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How Harris County homeowners can cut property taxes before the April 30 deadline. For those planning to challenge their property values, the deadline to file a protest is may 15. What to know about protesting property taxes HOUSTON - Homeowners in Harris County have until April 30 to claim property tax exemptions they may qualify for, and officials say a new online tool is making the process easier than ever. The Harris Central Appraisal District has launched an "Exemption Wizard," a short questionnaire designed to help residents quickly determine which exemptions they're eligible for and can apply to without visiting an office. The most common way to save is through the residential homestead exemption, available to homeowners who both own and live in their property as their primary residence. Additional exemptions are available for those 65 and older or those with disabilities, as defined by the Social Security Administration. "These all offer additional savings if you qualify," said Jack Barnett with the appraisal district. "You can do this all from home, submit the application automatically. It can't get any easier." Last year, the exemption was $100,000, but now it has been raised this year to $140,000, meaning if you apply, you could lower the taxable value of your home by $140,000. "Once you get your value notice for 2026, if you don't think it's correct, you can file a protest online, too," Barnett said. Meanwhile, the Harris County Tax Office is offering a new option to help residents manage payments ahead of time. At an April 7 press conference, Tax Assessor-Collector Annette Ramirez announced a pre-payment program that allows homeowners to begin paying toward their 2026 tax bill now in smaller, monthly amounts. "It works similarly to an escrow system that gives homeowners more control," said Ramirez. The tax office also continues to offer payment plans for those with existing tax debt, including 12, 24, and 36-month options with flexible due dates. "At the end of the day, this is about more than taxes," Ramirez said. "It's about helping families stay financially stable and plan ahead." Officials encourage homeowners to review their eligibility and take advantage of available savings before the April 30 deadline. Also, if you need any help, the Harris Central Appraisal District is hosting regularly scheduled workshops. Property Taxes, Protests and Exemptions Fourth Tuesday - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (bi-monthly) Clearing Title on Inherited Property, Exemptions and Deferred Taxes Second Thursday - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (bi-monthly with participation from the Texas Legal Services Center)

HCAD named A top Houston workplace nine years in A row. Houston - The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) has been selected as a Top Workplace in the Houston metropolitan area by the Houston Chronicle for the ninth consecutive year. "Recognition as an employer of choice by a public sector organization is achieved only because of every employee's commitment to their job and satisfaction with their work," said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser. The appraisal district was ranked number 10 among the large organizations participating in the Houston Metroplex this year, which is the district's sixth time to make the list in the top 10. The district has also received national recognition for Culture Excellence in 3 categories, as well as placement on the Remote Work Top Workplaces list. "Being named a Top Workplace in the Houston area for the ninth successive year is an honor everyone at HCAD can be proud of because the selection is made by responses to an employee survey in which 91 percent of our employees shared their thoughts," Altinger said. "In order to be responsive to the needs of the jurisdictions and the public we serve and provide first-class customer service to everyone, we have to continually work on creating a culture where our employees feel valued and heard. This survey provides valuable insight and feedback so we can create that culture of excellence at HCAD." The Top Workplaces are based on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by an independent firm that provides technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including engagement, organizational health and employee satisfaction with the organization and their jobs by asking questions about leadership, communication, direction and appreciation. "Creating an organization where employees feel empowered and valued allows us to provide first-class service to the public, and those principles have helped us remain on the Top Workplaces list for the past nine years," Altinger said.