Protesting property taxes in Harris County, Texas, involves several steps.
Here’s a general overview of the process:
1. Review your Notice of Appraised Value: Property owners in Harris County receive a Notice of Appraised Value from the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) around April or May. This notice contains the proposed value of your property for tax purposes. Review this notice carefully to ensure accuracy.
2. Understand the deadline: The deadline for filing a protest is typically May 15th (or 30 days after the date the appraisal district mailed the notice, whichever is later). Make sure you file your protest before this deadline to preserve your right to challenge the appraisal.
3. Gather evidence: Collect evidence to support your case. This may include recent sales prices of similar properties in your area, documentation of any structural damage or issues affecting your property’s value, or evidence of incorrect property data used by the appraisal district. I am glad to supply you with a spread sheet of all Bay Oaks 2023 closed sales data.
4. File a protest: There are multiple ways to file a protest: The easiest way is to file the protest online through your owner’s account using HCAD’s Electronic Filing and Notice System. Once you’ve signed up, you can submit your protest electronically, have access to iSettle and receive all your communications from HCAD electronically. Your iFile number is automatically linked to your account.
* Online: HCAD usually provides an online portal for filing protests. www.HCAD.org
* By mail: You can fill out and mail the protest form included with your Notice of Appraised Value.
* In person: You can also file a protest in person at the Harris County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) office.
5. Attend a hearing (optional): If you’re not able to resolve your protest informally with the appraisal district, you can request a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board. This gives you an opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case in person.
6. Review the ARB’s decision: After the hearing, the ARB will issue a decision either agreeing with the appraisal district’s value, adjusting it, or setting a different value. You’ll receive a written notice of the ARB’s decision.
7. Consider further appeals (if necessary): If you’re not satisfied with the ARB’s decision, you have the option to further appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings or file a lawsuit in district court. However, these options can be more complex and may require legal representation.
It’s important to note that the specifics of the process may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s a good idea to consult the Harris County Appraisal District’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, consider seeking advice from a tax professional or real estate attorney if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process.
