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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Harris County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Harris County, TX. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
2.4% - 3.2% (varies by location and taxing entities)
1st Due
Jan 31
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Harris County operates under Texas's property tax system, where local taxing entities including the county, school districts, municipalities, and special districts levy taxes to fund essential public services such as schools, infrastructure, emergency services, and local government operations. The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) serves as the central authority for property assessments, while the Harris County Tax Office handles tax collection and payment processing.

Property owners in Harris County can expect an effective tax rate around 2.4% to 3.2% of their property's assessed value, depending on their specific location and the combination of taxing entities that serve their area. Texas law provides significant protections for homeowners, including a homestead exemption that removes $100,000 of value from school district taxation for primary residences, and a 10% annual cap on assessed value increases for homesteaded properties. The county's tax year runs from January 1 to December 31, with taxes typically due by January 31 of the following year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Harris County$0.38078County services, infrastructure, courts, emergency services
School Districts$1.00-1.40Local independent school districts (varies by district)
City/Municipality$0.40-0.80City services, police, fire, utilities (varies by city)
Harris County Hospital District$0.18733Public health services and hospital system
Community College$0.16444Harris County community college system
Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs)$0.20-0.70Water, sewer, drainage services (varies by district)
Emergency Services Districts$0.05-0.10Fire and emergency medical services
Total Effective Rate2.40-3.20%Combined rate varies by property location
Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Harris County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Jan 31
Delinquent after Dec 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Harris County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to a property's ownership, value, or tax status during the tax year. The most common triggers include new construction or improvements completed after the January 1 assessment date, changes in property ownership, removal of exemptions, or corrections to the original assessment. When improvements are made to a property, HCAD will assess the additional value and prorate the taxes for the remaining months of the tax year.

For example, if a homeowner completes a $100,000 home addition in July, HCAD would assess this improvement and calculate supplemental taxes for the remaining six months of the tax year. With a combined tax rate of 2.5%, the annual tax on the improvement would be $2,500, but the supplemental bill would be prorated to $1,250 (6 months ÷ 12 months × $2,500). Business personal property that becomes delinquent may incur additional collection fees of 15-20% after April 1st, while real property delinquent taxes also incur penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (Homesteaded)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district only)
  • School District Taxable Value: $200,000
  • Other Taxing Entities Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax Calculation:
    • School District (1.20% × $200,000): $2,400
    • Other Entities (1.30% × $300,000): $3,900
  • Total Annual Tax: $6,300
  • Monthly Escrow: $525

$600,000 Home (Homesteaded)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district only)
  • School District Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Other Taxing Entities Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax Calculation:
    • School District (1.20% × $500,000): $6,000
    • Other Entities (1.30% × $600,000): $7,800
  • Total Annual Tax: $13,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,150

$1,000,000 Home (Homesteaded)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$100,000 (school district only)
  • School District Taxable Value: $900,000
  • Other Taxing Entities Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax Calculation:
    • School District (1.20% × $900,000): $10,800
    • Other Entities (1.30% × $1,000,000): $13,000
  • Total Annual Tax: $23,800
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,983

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Harris County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. The lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12 of your annual property tax bill plus a cushion amount. Lenders must provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments were applied and any adjustments needed for the coming year. When property taxes increase, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly, often resulting in a one-time shortage payment or higher monthly payments.

Property owners should verify their tax information through the Harris County Tax Office website at https://www.hctax.net/ to ensure their escrow company has accurate tax amounts. The tax office provides online access to current and historical tax statements, payment history, and tax rate information. If you pay your own taxes without escrow, remember that Harris County property taxes are due by January 31st each year, with penalties and interest applied to late payments. Online payment options, installment plans, and electronic statement delivery are available through the county's website.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Harris County property taxes due? A: Property taxes are due by January 31st each year. Payments received after this date are subject to penalties and interest charges.

Q: How do I qualify for the homestead exemption? A: You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1st. Apply through HCAD at https://www.hcad.org/ before April 30th to receive the exemption for that tax year.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can protest your property value through May 15th (or within 30 days of receiving your notice if later). File online through HCAD or attend an Appraisal Review Board hearing.

Q: What is the 10% assessment cap? A: Texas law limits annual increases in assessed value to 10% for homesteaded properties, providing protection against rapid valuation increases.

Q: How do I pay my property taxes online? A: Visit https://www.hctax.net/ to pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. A convenience fee applies for online payments.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Penalties and interest begin accruing February 1st. Additional collection fees may apply, and prolonged delinquency can lead to foreclosure proceedings.

Q: Do I need to reapply for exemptions each year? A: No, most exemptions automatically renew if you continue to qualify. However, you must notify HCAD if your eligibility changes.

Q: Can I set up a payment plan for my property taxes? A: Yes, Harris County offers installment payment plans for qualifying taxpayers. Contact the tax office or visit their website to apply for payment arrangements.

Q: How are my tax dollars used? A: Property taxes fund local services including public schools (typically 50-60% of your tax bill), county government, cities, community colleges, hospital districts, and special utility districts.

Q: What if I disagree with my tax bill? A: First, verify the accuracy of exemptions and property details with HCAD. For assessment disputes, file a formal protest. For billing errors, contact the Harris County Tax Office directly.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Harris County Tax Collectorhctax.net
02
County
Harris County Assessorhcad.org
03
Tax Doc
Tax Rate Informationtax.co.harris.tx.us
04
Tax Doc
Taxeshcesd29tx.gov
05
Tax Doc
Notice of Adopted 2025 Tax Ratetax.co.harris.tx.us
06
Tax Doc
96-1717 Handbook of Texas Property Tax Rulescomptroller.texas.gov
07
County
Harris County Property Taxharriscountytx.gov
08
County
R-2007-14 Tabled/accept Harris County Certified Tax Appraisal ...publicrecords.laportetx.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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