Harris County Property Tax Protest, Texas

Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives (typically late March or early April). Check the protest deadline printed on the notice and verify all property details such as square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, and exemptions are accurate.

Step 2: Research comparable properties in your neighborhood using HCAD's property search tool at hcad.org. Look for similar homes that sold recently for less than your assessed value, or comparable properties assessed at lower values to build an unequal appraisal argument under Texas Tax Code Section 41.43.

Step 3: File your protest before the deadline using HCAD's iFile online system (recommended), by mail, or in person. State your opinion of value and the grounds for your protest (market value too high, unequal appraisal, or both). You have 5 calendar days after filing to upload supporting evidence.

Step 4: Wait for an iSettle offer from HCAD. The appraisal district will review your evidence and may send you a settlement offer electronically through the iSettle system. Review the offer carefully and either accept it to resolve your protest immediately, or reject it to proceed to a formal ARB hearing.

Step 5: If you reject the settlement or don't receive an iSettle offer, attend your scheduled Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Present your evidence including comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, and your equity analysis. Most hearings are allotted 15 minutes, so prepare a clear, organized presentation.

Step 6: Receive the ARB's written decision via certified mail. If you disagree with the ARB decision, you have three post-ARB appeal options: (1) binding arbitration for properties valued at $1 million or less or residence homesteads, (2) State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for properties over $1 million, or (3) district court appeal within 60 days of receiving the written order.