As the year winds down in Fort Bend County, many homeowners start thinking about their property taxes, next year’s appraisal notices, and whether their exemptions are up to date. It can feel confusing, especially for new residents in areas like Katy, Fulshear, and the master-planned communities throughout Fort Bend County.

This guide pulls together key year-end reminders from the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (FBCAD), the Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector, and the Texas Comptroller, so homeowners have one clear, local-friendly place to check the basics before the next tax season starts. 

What FBCAD Does – and What It Does Not Do

A common point of confusion is who actually does what in the property tax process.

According to FBCAD, the appraisal district: 

• Appraises the value of residential, commercial, land, and business personal property within Fort Bend County.

• Verifies property tax exemption eligibility (including homestead and other exemptions).

FBCAD specifically notes that it does not send or collect property tax bills. That job belongs to the Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector, which handles tax statements and payments. 

This means:

• You look to FBCAD for values and exemptions.

• You look to the Tax Assessor-Collector for tax statements, balances, and payment options.

When Appraisal Notices Typically Arrive

FBCAD’s property information site notes that appraisal roll information is updated annually and that preliminary data appears around mid-April. Online protest functionality is available beginning April 15, which aligns with the statewide pattern of appraisal notices going out in the spring. 

In practical terms for Fort Bend County homeowners:

• Expect your Notice of Appraised Value to arrive in spring (commonly mid-April into early May).

• The notice will show your current-year appraised value, last year’s value, and any exemptions on the property, along with protest instructions and deadlines.

If you do not receive a notice but want to confirm your value, you can use FBCAD’s online Property Search to look up your address or owner name. 

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Protest Deadlines: May 15 or 30 Days After the Notice

FBCAD’s appeals and e-file pages spell out the specific protest deadline for 2025: a Notice of Protest is due no later than May 15, 2025, or within 30 days after the notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later.

This matches statewide guidance from the Texas Comptroller, which says that in most cases, property owners have until May 15 or 30 days from the date the appraisal district notices are delivered, whichever is later.

For Fort Bend County homeowners, that means:

• Once your Notice of Appraised Value arrives, check the deadline printed on the notice.

• If you plan to protest, submit your Notice of Protest by that date through the FBCAD online portal, by mail, or in person.

Late protests may be allowed for “good cause,” but FBCAD’s appeals page notes that the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) decides whether good cause exists, and late protests are not allowed after the ARB approves the appraisal records for the year.

Exemption Deadlines for Fort Bend County Homeowners

Exemptions are one of the most important tools homeowners have to lower their taxable value and stabilize year-to-year tax changes.

FBCAD’s homestead FAQ states that: 

The last day for property owners to file most exemption and special appraisal applications (including the general residence homestead) is April 30 of the tax year.

Certain homestead-related exemptions can be filed late, including:

• Age 65 or older exemption applications, which may be filed up to two years after the owner turns 65.

• Some disabled veteran and donated residence homestead exemptions, which also allow late filing.

• A general residence homestead exemption application, which may be filed up to two years after the date the taxes become delinquent on the property.

In addition, the Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector notes that applications filed on or after September 1 must include a copy of the applicant’s Texas driver’s license or DPS ID with the same address as the property receiving the homestead exemption. Fort Bend County

If you recently moved into your home in Fort Bend County, turned 65, or experienced a change that might qualify you for an additional exemption, year-end is a smart time to:

• Confirm your exemptions using FBCAD’s property search.

• Gather ID and documentation needed for any new exemption filings before spring.

Who Sends Property Tax Bills and When They Are Due

While FBCAD appraises property and verifies exemptions, tax statements and payments are handled by the Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector, as confirmed on the county’s Property Taxes page. 

Key points for Fort Bend County homeowners:

• The Tax Assessor-Collector posts when tax statements are available, and tax information can be looked up and paid online through the county’s ACT property tax portal.

• Under Texas law, property taxes are generally due by January 31 of the year following the tax year. Paying after that date triggers penalties and interest.

So, for example:

• 2025 property taxes must be paid no later than January 31, 2026, to avoid penalties and interest.

If your mortgage company handles escrow, they typically pay the bill for you, but it is still wise to:

• Confirm that the county’s assessed value and exemptions look correct on your tax statement.

• Make sure your lender has the proper tax information on file for your Fort Bend County property.

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Year-End Checklist for Fort Bend County Homeowners

As you wrap up the year, here is a simple, locally relevant checklist you can share with neighbors in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, and other Fort Bend communities:

• Log into the FBCAD property search to confirm your current appraised value and exemptions.

• Mark exemption deadlines on your calendar (most exemption applications due by April 30, with some late-filing rights for homestead-related exemptions).

• Watch for spring appraisal notices and check the printed protest deadline as soon as yours arrives. 

• Plan for the January 31 tax payment date, whether you pay directly or through escrow.

• Keep any photos, repair estimates, or comparable sales handy in case you decide to protest your appraisal during the next cycle.

Staying Informed as Dates Update

FBCAD maintains a detailed Appraisal and Property Tax Calendar and updates it as state law or local procedures change. 

• Because specific dates can shift slightly from year to year (for example, when deadlines fall on weekends or holidays), homeowners should:

• Check FBCAD’s website for the current year’s protest and exemption information.Visit the Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector’s site for the latest information on when tax statements become available and how to pay.

My Neighborhood News will continue monitoring these official resources and will update this guide if any significant changes or new homeowner programs are announced.

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.