Home› State Guides› Texas› Written Contract

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Breach Of A Written Contract in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally 4 years under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.051.

4 YEARS
Written Contract · Texas
✓ Verified Checked Sep 2026

Breach of a written contract Deadlines in Texas

How long do you have to file a breach of a written contract claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for breach of a written contract is generally 4 years under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.051.

When does the clock start for breach of a written contract in Texas?

Four years. Breach of contract has no express limitations section; it falls under the residual four-year period in § 16.051, and a suit on a debt is covered expressly by § 16.004(a)(3).

Can the Texas deadline for breach of a written contract be extended?

Sale-of-goods claims run under Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 2.725. Installment contracts can accrue separately on each missed payment.

Is the deadline different if the claim is against the government in Texas?

Often, yes. Written notice to the governmental unit within 6 months under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 101.101. The Texas Tort Claims Act requires notice to the governmental unit within six months of the incident. A city charter or ordinance may impose a substantially shorter deadline — some as short as 45 to 90 days — and that shorter period controls. The general two-y…

How does Texas compare to other states for breach of a written contract?

Texas's 4 years is in the middle of the range nationally. Across the 49 jurisdictions with a verified figure, the deadline for breach of a written contract ranges from 3 years to 10 years, and 6 years is the most common. Compare all states →

What Does Written Contract Cover?

Situations that typically fall under the breach of a written contract deadline in Texas:

01 Breach of a signed business agreement
02 Non-payment under a service contract
03 Broken lease or purchase agreements
04 Failure to deliver goods as contracted
05 Breach of a settlement agreement
Advertisement
Legal Forms

Other Filing Deadlines in Texas

Statutes of limitations have exceptions, and courts apply them to specific facts. This page states the general rule. A licensed Texas attorney can tell you the deadline that applies to your situation.
See every filing deadline in Texas, or compare breach of a written contract across all states.
Case Evaluation

Get Help in Texas

Fill out the form below and a legal resource in Texas may be able to assist with your situation.

* Required. Phone, text and email consent are optional.