Free Harris County Property Tax Workshops Aim to Help Cypress and West Houston Residents Lower Their Bills
As Harris County homeowners brace for rising property appraisals and increasing tax bills, a series of free property tax workshops is being offered this April to help residents better understand the system—and potentially reduce what they owe.
Led by Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Annette Ramirez and Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger, these workshops aim to equip residents with the tools and knowledge to protest property tax values, apply for exemptions, and explore payment plans for delinquent taxes.
The initiative comes at a critical time for property owners across the region, particularly those in West Houston and Cypress, where property values have surged in recent years. According to HCAD, the average market value of residential properties in Harris County increased by nearly 13% from 2023 to 2024, driven by strong demand and limited inventory in popular suburbs like Cypress, Katy, and Tomball.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Upcoming In-Person and Virtual Property Tax Workshops
-
Cypress Workshop
April 9, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center at 8440 Greenhouse Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 -
Virtual Workshop
April 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Zoom Meeting Link -
West Houston Workshop
April 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Steve Radack Community Center at 18650 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084 - Virtual Workshop
May 6, 2025 | 6:00 PM
- West Houston Workshop
May 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM
Thomas A Glazier Senior Education Center at 16600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston, TX 77084
- Virtual Workshop
May 20, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Why These Workshops Matter
Many homeowners don’t realize that they have the right to challenge their property appraisals—the foundation of their annual tax bills. By law, Harris County residents can file a property tax protest if they believe their appraised value is too high. However, the process can be confusing without proper guidance.
“These workshops are about empowerment,” said Annette Ramirez. “We want to make sure residents understand how their property taxes are calculated and what they can do if something doesn’t look right.”
HCAD Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger emphasized the importance of transparency and education: “We’re here to demystify the process, not defend it. The more people understand their property tax rights, the better we can serve them.”
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Key Topics Covered in the Workshops
-
How property taxes are calculated
-
How to file a protest on your appraised value
-
How to apply for exemptions, including Homestead, Over-65, Disability, and Veteran exemptions
-
Payment plans for past-due property taxes
-
Changes in state and county tax policies
New Changes Impacting 2025 Property Tax Bills
In 2023, Texas voters passed Proposition 4, which increased the homestead exemption for school districts from $40,000 to $100,000. This change, which takes effect for the 2024 appraisal year (impacting 2025 tax bills), could significantly reduce taxable value for eligible homeowners—especially important in areas with rapidly rising appraisals like West Houston.
Additionally, the Harris County Commissioners Court has recently considered adjusting property tax rates in response to growing revenue from new developments and increased home values. Understanding these shifts is crucial for residents hoping to plan ahead.
Who Should Attend?
-
New homeowners confused about their first property tax bill
-
Long-time residents unsure how to apply for exemptions
-
Families on fixed incomes worried about rising assessments
-
Anyone facing difficulties paying back taxes
-
Landlords and property managers in Harris County
These free workshops serve not only as an opportunity to reduce financial stress but also as a community service to promote transparency and fairness in the local tax system.
Don’t miss your chance to get informed, ask questions, and take action. Register now!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
