Let’s Talk Property Taxes

Let’s Talk Property Taxes

I was pursuing through the latest edition of Community Impact and came across a startling stat…in 2025 only 67% of Harris County homeowners protested their property taxes. 

WHAT?!? I need you to channel your inner Ron Swanson and read on…

There are TWO simple steps that can save you thousands on your property taxes—and most homeowners either miss them or don’t fully take advantage of them.

Key Deadlines You Need to Know

• April 30: Deadline to file your Homestead Exemption
• Mid-April – May: Appraisal values are released
• May 15 (or later): Deadline to protest your property taxes

STEP 1 ~ The Homestead Exemption This exemption actually lowers the value your home is taxed on, so instead of being taxed on your full home value, you’re taxed on a reduced amount. If you just bought a home and haven’t filed your homestead exemption yet, don’t wait. 

A Quick Note (This part can be confusing)

Your property tax bill is made up of different pieces:

• School (education) taxes
• County taxes
• City or MUD taxes

The largest portion is usually school taxes.

Here’s what matters:

• The biggest homestead exemption applies to school taxes
• You get about $140,000 off your home’s value for that portion

Example:
If your home is worth $450,000, you’re only taxed on about $310,000 for school taxes

For the other portions (county, city, etc.), the reduction is smaller.

Simple takeaway:
The exemption doesn’t reduce every part equally—but it significantly reduces the biggest part of your tax bill. That’s why the savings add up quickly.

What That Means for You (Real Examples)

$450,000 Home

• Lower taxable value across multiple tax lines
• Estimated savings: $1,500–$2,500+ per year

$1,000,000 Home

• Larger reduction in taxable value
• Estimated savings: $3,000–$6,000+ per year

This is one of the easiest ways to keep more money in your pocket every year.

Another Important Benefit: The Homestead Cap

Your homestead exemption also caps your home’s value increase at 10% per year.

This protects you long-term, especially in a rising market.

Other Exemptions You Might Qualify For ~ Many homeowners miss these:

• Over 65 exemption
• Disability exemption
• Veteran exemptions
• Additional local exemptions

You can often qualify for more than one.

New HCAD Tool: Check What You Qualify For

Harris County now has an “Exemption Wizard” that makes this simple.

How to use it:

1. Go to hcad.org
2. Click on “Exemption Wizard”
3. Answer a few quick questions
4. See what you qualify for
5. Apply online

It takes just a few minutes and removes the guesswork.

STEP 2 ~ Don’t Skip This Step: Protest Your Taxes

Even if your value looks reasonable, it’s still worth protesting.

• Values don’t always adjust down in softer markets
• Many homeowners overpay simply because they don’t challenge it

My recommendation: Use a professional protest service. There are several and I am happy to share who we use. Reach out to me if you need a contact. 

• You only pay if they save you money
• No hassle
• They often get better results

Your Quick Checklist

• File your homestead exemption (by April 30)
• Run your home through the HCAD Exemption Wizard
• Protest your property taxes every year

If you’re not sure whether your exemption is in place or want help navigating any of this, just reply to this email—I’m happy to help.