Property Taxes in Harris County: A Resident's Guide

If you own property in Harris County, you pay property taxes to multiple entities — your school district, the county, the city (if inside city limits), community college, hospital district, port authority, and possibly a MUD or TIRZ. All of these appear on one combined bill from the Harris County Tax Office.

Property taxes are the largest recurring expense of homeownership in Texas after your mortgage. Understanding what you owe, how to lower it, and when to protest is essential.

Source: Harris County Appraisal District; Harris County Tax Office

Who taxes you (typical Houston homeowner):

• School district (HISD, etc.) — largest share, ~40-50% of your bill
• Harris County — county services, ~15-20%
• City of Houston — city services, ~15-20%
• Harris County Flood Control — flood infrastructure, ~3-5%
• Houston Community College — ~3-5%
• Harris Health (hospital district) — ~5%
• Port of Houston — ~2%
• MUD (if applicable) — varies, can be significant in suburban subdivisions

How your value is set: HCAD appraises your property every January 1. They estimate what it would sell for on the open market. You get a notice in April. If you disagree, you can protest.

Exemptions you should have:

• Homestead — $100,000 off school district value + 10% annual cap. Apply at hcad.org if you have not already.
• Over 65 — additional $10,000+ off + school tax freeze
• Disabled veteran — partial to full exemption depending on disability rating
• 100% disabled veteran — full exemption from all property taxes

Source: HCAD; Texas Tax Code

Step 1: File your homestead exemption (if you have not)

• Online at hcad.org. You need your Texas ID matching your property address.
• Deadline: April 30 (but can file late up to 2 years)

Step 2: Review your appraisal every April

• HCAD mails notices in April. Compare your appraised value to recent sales of similar homes.
• Look up comparable sales at hcad.org — search nearby properties and check their sale prices.

Step 3: Protest if too high

1. File online at hcad.org by May 15 (or 30 days after notice)
2. Gather evidence: 3-5 comparable sales, photos of any property issues
3. Attend the informal hearing — you meet one-on-one with an appraiser. Most cases settle here.
4. If not resolved, go to the Appraisal Review Board (formal hearing). Free. No lawyer needed.
5. Many homeowners save $500-2,000/year by protesting successfully.

Step 4: Pay your bill

• Bills arrive in October. Due January 31.
• Pay online at hctax.net
• If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the Tax Office about payment plans before the deadline.

Appraisal:

• HCAD: 713-957-7800 | hcad.org

Tax bills and payment:

• Harris County Tax Office: 713-274-8000 | hctax.net

Help:

• Tax Assessor help desk: 713-274-8000
• Homestead exemption questions: 713-957-7800