How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Harris and Fort Bend County
- yourrealestateangel
- Apr 26, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: May 3, 2024
You may have recently received your assessment report from the county, outlining the appraised value of your property. For many homeowners in Harris County, this can be a moment of concern as they contemplate the implications for their property taxes. However, it's essential to know that you have the right to protest your property taxes if you believe the appraisal is inaccurate.
Understanding the process and knowing your options can help you navigate this aspect of homeownership with confidence and potentially lower your property taxes. Here's a guide on how to protest your property taxes in Harris County:
Understand the Deadline: The deadline for filing a protest with the Harris Central Appraisal District is May 15th or 30 days after the notice of appraised value was delivered to you, whichever is later.
Know Your Options: Protesting an appraisal isn't difficult, but it can be confusing if you're doing it for the first time. You can file your protest online via the iFile System, over the phone, or in person. Alternatively, you can hire a firm to handle the process for you.
Using the iFile System: In Harris County, the easiest way to file a protest is through the Harris Central Appraisal District's iFile system. You'll need to sign up for an owner account using your account number and iFile number, which can be found on the property value notice sent to you by mail. From there, navigate to the iFile a Protest section, where you can upload or view files related to your protest. You may also have the option to review an iSettle Offer, which is typically sent by the district a few weeks after the initial protest. This offer may propose a lower appraised value. If you choose not to accept the offer, your case can proceed to an informal, virtual, or in-person hearing. If an agreement is still not reached, the case will be escalated to an in-person formal hearing with the appraisal review board, which consists of three local citizens.
Prepare Your Evidence: When protesting, it's essential to request a copy of the evidence used to determine your property's value. You should also gather any materials, such as evidence about similar properties in your area, and bring in bids or quotes for any problem areas (e.g., a new roof or foundation) to the protest hearing.
Consider Hiring a Firm: If you're not comfortable handling the protest process yourself, consider hiring a firm. These firms typically only take a percentage of the total amount of money they save you on your property taxes.
Don't Stress: Remember, there's everything to gain and nothing to lose in filing a protest. You can usually walk away with either a reduction or with the price staying the same, but never an increase.
Protesting your property taxes can be a straightforward process with the right knowledge and preparation. By understanding the deadline, knowing your options, using the iFile system, preparing your evidence, and considering hiring a firm, you can navigate the process effectively and potentially lower your property taxes.
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