Appraisal District

Who Sets Your Property Value in Harris County

The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets the taxable value of every property in the county each year.

HCAD is a separate agency from the tax office. It figures out what your property is worth. Then the county, city, and school district each set their own tax rate and apply it to that value.

If you think HCAD valued your property too high, you can protest. The protest deadline is generally May 15, or 30 days after your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever comes later. You can file online through HCAD's owner portal. Most protests start with an informal meeting with an HCAD appraiser. If that does not resolve it, you go before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel of citizens. HCAD's office is at 13013 Northwest Freeway in Houston.

Source to confirm: Harris Central Appraisal District – Understanding the Property Tax Process

More Harris County notes

Property Tax Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Cut Your Tax Bill in Harris County

Homeowners who live in their Harris County home as their primary residence can get a significant cut in their property tax bill through the homestead exemption.

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Property Tax Protest

You Can Fight Your Appraisal in Harris County

Harris County property owners have the right to protest their appraised value every year — and many do.

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Municipal Utility Districts

What a MUD Is — and Why It Matters in Harris County

Harris County has hundreds of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that provide water, sewer, and drainage to homes outside city limits.

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Flood Risk

Harris County Has One of the Most Active Flood Programs in the Country

Harris County is one of the most flood-prone counties in the United States, and the county runs a major flood control agency to manage that risk.

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