How to reduce property tax in Harris county appraisal district

How to reduce property tax in Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD)

How to lower your property taxes in Harris County Appraisal District. Here are the tips for that. The scope and complexity of Harris County is unlike any other as it contains over 2,000,000 property parcels. Appraising of all this property presents some challenges. If you feel your property tax assessment is unfair, the law provides the right to protest your home value to ensure you’re taxed fairly or you can reduce property tax.

Take the help of an appraiser and find out if you can lower property tax and are a candidate for tax savings, this way you don’t waste time with the property tax appeal process if you don’t have a case.

The process to protest involves three major steps; Step 1: Check your Property Tax Appraisal: Start by checking your property tax assessment to find out if you have a case for lower property taxes.

Step 2: File a Property Tax Assessment Protest with Harris county appraisal district (HCAD): It’s easy to file a Property Tax Protest with your appraisal district.

Many Texas appraisal districts now offer online property tax protest services.

Step 3: Claim any and all Property Tax Exemptions you’re eligible for: Ensure you’ve claimed all applicable exemptions which include the General Homestead Exemption, Over 65, Disabled Person Homestead, Surviving Spouse (of someone with Over 65 or Disabled), Disabled Veteran with 100% Disability, Disabled Veteran or Survivor (not limited to residence only). A homestead exemption reduces the amount of property value that is taxable and has a significant impact on lowering your property taxes. In Texas, you automatically qualify for a general homestead exemption if it is your principal residence (no rent houses) and you occupied the home as of January 1 of that year. All you have to do is file for the exemption. Filing is free, and as simple as filling out the form and sending it in. If you think you might qualify for a residential exemption that you have not claimed, contact Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) to find out more information.