Appraisal District
HCAD
Protest Deadline
May 15, 2026
Required Form
Form 50-132
Risk of Increase
No
Harris County Appraisal District Portal
Access your property records, assessment details, and file protests directly through the official HCAD website.
Visit https://hcad.orgHow to File with HCAD
Harris County accepts online protests through the HCAD iFile system at hcad.org. You can also file by mail (P.O. Box 920975, Houston, TX 77292) or in person at 13013 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77040. Online filing is the fastest method and provides instant confirmation.
Step-by-Step
Harris County Protest Process
Receive your Notice of Appraised Value from HCAD (usually mailed in April).
File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) by May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later. File online at https://hcad.org, by mail, or in person.
Attend an informal hearing with a HCAD appraiser. Bring your comparable sales evidence, photos, and any repair estimates.
If the informal hearing does not resolve your case, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Present your evidence at the ARB hearing. The board reviews your case and issues a written decision.
If you disagree with the ARB decision, you have 60 days to appeal to binding arbitration, SOAH, or district court.
About Harris County Protests
Harris County is the largest county in Texas by population and typically processes over 500,000 protests each year. HCAD offers an online "iSettle" option where you can receive and accept/reject settlement offers without attending a hearing. Many protests are resolved at the informal hearing stage.
No Risk of Increase
Under Texas Property Tax Code Section 41.71, the Harris County Appraisal Districtcannot raise your property's assessed value during the protest process. Your value can only stay the same or go down. There is no risk to filing.
FAQ
Harris County Protest Questions
How do I file online with HCAD?
Visit hcad.org and click "File a Protest." Enter your property account number (found on your Notice of Appraised Value) and follow the prompts. You will receive a confirmation number immediately. The deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice was mailed.
What is the HCAD iSettle system?
iSettle is HCAD's online settlement system. After you file a protest, HCAD may send you a settlement offer through iSettle. You can accept, reject, or counter the offer online without scheduling a hearing. This resolves many protests quickly.
How long does a Harris County protest take?
Most Harris County protests are resolved within 2-4 months. Online filings are processed faster. If your protest goes to the ARB, hearings are typically scheduled June through December.
What is the average reduction in Harris County?
The average successful protest in Harris County reduces the assessed value by 10-20%. On a $350,000 home with a 2.3% effective tax rate, a 15% reduction saves approximately $1,200 per year.