Harris County Appraisal District News Release For Additional Information Contact: Jim Robinson, Chief Appraiser, 713-957-5291
May 31 – Value Protest Deadline for Most Real Property in Harris County Homeowners Planning To Protest Value Encouraged to Consider iSettle Option FOR RELEASE: Immediate Houston – Most residential and commercial property owners in Harris County have until Tuesday, May 31 to file a written notice of protest to the market value of their real property as determined by the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD). This includes owners of homes, commercial buildings and land. Protest deadlines for business personal property and some real property accounts will be later. Owners of such property will be mailed a written notice from HCAD noting their filing deadlines. The great majority of Harris County homeowners (homes valued at $1 million or less) are eligible to use the online iSettle program to resolve their value protest without having to appear in person at HCAD offices. Texas law requires protests to be in writing, to identify the property and property owner, and to indicate the issue over which the owner disputes HCAD’s notice of value. Protests may be filed online by using iFile that is readily accessible on the district’s website: http://www.hcad.org/ifile. Property owners will need the iFile number printed on their appraisal notice to use the iFile process. Protests may also be mailed to the district’s office at P.O. Box 922004; Houston, Texas; 77292-2004. Protests may also be delivered personally to the district’s office at 13013 Northwest Freeway in Houston. The appropriate protest form is also available on the district’s website: http://www.hcad.org/pdf/forms/41-44.pdf. HCAD chief appraiser Jim Robinson encourages homeowners to use iSettle as the initial step in pursuing one’s protest. HCAD offers a complete explanation on the step-by-step process on the district’s website that includes a video presentation to help homeowners understand the system’s advantages.” There are two important facts about iSettle that homeowners should know: 1. iSettle takes the place of the informal meeting only. Any homeowner who is not satisfied with an iSettle offer still has the right to appear in person before a three-member panel at an ARB hearing. 2. Homeowners who represent themselves do not have to pay commissions or share the benefits of lower taxes with any agent. “If you use iSettle and your value is lowered, you get to keep 100% of any eventual tax savings you have earned,” Robinson said.
Here are some important links to iSettle information on HCAD’s website that will help homeowners familiarize themselves with the system: “How To Use” iSettle Video http://www.hcad.org/howtoisettle.asp Helpful Things To Know About iSettle http://www.hcad.org/isettle/ Protest hearings for 2011 are now underway and, if the past is a guide, will extend throughout most of the rest of the year. Many homeowners who do not use iSettle will be scheduled for an informal meeting and ARB hearing much later in 2011. “Texas law requires that property be appraised at its January 1 market value. The actual amount of tax due is determined later in the process when tax jurisdictions set their tax rates,” Robinson said. “HCAD plays no role in the establishment of any jurisdiction’s tax rate.” For additional information, call HCAD’s Telephone Information Center at 713-957-7800 or visit the appraisal office at 13013 Northwest Freeway, Houston 77040. Information is also published on HCAD’s website: www.hcad.org.
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