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Mike Sullivan

Source: Harris County / Mike Sullivan

Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan is reminding property owners to be on the lookout for property tax appraisal notices from the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD).

“Harris County residents will be receiving appraisal notices from HCAD by the end of this month,” said Tax Assessor-Collector Mike Sullivan. “I want to remind taxpayers, especially new homeowners of ways to save money on their upcoming tax bill by applying for exemptions and protesting their values.”

Exemptions are the easiest way property owners can lower their tax burden. “When your appraisal arrives, make sure you are receiving the proper exemptions,” said Sullivan. “If you forgot to apply for your homestead exemption last year, you can apply for both 2015 and 2016 tax years. Once approved, you could receive a partial refund on last year’s 2015 tax bill.”

Most common exemptions:

  • Residential Homestead – Taxpayer owns and lives in the home on January 1st
  • Over-65 – Taxpayer is over the age of 65 and lives in the home
  • Disability Homestead – Taxpayer has a qualifying disability
  • Veterans Exemptions – 100% disability, partial disability and many others

Texas law allows property owners to protest their value if they believe it is too high. “You can apply online through HCAD (www.hcad.org) or fill out and send the form included in your appraisal notice,” said Sullivan. “Be sure to provide as much information as possible on the protest form, whether it’s about comparable properties in your neighborhood or changes to your property or land. All of this will aid in your protest and may lower the value, which will lower your property tax bill at the end of the year.”

Visit www.hcad.org to view and apply for all property tax exemptions. Taxpayers may also contact the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office at tax.office@hctx.net or 713-274-8000.

The Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office Property Tax Division maintains more than 1.6 million tax accounts and collects property taxes for 71 taxing entities including Harris County. The Tax Assessor-Collector’s office collects more than $6 billion in property taxes.