For homeowners across Harris County, the property tax cycle can feel complicated—especially as appraisal notices, exemption updates, and payment deadlines approach each year. To help residents stay informed, the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) and the Harris County Tax Office have outlined key dates and reminders that can help homeowners protect their exemptions, understand their home values, and avoid penalties heading into the 2025–2026 appraisal cycle.

These reminders apply to homeowners countywide—including communities in Cypress, Katy, Tomball, Jersey Village, West Houston, and Northwest Houston—and offer practical guidance for staying ahead of the annual property tax process.

Appraisal Notices Expected March–April Each Year

HCAD conducts property appraisals annually, and notices are typically mailed out in the spring—most often between March and April, depending on when each property’s value is finalized. Appraisal season officially runs from January 1 through May 15, with updated values also posted on HCAD’s online property search tools.

When notices arrive, homeowners should:

• Confirm that the property details and square footage are correct

• Check that homestead or senior exemptions are active

• Compare their value with similar homes in their neighborhood

HCAD encourages residents to log in to its online Property Search portal, which provides appraisal history, comparable sales, and exemption status to help homeowners understand their new valuation.

Protest Deadlines: April 30 Early Option for Homesteads, May 15 Standard Deadline

If a homeowner disagrees with their appraised value, HCAD offers multiple protest pathways.

• Homestead Early Protest Deadline: Homeowners with a residence homestead have the option to file an early protest by April 30 or within 30 days of receiving their notice, whichever is later.

• Standard Protest Deadline: For all properties, the deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice date, whichever is later.

• Protests can be filed online using HCAD’s iFile system, which also gives access to HCAD evidence packets. Many cases are resolved informally through

• iSettle, allowing homeowners to review proposed settlement values without attending an in-person hearing. If no agreement is reached, the case goes before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) for a formal hearing.

These options give Harris County homeowners meaningful opportunities to correct inaccurate valuations before tax bills are calculated.

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Homestead and Other Exemptions: Important Savings Opportunities

One of the most important steps homeowners can take is confirming whether they qualify for—and have applied—the Residence Homestead Exemption. This exemption not only reduces a home’s taxable value, but also places a 10% capon how much the appraised value can increase each year (excluding new improvements).

HCAD encourages homeowners to file their homestead exemption as soon as they qualify, ideally before April 30 so it can be reflected in that year’s valuation cycle.

Other exemptions available through HCAD include:

• Over-65 exemption

• Disability exemption

• Disabled veteran exemptions

• Surviving spouse exemptions

These exemptions can significantly reduce property tax burdens, and many Harris County residents qualify without realizing it. Homeowners can check their exemption status anytime through the HCAD website.

Property Tax Bills Due January 31 Each Year

While HCAD sets property values, the Harris County Tax Office is responsible for issuing and collecting property tax bills. State law establishes January 31 as the payment deadline each year. Taxes become delinquent on February 1, triggering penalties and interest charges.

If January 31 falls on a weekend or county holiday, the next business day becomes the deadline. Homeowners can pay their tax bill online, by mail, or in person, and those who qualify for certain exemptions—such as over-65 or disabled homeowners—may request installment plans through the Tax Office.

Planning early helps prevent missed deadlines, which can lead to substantial penalty fees.

HCAD Online Tools Make Preparation Easier

HCAD has made several resources available online to help homeowners navigate the property tax process:

• Property Search: View appraisal history, comparable sales, and exemptions

• iFile: Submit protests online

• iSettle: Review settlement offers without attending a hearing

• Exemption Applications: Submit homestead applications electronically

These tools make it easier for residents to review values, gather evidence, and stay informed throughout appraisal season.

Why These Reminders Matter for Harris County Neighborhoods

Property taxes are a major funding source for essential services—from local schools and public safety to road maintenance and greenspaces. For homeowners, staying engaged in the appraisal and protest process ensures they pay only their fair share, while continuing to support the community infrastructure that enhances quality of life across Harris County.

Whether you live in Cypress, Katy, Tomball, Copperfield, Fairfield, Bridgeland, or West Houston, these reminders can help you stay organized and confident as the 2025–2026 appraisal cycle approaches.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.