What is the property tax rate in Howard County?

Howard County property tax rates vary by location and taxing jurisdiction. The combined rate typically ranges from 1.6% - 2.1%. Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=Howard+County+Tax+Office+Texas for exact rates by address.

When is the deadline to protest property taxes in Howard County?

The deadline to file a property tax protest in Howard County is May 15 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. You can file online at https://www.howardcad.org.

How do I look up my property tax bill in Howard County?

You can look up your Howard County property tax bill at https://www.google.com/search?q=Howard+County+Tax+Office+Texas. You'll need your property address or account number to search.

How do I apply for homestead exemption in Howard County?

To apply for homestead exemption in Howard County, visit https://www.howardcad.org and file Form 50-114. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence. The deadline is April 30, but late applications are accepted until January 31 of the following year.

Guides/Texas Property Tax/Howard

Howard County Property Tax Guide 2026

Complete guide to Howard County (HCAD) property tax - rates, deadlines, payment options, and how to protest your appraisal in Big Spring and surrounding areas.

Key Dates

Payment due: January 31, 2026
Notices mailed: April 2026
Protest deadline: May 15, 2026 (or 30 days after notice)
ARB Hearings: May-September 2026

Tax rates

Average Total (Howard): 1.6% - 2.1%

School district: Varies by district
County: Varies by location
City: Varies by city
Special Districts: Varies by location

Official Resources - Howard

Howard County Appraisal District (HCAD)

File protest, search properties, view appraisal records

Howard County Tax Office

Pay property taxes, view tax rates, account lookup

How to Protest Property Tax - Howard

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

Submit online or by mail before May 15 (or 30 days after receiving your notice). 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.

Payment Information

Online Payment

Credit Card: Varies (typically 2-3%) | eCheck: Often free or minimal fee

Mail Payment

Howard County Tax Office - contact for address

Texas Homestead Exemptions

Property tax exemptions

Homestead Exemption

For your primary residence. Provides $100,000 off school taxes and a 10% cap on annual value increases.

• $100,000 exemption from school district taxes
• Up to 20% exemption from county/city taxes
• 10% annual cap on appraised value increases

Over-65 Exemption

Additional benefits for seniors 65 and older, including a school tax freeze and optional tax deferral.

• Extra $10,000+ exemption from school taxes
• School tax ceiling frozen at age 65 amount
• Optional deferral of all taxes until sale

Disabled Veteran Exemption

For veterans with a VA disability rating. Exemption amount depends on disability percentage.

• 10-69% disability: $5,000-$10,000 exemption
• 70-100% disability: $12,000+ exemption
• 100% disabled: Complete tax exemption

Apply through your county appraisal district. You only need to apply once.

Check your savings potential

Enter your address to see your current tax bill and estimate how much you could save by protesting.

Free. No account required.

View complete Texas Property Tax Guide Frequently Asked Questions

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