Back to Texas Guide

Harris County Property Tax Protest 2026 (HCAD)

How to protest your property assessment in Harris County (Houston), TX, filed with HCAD. Everything below is pulled from Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD). Always confirm the current details with the county before filing — this is general information, not legal advice.

2026 Protest Deadline

May 15, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was delivered — whichever is later

Median Home Value

$275,000

~2% effective rate

Protest Form

Form 50-132, Notice of Protest

Harris County property tax protest deadline 2026

The 2026 deadline to protest your Harris County property assessment is May 15, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was delivered — whichever is later. File your Form 50-132, Notice of Protest with Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) (HCAD) on or before that date — miss it and you generally wait until next year. File as early in the window as possible to secure a hearing slot.

Who assesses & hears your appeal

Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD)

(713) 812-5800

13013 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77040

hcad.org

Appeals are heard by the Harris County Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

How to file in Harris County

Online via the HCAD iFile / iSettle portal

hcad.org

Mail Form 50-132 to HCAD

P.O. Box 922004, Houston, TX 77292-2004

HCAD offers iSettle, an online settlement option that can resolve your protest without a formal ARB hearing. Most Harris County protests are filed online.

Harris County property tax appeal FAQ

What is the deadline to protest my Harris County property taxes?

The deadline is May 15, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day applies.

Which form do I file to protest in Harris County?

File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) with Harris Central Appraisal District. You can also file online through the HCAD iFile portal.

What is iSettle?

iSettle is HCAD’s online settlement system. After filing online you may receive a settlement offer you can accept without attending a formal ARB hearing.

How much are Harris County property taxes?

The effective property tax rate in Harris County is roughly 2.0% of market value — one of the higher rates in the country — which is why appealing an over-assessment can produce meaningful annual savings.

Deadlines, forms, and contact details change — always confirm with Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) before filing. This is general information, not legal advice.

Flat fee — keep 100% of savings

Appeal your Harris County assessment

Check your property for $4.99 (credited), then get the full comparable-sales packet and AI appeal letter for a flat $29 $19 at launch. Built for TX filings.