Harris County Property Tax Protest Services

Deadlines, HCAD Filing, Evidence & ARB Hearings

Ballard Property Tax Protest helps Harris County homeowners reduce their property tax bills through the HCAD protest process. We handle filing, evidence, negotiations, and hearings so you do not have to. No reduction, no fee.

Why homeowners choose BPTP in Harris County

• No upfront cost
• You only pay if your value is reduced
• Experienced with HCAD informal reviews and ARB hearings
• Data-driven evidence and unequal appraisal analysis

Start Your Harris County Property Tax Protest

Harris County Property Tax Protest Deadline

The Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) follows Texas law for protest deadlines.

The deadline to file a Harris County property tax protest is:

• May 15, or
• 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed,
  whichever is later.

Missing this deadline may eliminate your right to protest for the year.

Why filing early matters in Harris County

• Harris County has the largest protest volume in Texas
• HCAD online systems slow near the deadline
• Evidence submission windows are enforced strictly
• Early filing improves informal review outcomes

For a statewide explanation of deadlines and rules, see our Texas Property Tax Protest Guide.

Let us file your HCAD protest correctly and on time.

How to File a Property Tax Protest in Harris County

Harris County allows several filing methods, but online filing through HCAD is strongly recommended.

Option 1: File a Protest Online With HCAD (Recommended)

Most homeowners file using the HCAD online protest system.

What you need:

• Property account number
• PIN or passcode from your Notice of Appraised Value
• Selected protest reason or reasons

HCAD online filing process overview:

1. Log in to the HCAD protest portal
2. Enter your account number and PIN
3. Select market value, unequal appraisal, or both
4. Submit your protest before the deadline
5. Receive confirmation and hearing scheduling details

Online filing allows faster processing, easier evidence uploads, and earlier access to informal reviews.

Official HCAD protest procedures and portal:
Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD)

Option 2: File by Mail or In Person

HCAD also accepts protests by mail or in person using the official Notice of Protest form. These methods are valid but risk delays close to May 15.

Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) Protest Procedures

Although Texas law governs protests statewide, HCAD procedures are specific to Harris County.

Filing Confirmation and Evidence Exchange

Once your protest is filed, HCAD confirms receipt and places your account in the protest system. HCAD may provide appraisal evidence, including:

• Comparable sales used by the district
• Market data supporting the valuation
• Property record details on file

Submitting strong evidence early often improves settlement outcomes during informal reviews.

Informal Review vs ARB Hearing in Harris County

Informal Review

Many Harris County protests are resolved through an informal review, which is a negotiation with HCAD appraisal staff before a formal hearing.

Informal reviews:

• Are less formal than hearings
• Allow evidence-based negotiation
• Often result in quicker resolutions

Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Hearing

If no agreement is reached informally, HCAD schedules a hearing before the Harris County Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

ARB hearings:

• Are conducted by independent board members
• Require timely, properly submitted evidence
• Allow both HCAD and the property owner or representative to present arguments

Homeowners are not required to attend hearings themselves and may appoint a representative.

We represent clients at HCAD informal reviews and ARB hearings.

What Evidence Wins Harris County Property Tax Protests

Filing preserves your rights. Evidence determines results.

Comparable Sales

• Recent sales near your property
• Similar size, age, and condition
• Adjusted for differences

Unequal Appraisal

• Proof your property is assessed higher than comparable properties
• One of the strongest arguments under Texas law
• Especially effective in Harris County due to wide valuation variance

Property Condition Issues

• Deferred maintenance
• Structural or functional defects
• Photos and repair estimates strengthen claims significantly

HCAD relies heavily on mass appraisal models that often overstate individual property values.

Harris County Property Tax Protest Timeline

A typical Harris County protest timeline includes:

• January 1: Valuation date
• March to April: Notices of Appraised Value mailed
• May 15: Protest deadline for most properties
• May through July: Informal reviews and ARB hearings
• Summer: Final values issued

Actual timing varies based on filing date and protest volume.

Common Harris County Property Tax Protest Mistakes

• Missing the protest deadline
• Filing without credible comparable sales
• Submitting irrelevant or outdated evidence
• Missing HCAD evidence deadlines
• Accepting the first offer without review

These mistakes often result in paying higher property taxes than necessary.

Why Hire a Harris County Property Tax Consultant?

Professional representation improves outcomes and removes time burden.

Benefits of working with Ballard Property Tax Protest

• Strong comparable sales analysis
• Unequal appraisal strategy
• Experience negotiating with HCAD
• Full representation at informal reviews and ARB hearings
• No upfront fees

You only pay if we reduce your value.

Get help with your Harris County property tax protest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harris County Property Tax Protests

Can protesting increase my property taxes?

No. Texas law does not allow appraisal districts to raise your value solely because you protested.

Can I protest my Harris County property taxes every year?

Yes. Texas law allows annual protests.

Do I need to attend my HCAD hearing?

No. You may appoint a representative to attend on your behalf.

How long does the Harris County protest process take?

Most protests resolve within weeks to a few months, depending on volume.

Is HCAD online filing secure?

Yes. HCAD’s online system is secure and widely used.

Start Your Harris County Property Tax Protest

If you want to reduce your Harris County property taxes without managing deadlines, evidence, or hearings, professional representation can make a meaningful difference.

Ballard Property Tax Protest manages the entire Harris County protest process from filing through resolution.

Start Your Harris County Property Tax Protest Today