
Harris County Property Tax Protest Services
Lower Your Harris County Property Taxes - No Upfront Fees
We handle your HCAD protest from filing to hearing. You only pay if we reduce your taxes.
How to Protest Your Harris County Property Taxes
We Handle Everything
We research your property, gather evidence, and present your case at hearings with HCAD.
Results
You receive notification of your final assessed value and updated tax bill.
Benefits of Protesting Your Harris County Property Taxes
Beat Tax Value Increases
With rapidly inflating home values, if you're not protesting, you're paying more than your fair share in property taxes.
Save Time, Save Money
We handle the entire process for you - filing your protest, crafting your unique case analysis and fighting to reduce your tax burden.
Sign Up Risk Free
No credit card required. No service fee until after you've saved money. If there is no reduction, our services are free.
What Harris County Homeowners Say
See why homeowners trust us to handle their HCAD property tax protests.
“Matthew Ballard is awesome! He reduced over $33k on the 2024 proposed market value of my property. The online portal is easy to upload documents and track case status.”
“For the past two years they have been great on protesting my property taxes. I have been very pleased using them. Highly recommended and will be using them again in the future!”
“So easy and convenient to apply! Everything was done online. I received email updates every step of the way. I don't need to reapply or take any further action year after year.”
Areas We Serve in Harris County
We help homeowners throughout Harris County reduce their property tax burden. Whether you live in a major city or a smaller community, we can represent you.
Harris County Property Tax Calendar
Important dates for the 2026 HCAD property tax protest season.
HCAD mails appraisal notices to property owners
Deadline to file property tax protest
Informal hearings with HCAD appraisers
Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearings
Tax bills mailed by Harris County Tax Office
Property tax payment deadline
Harris County Property Tax Protest FAQs
Get answers to common questions about protesting your HCAD property tax assessment. For more detailed information, visit our comprehensive FAQ page.
Why should I protest my Harris County property taxes?
Protesting gives you the opportunity to lower your assessed value and reduce your tax bill. Harris County is the most populous county in Texas with over 4.7 million residents, and property values have been rising significantly. Even if you think your assessment is fair, it's worth protesting - many Harris County homeowners receive reductions each year.
How much does it cost to protest with Ballard?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency basis - you only pay 1% of your assessed value reduction if we successfully lower your property taxes. If your value isn't reduced, our services are completely free. No credit card is required to sign up.
What information do you need to file my protest?
Just your authorization. When you sign up, you'll complete a simple agent designation form that allows us to represent you with HCAD. We handle everything else: filing the protest, gathering evidence, and presenting your case.
What is the deadline to protest in Harris County?
The standard deadline is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed - whichever is later. If you miss the deadline, you cannot protest your assessment until the following year. We recommend signing up as early as possible.
Can I protest if I already protested last year?
Yes! You should protest every year. Property values change annually, and so do market conditions. Even if you received a reduction last year, your value may have increased this year. Consistent protesting is the best way to keep your taxes as low as possible.
What happens at an informal hearing with HCAD?
At the informal hearing, we meet with an HCAD appraiser to discuss your property's value. We present comparable sales data and other evidence supporting a lower value. The appraiser reviews the evidence and may agree to reduce your assessment. Most protests are resolved at this stage.
What if the informal hearing doesn't reduce my value?
If we can't reach an agreement at the informal hearing, we proceed to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is an independent panel that hears evidence from both sides and makes a binding decision. We represent you at the ARB hearing at no additional cost.
How long does the Harris County protest process take?
The timeline varies, but protests are typically resolved within 2-4 months after filing. HCAD holds informal hearings in June-August, with ARB hearings scheduled through September if needed. We keep you updated throughout the process.
Will protesting increase my taxes next year?
No. Protesting cannot increase your current year's assessment, and it doesn't flag your property for higher values in future years. HCAD appraises all properties annually regardless of whether you protest.
Do I need to attend any hearings?
No. As your authorized agent, we attend all hearings on your behalf. You don't need to take time off work, prepare evidence, or appear before the ARB. We handle everything and notify you of the results.
HCAD Contact Information
Why Choose Us for Your Harris County Property Tax Protest
We don't just file protests with HCAD; we study the data and discover new ways to save our clients money. We are always updating our technology to feature the latest in protest software and have implemented a results-based business model.
SEE HOW IT WORKSTexas Property Tax Protest Resources
Learn more about the property tax protest process in Texas with our comprehensive guides.
Texas Property Tax Protest Guide
Complete guide to protesting your property taxes in Texas, including deadlines, evidence tips, and the ARB hearing process.
Read the guide →Compare Property Tax Protest Companies
Compare Texas property tax protest companies by fees, services, and what to look for when choosing representation.
View comparison →Harris County Resources
Learn more about property taxes in Harris County with our latest articles and guides.

Harris County Property Tax Protest | HCAD Deadlines & Help
Lower your Harris County property taxes through the HCAD protest process. Deadlines, evidence tips, and expert help. No upfront fees.
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Read more →Property Tax Protest Services in Nearby Counties
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About Harris County Property Taxes
Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the third-most populous in the United States, with over 4.7 million residents. The Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) is responsible for appraising all property in the county for tax purposes. With Houston's strong economy and continued population growth, property values across the county have been steadily increasing. Whether you own a home in the Heights, Memorial, River Oaks, or the rapidly growing suburbs of Katy, Pearland, and The Woodlands, protesting your property taxes is essential to keeping your tax bill manageable. Our team has extensive experience working with HCAD and can help you navigate the protest process effectively.
For official property tax information, visit the HCAD website or the Texas Comptroller's Property Tax page.
Have questions about the protest process? Visit our FAQ page or contact us directly.
Ready to Lower Your Property Taxes?
Get started today. We'll handle your Harris County protest from start to finish.
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