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In Texas, what is the statute of limitations for a breach of contract?

Answer

In Texas, the statute of limitations for a breach-of-contract claim is generally four years from the date the claim accrues—that is, ordinarily, when the contract is breached. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.051 Stine v. Stewart, 80 S.W.3d 586, 592–93 (Tex. 2002)

“A party asserting a breach of contract claim must sue no later than four years after the day the claim accrues.” Stine v. Stewart, 80 S.W.3d 586, 592 (Tex. 2002)

For certain contract-related actions—such as an action on a debt or for specific performance of a contract conveying real property—the four-year period is expressly provided by Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.004(a). The parties may also have agreed to a shorter contractual limitations period, subject to enforceability requirements.

Sources & References

  1. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 (2025)
  2. Stine v. Stewart, 80 S.W.3d 586
  3. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.004
  4. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.051

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