What TxTag is and how payment works

TxTag is the toll collection system used on Harris County toll roads in the Houston area, including the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) roads. When you drive through a toll plaza, a transponder mounted on your windshield communicates with the toll booth, and the toll amount is charged to your account. You do not stop to pay — the system records the toll and bills you later.

Payment is not optional. If you do not pay your toll bill, late fees accumulate, your account can be referred to a collection agency, and you may face vehicle registration holds or other enforcement actions. Understanding your payment options and how to manage your account helps you avoid these consequences.

Key Takeaways

  • TxTag accounts can be paid online through the official TxTag website, by phone at 1-888-468-9824, or by mail with a check.
  • You can set up automatic payments so tolls are deducted from your bank account or credit card each month, which prevents missed bills.
  • If you receive a toll bill in the mail, you have a specific window to pay before late fees are added to your balance.
  • A transponder costs money upfront, but you can request a refund if you close your account and return the device in good condition.

Paying online through your TxTag account

The fastest way to pay is through the TxTag website at www.txtag.org. Log in with your account number and password, review your current balance, and choose to pay the full amount or a partial payment. You can pay using a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. Payment typically posts within one business day.

If you do not have an online account set up yet, you can create one on the same website using your account number and the phone number associated with your account. Once you log in, you can also view your toll history, update your payment method, and check for any violations or unpaid tolls.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a bill. On the TxTag website, go to your account settings and select the option to enroll in automatic payments. You can choose to have your full monthly balance charged automatically, or you can set a minimum payment amount. The charge will occur on a date you select each month.

You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account. If you close your TxTag account, automatic payments will stop, but you remain responsible for any tolls already incurred.

Paying by phone or mail

If you prefer not to pay online, you can call TxTag customer service at 1-888-468-9824 to make a payment over the phone using a debit card or credit card. The phone line is open during business hours, and a representative can answer questions about your balance and payment history at the same time.

You can also mail a check to the address printed on your toll bill. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address listed. Payment by mail takes longer to process — typically 7 to 10 business days — so mail your payment early if your bill is due soon.

What happens if you do not pay

If your bill remains unpaid after the due date shown on your statement, late fees are added to your account. The amount varies, but late fees compound if the bill stays unpaid. After a certain period, your account may be referred to a collection agency, which can damage your credit report.

The state can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your tags until the toll debt is resolved. If you receive a notice of collection or registration hold, contact TxTag when ready to discuss a payment plan or dispute the charges if you believe they are incorrect.

Disputing a toll charge or bill

If you believe a toll was charged in error, or if you do not recognize a charge on your bill, you can dispute it through your online account or by calling customer service. TxTag will investigate the charge and may reverse it if they find an error. Keep any documentation you have — photos of your transponder, records of when you were not in the Houston area, or proof of a malfunctioning transponder.

Disputes can take several weeks to resolve. While your dispute is being reviewed, you are still responsible for paying the rest of your bill on time to avoid late fees on undisputed charges.

Closing your account and getting a refund

If you no longer use TxTag roads, you can close your account online or by calling customer service. You must return your transponder to TxTag in good condition. If the device is undamaged and returned within 30 days of account closure, you will receive a refund of the transponder deposit, which is typically $25 to $50 depending on the device type.

Before closing your account, make sure all tolls are paid in full. If you have an outstanding balance, it must be settled before the account can be closed. If you move out of the area but plan to return and use TxTag roads again, you can keep your account open and inactive rather than closing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's TxTag bill?

Yes, you can make a payment toward any TxTag account if you have the account number. You do not need to be the account holder. Call customer service or pay online using the account number, and specify which account the payment should be applied to.

What if my transponder is broken or lost?

Contact TxTag customer service to report a damaged or lost transponder. They can deactivate the old device and issue a replacement. You may be charged a replacement fee, typically $25 to $50. Until you receive and set up the new transponder, tolls cannot be charged to your account, but you may receive violation notices for toll plazas you pass through.

Do I have to use a credit card to pay online?

No. On the TxTag website, you can pay using a debit card, credit card, or direct bank transfer. Bank transfer is often the cheapest option if you want to avoid credit card processing fees, though TxTag does not charge a fee for any payment method.

How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?

Online payments typically post within one business day. Payments by phone may post the same day or the next business day. Payments by mail take 7 to 10 business days. If you are close to a due date, pay online or by phone to may support your payment is recorded on time.

What if I moved and did not receive my bill?

Update your address on the TxTag website or by calling customer service. If you missed a bill, you can still pay online or by phone using your account number. Contact customer service to ask about late fees — in some cases, they may waive fees if the bill was not delivered due to an address error on their end.