Harris County
Property Tax Guide
Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD)
Contact Your CAD
Always verify this link is current at your CAD's official website before filing.
Important: Always verify current deadlines with HCAD directly at hcad.org or 713-957-7800. This is educational content only — not legal, tax, or appraisal advice.
Typical Protest Deadline
May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
This is the general rule. Always confirm the exact deadline directly with Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD).
Estimate Your Specific Deadline
Enter your notice mail date for a personalised estimate.
General Filing Steps
- 1
Receive your Notice of Appraised Value (typically mailed April–May).
- 2
Review the assessed value on the HCAD website and compare to your opinion of market value.
- 3
File a protest online at iFile.hcad.org, by mail, or in person at the CAD office before the deadline.
- 4
Gather comparable sales data and any evidence of property condition issues.
- 5
Attend your informal hearing with a CAD appraiser.
- 6
If unresolved, request a formal ARB (Appraisal Review Board) hearing.
- 7
Accept the final value or pursue binding arbitration / district court appeal.
Commonly Required Documents
- Notice of Appraised Value (or your CAD property account number)
- Recent comparable sales (within 0.5–1 mile, similar size/age/condition)
- Photos documenting any property condition issues
- Recent appraisal or licensed inspection report (if available)
- Repair estimates for documented damage
- Deed or title documents showing ownership
Evidence Tips for Harris County
- Pull 3–6 comparable sales from the past 6–12 months using HCAD's own data or HAR.com.
- Focus on properties similar in square footage (±15%), age (±5 years), and condition.
- Photograph any deferred maintenance, foundation cracks, roof damage, or interior issues.
- Check HCAD's website for your property's improvement sketches — errors are common.
- Unequal appraisal claims are highly effective — use HCAD's own database for ratios.
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