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› What are the deadlines to send a Pre-lien Notice Letter in Texas?

The dates and deadlines related for lien claims are based off the month and year in which the work was actually performed. The invoice date and company accounting methods are irrelevant in these cases.
Additionally, to qualify to file a lien claim on a property for a commercial project, the subcontractor or supplier, is required to send the invoice or request payment by the 15th day of the second month after the month the work was performed.
A subcontractor who has a direct contract with the General Contractor is called a Tier 1 Subcontractor. The chart below shows the deadline to send Invoices, Pre-lien Notice Letter and Lien Affidavit for private commercial projects for Tier 1 Subcontractors:

IMPORTANT, IF THE 15th OF THE MONTH FALLS ON A WEEKEND OR A HOLIDAY, THE LAST DAY TO FILE A LIEN WILL ALWAYS MOVE TO THE EARLIEST BUSINESS DAY.

Subcontractor (1st tier) Lien Requirements
Chart of Time Deadlines
Month of Activity Private Projects
Invoice Prelien notice to Owner and Original Contractor File Lien Affidavit
January March 15th April 15th May 15th
February April 15th May 15th June 15th
March May 15th June 15th July 15th
April June 15th July 15th August 15th
May July 15th August 15th September 15th
June August 15th September 15th October 15th
July September 15th October 15th November 15th
August October 15th November 15th December 15th
September November 15th December 15th January 15th
October December 15th January 15th February 15th
November January 15th February 15th March 15th
December February 15th March 15th April 15th
A Sub-subcontractor who has a direct contract with another Subcontractor is called a Tier 2 Subcontractor. The chart below shows the deadline to send Invoices, Pre-lien Notice Letter and Lien Affidavit for commercial projects for Tier 2 and lower Sub-subcontractors:

IMPORTANT, IF THE 15th OF THE MONTH FALLS ON A WEEKEND OR A HOLIDAY, THE LAST DAY TO FILE A LIEN WILL ALWAYS MOVE TO THE EARLIEST BUSINESS DAY.

Sub-Subcontractor (2nd Tier) Lien Requirements
Chart of Time Deadlines
Month of Activity Private Projects
Invoice Prelien notice to Owner and Original Contractor File Lien Affidavit
January March 15th March 15th April 15th
February April 15th April 15th May 15th
March May 15th May 15th June 15th
April June 15th June 15th July 15th
May July 15th July 15th August 15th
June August 15th August 15th September 15th
July September 15th September 15th October 15th
August October 15th October 15th November 15th
September November 15th November 15th December 15th
October December 15th December 15th January 15th
November January 15th January 15th February 15th
December February 15th February 15th March 15th
Important Note: Sub-subcontractors (Tier 2) have one month less to send their notices and file their liens.

Related questions and answers

What if the property is owned by a company or business, who should I send the lien documents to?

It is important to know the name of the registered agent or legal representative of the company. If this name is not found, the copies of the lien documents should be sent to the company with attention to the person you know has the highest position.  

Can I notarize my lien and bond claim documents with Texas Easy Lien?

Yes, you do not have to leave your office to file your liens anymore. Texas Easy Lien now has the capability of notarizing and filing your documents online.

Which documents must be notarized and filed?

All lien affidavits (construction liens), Sworn Statement of Accounts (document attached to a bond claim), and lien releases must be notarized and filed. Bond Claim Sworn Statement of Accounts are filed with the Surety Company on record, and they should be mailed via Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested.

What do I need to have my documents notarized?

All you need is for the signer to have access to a camera and a valid ID. You can use any device with a camera (desktop, tablet, or your phone).

What do I need to have my documents filed?

Nothing. Texas Easy Lien will have access to your documents once they are notarized, and we will file them with the county for you.