How to Dispute a Bill in Texas: A Guide for Consumers
Texas consumers have specific rights when disputing incorrect or unfair bills from service providers, medical facilities, or creditors. The dispute process typically involves written communication, proper documentation, and following specific timeframes established by both Texas state law and federal consumer protection regulations.
Failing to dispute a bill properly in Texas could result in negative credit reporting, collection actions, or even legal proceedings. Always dispute bills in writing, keep detailed records of all communications, and be aware of strict time limits that may apply to your specific situation.
Key Considerations
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Relevant Laws
Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA)
This law protects consumers against false, misleading, and deceptive business practices. If you've been billed incorrectly or for services not rendered, you may have a claim under the DTPA. The law allows consumers to recover economic damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.
Texas Debt Collection Act
This law regulates how creditors and debt collectors can pursue payment in Texas. It prohibits harassment, false representations, and unfair practices when attempting to collect a debt. If a company is aggressively pursuing payment for a disputed bill, this law provides protections and potential remedies.
Texas Property Code § 209.0062 - HOA Payment Plans
For homeowners disputing HOA bills, this law requires HOA boards to offer reasonable payment plans of at least 3 months to property owners who are delinquent in paying assessments. It also regulates how HOAs can collect unpaid assessments.
Texas Utilities Code - Customer Billing
For utility bill disputes, this code contains provisions regarding billing practices, dispute resolution procedures, and prohibitions against disconnection during billing disputes for regulated utility companies in Texas.
Texas Insurance Code - Prompt Payment of Claims
For medical bill disputes involving insurance, this law requires insurance companies to pay claims promptly and provides a process for disputing denied claims. It sets specific timeframes for insurers to acknowledge, investigate, and pay or deny claims.
Regional Variances
Major Metropolitan Areas
Houston has additional consumer protection resources through the Houston Consumer Protection Office, which can mediate billing disputes before they escalate to legal action. They offer free consultation services and can help consumers draft dispute letters specific to Houston utility and service providers.
Dallas County has established a Consumer Affairs Division that provides specialized assistance for billing disputes. They offer a 'Fast Track' resolution process for disputes under $10,000 that can resolve issues within 30 days, which is faster than the standard process in other Texas jurisdictions.
Austin has stronger municipal ordinances protecting consumers against unfair billing practices, particularly for utility services. Austin Energy and Austin Water have dedicated dispute resolution departments with more consumer-friendly policies than state minimums, including extended payment plans without penalties.
San Antonio offers a Utility Bill Advocate Program through the city government that provides free representation for residents disputing utility bills. This program is unique to San Antonio and offers services not available in other Texas cities.
Border Regions
El Paso has bilingual consumer protection services specifically designed to help residents navigate billing disputes in both English and Spanish. The city also has special protections for cross-border billing issues that may arise from services provided by Mexican companies.
Laredo has established special consumer protection rules for international billing disputes due to its position on the Mexico border. The Webb County Consumer Affairs Office provides specialized assistance for resolving billing issues with companies operating on both sides of the border.
Rural Counties
Many rural counties in East Texas have limited local resources for bill disputes, requiring residents to rely more heavily on state-level protections. However, some counties have established circuit-riding legal aid programs that visit different communities on a rotating schedule to provide assistance with consumer issues including billing disputes.
In West Texas rural counties, consumers often face challenges with billing disputes due to limited access to legal resources. However, the West Texas Legal Aid provides remote services specifically tailored to rural residents, including phone consultations and mail-in document review for billing disputes.
Special Jurisdictions
Harris County operates a specialized Consumer Protection Court that exclusively handles consumer issues including billing disputes. This specialized court can process cases more quickly than regular civil courts and has judges with expertise in consumer protection law.
Travis County has implemented a Consumer Justice Program that provides free mediation services for billing disputes before they enter the court system. This program has a higher success rate for resolving disputes without litigation than the standard processes available in other counties.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Review and gather all billing documentation
1 days after startingCollect all relevant billing documents including your account statements, payment history records, and the original service contract or agreement. These documents will serve as evidence of your payment history and the terms you agreed to. Make sure to organize them chronologically and highlight any discrepancies you've identified in the bill.
Contact the service provider directly
3 days after startingBefore escalating the dispute, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the company by calling their customer service department. Document the date, time, representative's name, and details of the conversation. Texas law encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution before pursuing other remedies. Request that they investigate the disputed charges and ask for a timeline for resolution.
Draft a Billing Dispute Letter
7 days after startingCreate a formal written dispute that clearly identifies the charges you're contesting and why. Include your account number, the specific amount in dispute, and reference any previous communications. In Texas, this letter establishes a paper trail and may be required evidence if you need to escalate the matter later. Request a written response within 30 days, which is a reasonable timeframe under Texas consumer protection standards.
Send the dispute letter via certified mail
8 days after startingMail your dispute letter using certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides legal proof that the company received your complaint, which is important for any future legal proceedings in Texas. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt with your records as evidence of your good-faith attempt to resolve the issue.
Submit a dispute under the Fair Credit Billing Act (if applicable)
14 days after startingIf the disputed bill involves a credit card charge, you have additional protections under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. Complete the Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form and submit it to your credit card issuer within 60 days of the statement date containing the error. Even though this is federal law, it applies to Texas residents and provides important consumer protections.
Document all communications as Proof of Communication
Ongoing days after startingCreate a log of all communications with the company regarding the dispute. Include dates, times, names of representatives, summaries of conversations, and copies of any written communications. In Texas courts, well-documented communication history strengthens your case if legal action becomes necessary.
File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division
45 days after startingIf the company doesn't respond satisfactorily within 30 days, file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division using their Consumer Complaint Form. The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) provides strong consumer protections, and the Attorney General's office can sometimes help mediate disputes or take action against companies with patterns of violations.
Consider filing a complaint with relevant regulatory agencies
50 days after startingDepending on the type of bill (utilities, telecommunications, insurance, etc.), file a complaint with the appropriate Texas regulatory agency. For utilities, contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas; for insurance, contact the Texas Department of Insurance; for banking issues, contact the Texas Department of Banking. These agencies can often help resolve disputes through their established complaint processes.
Prepare for small claims court if necessary
60 days after startingIf all other attempts fail and the disputed amount is significant (but under $20,000, which is the limit for Texas Justice Courts), consider filing in small claims court. In Texas, these are called Justice Courts, and you don't need an attorney to represent you. Prepare your Small Claims Court Complaint with all your evidence, including your documentation of attempts to resolve the issue. Filing fees in Texas Justice Courts typically range from $46-$51 depending on the county.
Monitor your credit report
90 days after startingIf the disputed bill has been reported to credit bureaus, monitor your credit report for any negative impacts. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (which applies in Texas), you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. Request free copies of your credit report from all three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com and file disputes for any incorrect information related to the billing issue.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and gather all billing documentation | Collect all relevant billing documents including your account statements, payment history records, and the original service contract or agreement. These documents will serve as evidence of your payment history and the terms you agreed to. Make sure to organize them chronologically and highlight any discrepancies you've identified in the bill. | - | 1 |
| Contact the service provider directly | Before escalating the dispute, attempt to resolve the issue directly with the company by calling their customer service department. Document the date, time, representative's name, and details of the conversation. Texas law encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution before pursuing other remedies. Request that they investigate the disputed charges and ask for a timeline for resolution. | - | 3 |
| Draft a Billing Dispute Letter | Create a formal written dispute that clearly identifies the charges you're contesting and why. Include your account number, the specific amount in dispute, and reference any previous communications. In Texas, this letter establishes a paper trail and may be required evidence if you need to escalate the matter later. Request a written response within 30 days, which is a reasonable timeframe under Texas consumer protection standards. | Billing Dispute Letter | 7 |
| Send the dispute letter via certified mail | Mail your dispute letter using certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides legal proof that the company received your complaint, which is important for any future legal proceedings in Texas. Keep the Certified Mail Receipt with your records as evidence of your good-faith attempt to resolve the issue. | - | 8 |
| Submit a dispute under the Fair Credit Billing Act (if applicable) | If the disputed bill involves a credit card charge, you have additional protections under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. Complete the Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form and submit it to your credit card issuer within 60 days of the statement date containing the error. Even though this is federal law, it applies to Texas residents and provides important consumer protections. | Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form | 14 |
| Document all communications as Proof of Communication | Create a log of all communications with the company regarding the dispute. Include dates, times, names of representatives, summaries of conversations, and copies of any written communications. In Texas courts, well-documented communication history strengthens your case if legal action becomes necessary. | Proof of Communication | Ongoing |
| File a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division | If the company doesn't respond satisfactorily within 30 days, file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division using their Consumer Complaint Form. The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA) provides strong consumer protections, and the Attorney General's office can sometimes help mediate disputes or take action against companies with patterns of violations. | Consumer Complaint Form | 45 |
| Consider filing a complaint with relevant regulatory agencies | Depending on the type of bill (utilities, telecommunications, insurance, etc.), file a complaint with the appropriate Texas regulatory agency. For utilities, contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas; for insurance, contact the Texas Department of Insurance; for banking issues, contact the Texas Department of Banking. These agencies can often help resolve disputes through their established complaint processes. | - | 50 |
| Prepare for small claims court if necessary | If all other attempts fail and the disputed amount is significant (but under $20,000, which is the limit for Texas Justice Courts), consider filing in small claims court. In Texas, these are called Justice Courts, and you don't need an attorney to represent you. Prepare your Small Claims Court Complaint with all your evidence, including your documentation of attempts to resolve the issue. Filing fees in Texas Justice Courts typically range from $46-$51 depending on the county. | Small Claims Court Complaint | 60 |
| Monitor your credit report | If the disputed bill has been reported to credit bureaus, monitor your credit report for any negative impacts. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (which applies in Texas), you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. Request free copies of your credit report from all three major bureaus through AnnualCreditReport.com and file disputes for any incorrect information related to the billing issue. | - | 90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to contact the service provider or merchant in writing. Send a detailed letter explaining why you're disputing the bill, including any relevant account numbers, dates, and amounts. Keep copies of all correspondence and send the letter via certified mail with return receipt requested to create a paper trail. Many billing disputes can be resolved at this stage through direct communication.
Yes. For credit card billing disputes, the Fair Credit Billing Act requires you to dispute charges within 60 days of receiving the bill. For medical bills, you typically have 30-180 days depending on the provider. For utility bills, you generally need to dispute within 30 days. It's always best to act quickly, as waiting too long may waive your right to dispute the charges.
It depends on the type of bill. For credit card disputes, you don't have to pay the disputed amount while it's under investigation, but you must pay the undisputed portions of your bill. For utility bills, you typically must pay the undisputed portion to avoid disconnection. For medical bills, paying the undisputed portion can prevent the account from going to collections while you resolve the disputed amount.
Texas offers several agencies depending on the type of bill: The Texas Public Utility Commission handles utility billing disputes; the Texas Department of Insurance assists with insurance billing issues; the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner helps with credit and loan billing problems; and the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division handles many other types of billing disputes. Each agency has specific complaint procedures.
Yes, you can dispute medical bills in Texas. Request an itemized bill and review it carefully for errors like duplicate charges, incorrect service dates, or services you didn't receive. Contact the provider's billing department in writing to explain the dispute. If unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance (for insurance-related issues) or the Texas Medical Board. For billing practices issues, contact the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Keep copies of the original bill, all correspondence with the company (including dates, times, and names of representatives you spoke with), proof of payments, delivery confirmations for dispute letters, and any supporting evidence relevant to your case (such as receipts, contracts, or photos). Also document any promises made by representatives. This documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate your dispute to regulatory agencies or court.
Yes, if other resolution methods fail, you can file in Texas Justice Court (small claims) for disputes up to $20,000. You'll need to file in the county where the company is located or where the transaction occurred. The filing fee is typically $50-$100, plus service fees. You don't need an attorney, but must prepare to present evidence supporting your case. Before filing, send a final demand letter giving the company one last chance to resolve the issue.
First, contact your utility provider's customer service department to explain the dispute. If unresolved, submit a formal written complaint to the company. For electricity or telecommunications disputes still unresolved, file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) online or by calling 1-888-782-8477. For water utility disputes, contact the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Natural gas disputes go to the Railroad Commission of Texas.
Texas consumers are protected by the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), which prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive business practices. This law allows for up to triple damages in some cases. Additionally, the Texas Debt Collection Act provides protections against unfair debt collection practices. Federal protections include the Fair Credit Billing Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Truth in Lending Act, all of which apply in Texas.
Unfortunately, yes. Unless you're disputing a credit card bill under the Fair Credit Billing Act (which provides specific protections), companies can generally send bills to collections while under dispute. However, if you've properly documented your dispute, you can notify the collection agency that the debt is disputed, which they must note in communications about the debt. You can also dispute the debt with credit reporting agencies to add a statement to your credit report while the dispute is resolved.