Lower your Harris County property taxes
HCAD values about 1.9 million parcels a year from a distance. In 2026, values for homes over $450,000 rose 5–8% while many cheaper homes fell. We compare yours with similar homes nearby and protest when the numbers say you're overpaying. 25% of first-year savings, only if you save.
What a too-high value costs you
If your home is assessed at $450,000 but similar homes point to about $420,000, you're taxed on $30,000 too much. At a 2.10% rate that's about $630 a year. Our fee would be $158; you'd keep $473.
What gets missed in Harris County
- Uneven increases. Higher-priced homes took the biggest 2026 increases, even where nearby sales didn't support them.
- Unequal appraisal. Similar homes on your street can be valued lower than yours. Texas lets you protest that directly.
- Condition and damage. Flood, foundation and storm damage rarely show up in HCAD's records unless you prove it.
- Low first offers. HCAD's online settlement offer is a starting point, not a final answer.
Insider tip: HCAD's iSettle offer arrives fast and is tempting to accept. Compare it with your evidence first — you can decline it and go to a hearing.
Reviewed by the founder
Julien reviews every Harris County case personally and tells you the value we’ll ask for before anything is filed.
Get my free reviewHarris County calendar
| January 1 | Valuation date |
| March – April | HCAD mails notices of appraised value |
| May 17, 2027 | Protest deadline (May 15 falls on a Saturday), or 30 days after your notice if later |
| Spring – summer | Online settlement offers (iSettle), then Appraisal Review Board hearings |
| July 25 | Appraisal roll certified |
| After the ARB order | 60 days to request binding arbitration or appeal to court |
| October / January | Tax bills mailed / taxes due by the end of January |
*HCAD's 2026 reappraisal release: about half of homes rose, about 37% fell and 13% were unchanged; homes valued at $450K and up rose 5–8%.
Sources: Harris Central Appraisal District · HCAD 2026 reappraisal release · Texas Comptroller — protest guide. Dates are checked each year; confirm with the county for your property.
Exemptions to check
Your homestead exemption takes $140,000 off your home's value for school taxes ($200,000 if you're 65+ or disabled), and caps how much your taxable value can rise each year at 10%. Over-65 and disabled owners also get a school-tax ceiling. We check your exemptions free at sign-up.
Harris County questions
How do I file a protest with HCAD?
Online through HCAD's iFile system, using the iFile number on your notice — or let us file for you with Form 50-162.
Should I accept HCAD's iSettle offer?
Only if it matches what the evidence supports. If it's too high, you can decline and present your case at an ARB hearing.
Can protesting raise my value?
No. The Appraisal Review Board can't set your value higher than what's in HCAD's records.