counter since the printed label includes the correct acceptance date or use certified or registered mail because they include a dated receipt.

If you plan to drop the payment in your mailbox, Barber recommends doing it a few days before the deadline to make sure it is postmarked in time.

The Smith County Tax Office mailed out 186,349 property tax statements in November.

Taxpayers can visit: https://publictax.smith-county.com to pay their tax bills with debit or credit card or e-check, which is the easiest and fastest way to pay.

The tax statements mailed and online reflect the new homestead exemptions that were approved in the statewide Constitutional Amendment Election.

If you think you qualify for a homestead exemption, please contact the Smith County Appraisal District and file your exemption form. There is no charge to file for a homestead exemption. For more, visit: www.smithcad.org.

Barber asked that when dropping off property tax payments in the drop box, you should write your phone number on the envelope so the Tax Office can call if any issues come up or questions need answered. He also said they will not accept cash left in the drop box. There is a sign pointing to the drop box, which is on the Glenwood Boulevard side of the Cotton Belt Building, located at 1517 W. Front St. in Tyler.

When you pay online with an e-check (bank account and routing numbers are needed), it is free. You can skip the line at the Tax Office and do not have to pay postage or credit card fees. It is the responsibility of the taxpayer to make sure all accounts are included, and banking information is correct to avoid additional fees.

The Tax Office also takes payments in person with cash, check, money order and debit or credit cards. A 2.5 percent fee is added to credit card payments with a $2 minimum, and a 1.5 percent fee is added to debit card payments with a $2 minimum.

Barber said his office does take partial payments, and he encourages people to pay what they can, when they can since late fees are only added to the balance due.

Once delinquent, 7 percent penalties and interest are added to what is due. Those fees increase by 2 percent for each month payments are late. If the property taxes are not paid by July 1, 2026, there are up to 38 percent in penalty, interest and collection fees added to the account, Barber said.

For those who have paid off their mortgage company within the last year, and who have not received a property tax bill directly, Barber asks them to call his office as soon as possible.

The Tax Office in the Cotton Belt Building is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Property tax payments can also be made in person at the Tax Office Substations, at 2616 S. Main St. in Lindale; and in Noonday, at 15405 Highway 155 South.

For more information, call 903-590-2920 or visit www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/tax-assessor/property-taxes