Paying off your mortgage does not end property tax

Last checked: November 9, 2026.

An escrow account is set up by the lender to pay property taxes from part of the monthly payment. If the loan does not include escrow, you pay those bills yourself. [1]

Within 20 days of paying the mortgage in full, not counting Saturdays, Sundays, or legal public holidays, the servicer returns amounts left in escrow. The leftover can also be applied toward the payoff. [2]

After payoff, making sure the tax is paid is the owner's job. Utah County says it is the property owner's responsibility to keep track of whether the mortgage company will pay, or has paid, the property taxes. Bernalillo County says the same, and says to tell the mortgage company to take its name off the bill. [3][4]

Not getting a bill usually does not change the due date. [4][5][6]

If you have no bill, call your tax office. Utah County says to call the treasurer if you have not received a notice by the first of November. Texas says to contact the local tax office if you have not received a bill. Wisconsin says failure to receive the bill does not remove the duty to pay, and to contact the municipality if you have no bill after buying. [3][5][6]

Tell the tax office your current mailing address. Utah County asks a recent buyer to complete an address change. Wisconsin says to contact the municipality if you bought and have no bill. [3][5]

A homestead exemption depends on owning the home and living in it, not on having a loan. Florida's homestead form is for an owner who makes the property their permanent residence. Texas says a residence homestead needs an ownership interest and use as the principal residence. If you qualify, check that the exemption is on your county record. [7][8]