How To Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal in Harris County (And Potentially Lower Your Bill)

You bought your home a few years ago — maybe more. At the time, you just needed a place to live. You weren’t thinking about building wealth or tapping into financial opportunities.

Fast forward to now, and things feel different. Prices have gone up. You keep hearing about the market. Maybe friends have sold their homes for way more than they paid. And suddenly, you’re wondering:

“How much is my home actually worth now? And if it’s gone up, what does that mean for me?”

Here’s the short answer: You might have built up a surprising amount of equity — and if your tax appraisal doesn’t reflect your home’s true condition or value, you have the right to protest it. This guide walks you through how to file a property tax protest in Harris County, what evidence to gather, and how exemptions can work in your favor.

When to Expect Your Tax Appraisal Notice

The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) typically sends out annual property appraisal notices between April and late May. This notice shows your home’s:

• Market value – what HCAD estimates your home would sell for

• Appraised value – what they’ll use to calculate your taxes, subject to caps

• Taxing jurisdictions – each of the entities (like city, school district, county) that collects tax on your property

Understanding the 10% Cap on Appraised Value

If your home qualifies for a homestead exemption, your appraised value can’t increase by more than 10% each year—even if your market value jumps much higher.

That means:

• If your market value increases by 20%, your appraised value will still only increase by 10%

• The following year, the capped appraised value becomes your new baseline for that 10% limit

This is one reason your appraised value may look lower than the market value—but it’s also why it’s critical to file a protest before that higher market value begins to stack up over time.

What Exemptions Might You Qualify For?

There are several exemptions that can reduce your home’s taxable value and help lower your overall property tax bill:

Homestead Exemption

If you live in the home as your primary residence, you likely qualify. This also caps your appraised value increase at 10% annually.

Over-65 or Disabled Person’s Exemption

Homeowners age 65+ or those with a qualifying disability (according to Social Security) get an additional $10,000 exemption on top of the standard homestead one.

Disabled Veteran Exemption

The amount of the exemption is based on your VA disability rating and can significantly reduce your tax bill. It also transfers to surviving spouses under certain conditions.

Surviving Spouse of Military or First Responders

Spouses of those killed in the line of duty may qualify for a full exemption, as long as they remain in the home and haven’t remarried.

Solar and Wind Exemptions

Homes with solar panels may qualify for value exclusions. These can be complicated, so it’s best to reach out to HCAD directly if this applies.

Should You Protest? Common Reasons to Challenge Your Appraisal

You have the legal right to file a protest — and you should consider it if:

• Your market value seems too high

  If you believe your home wouldn’t actually sell for the amount shown on your notice.

  
  

• Your home is in worse condition than HCAD estimates

  Things like foundation issues, an aging roof, plumbing problems, or storm damage matter.

  
  

• Your property is appraised unfairly compared to similar homes

  If neighboring properties with similar square footage, age, or features are valued much lower, that’s a reason to file.

  
  

• You’re missing exemptions

  If your homestead or veteran exemption isn’t applied, your appraisal could be incorrect.

How to File a Protest in Harris County

You can file online or by mail, but filing online through HCAD’s iFile portal is the fastest way.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit www.hcad.org

2. Log in or create an iFile account at https://owners.hcad.org/

3. Search for your property using your address or HCAD account number

4. Select "File a Protest" and follow the on-screen instructions

You’ll have to select a reason (usually “Market value is incorrect” or “Value is unequal”) and upload evidence later.

Deadline to File:

You must file by May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed — whichever is later.

Live Outside Harris County?

If you live in one of the surrounding counties, the protest process may be similar — but each appraisal district operates a little differently. Here are the official appraisal district sites for nearby counties in the Greater Houston area:

• Montgomery County - https://mcad-tx.org/the-protest-process/

• Brazoria County - https://brazoriacad.org/appeals/

• Fort Bend County - https://www.fbcad.org/appeals/

• Waller County - https://waller-cad.org/

• Galveston County - https://galvestoncad.org/the-protest-process/

• Austin County - https://austincad.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-Property-Tax-Protest-and-Appeal-Procedures-.pdf

• Liberty County - https://libertycad.com/protest-online/

• Chambers County - https://www.chamberscad.org/Account/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2Fprotest

• Polk County - https://polkcad.org/online-protest

• San Jacinto County - https://sjcad.org/

Each county's appraisal district will have its online tools and filing procedures — so check your notice and visit the appropriate site for details.

What Evidence Helps You Win a Protest?

To have the best chance of success, you need clear, credible documentation. Here’s what helps:

1. Comparable Sales (Comps)

Find recent sales of similar homes nearby that sold for less. You can get these through a real estate agent, the MLS, or public records.

2. Property Condition

Photos and estimates for repairs (roofing, HVAC, foundation, etc.) show that your home isn’t in "market-ready" condition.

Incorrect Information

If HCAD lists the wrong square footage, improvements, or features, highlight those errors.

What Happens After You File?

Once submitted, HCAD will typically offer one of the following:

1. Informal Review

You may receive a proposed settlement online — you can accept or reject it.

2. Formal ARB Hearing

If you reject the informal offer, you’ll be scheduled for a hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), where you’ll present your case.

You can also withdraw your protest at any time before your hearing — there’s no penalty for trying.

Could Protesting Impact Your Home’s Resale Value?

If you’re planning to sell your home soon, consider this: public buyers may use the lower appraisal as a perceived value anchor.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protest — just that it’s a strategic choice. If your move is more than a year away, filing could still be a smart financial step.

Your Property Taxes

Your property tax appraisal isn’t set in stone — and if your home has been overvalued, it’s up to you to challenge it. Whether your home has deferred maintenance, or your neighborhood comps don’t align, filing a protest can potentially save you hundreds — or even thousands — on your tax bill.

Need help pulling comps or understanding your home’s current market value?

I’m happy to help. Request a free, local Comparative Market Analysis to support your protest — or simply to know where you stand.