Houston Property Tax Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about property taxes in Houston, Texas. Houston is located in Harris County and uses Harris CAD for property assessments.
Houston property taxes are administered by the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD). For complete county information including all taxing jurisdictions, see our Harris County Property Tax Guide.
About Houston Property Tax
Houston is the most populous city in Texas and spans parts of Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. Most Houston properties fall under HCAD jurisdiction. The city has 15+ school districts within its boundaries, and combined property tax rates vary significantly by ISD — schools typically account for 55-65% of your total bill. Houston homes also commonly include Municipal Utility District (MUD) taxes from surrounding master-planned communities.
- Population
- 2.3 million
- Major School Districts
- Houston ISD, Spring ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Aldine ISD, Alief ISD
Key Dates - Houston
- Payment due
- January 31, 2027
- Protest deadline
- May 15, 2026
- Notices mailed
- April 2026
Tax rates - Houston
Average Total: 2.0% - 2.5%
Rates vary by location within Houston based on which school district, city limits, and special districts apply to your property.
How to protest your property tax
1. Review your notice
Check your Notice of Appraised Value for errors in square footage, bedroom count, or market value.
2. File a protest
The typical deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice. The 2026 window is closed except for late notices. Filing is free.
3. Gather evidence
Collect comparable sales from your neighborhood and photos of any property issues that affect value.
4. Present your case
Attend your ARB hearing in person, online, or let a professional represent you.
Filing is free and risk-free. Your assessed value cannot increase as a result of protesting.
Official Resources - Houston
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