November 16, 2021

Harris County, Texas - property tax protest data and results

A look at protest numbers for Single Family Homes

Harris County, TX, has an active property tax protest scenario. Residents are very aware of their right to protest their property assessments. With ~1.1 million single family homes (state property type code A1) , they form the largest class of properties in Harris County.

With the objective of understanding the protest scene quantitatively, we at squaredeal.tax, looked at protests for Single Family Homes from 2017 till date. Here are our findings:

  • Quantum of protests filed seem to be increasing by the year, barring a slight drop in 2018.
  • The trend indicates a rising awareness among homeowners to protest. However, barely a thrid of homeowners are protesting their values!
  • Most protests got a reduction prior to 2022. HCAD seems to have tightened their fist 2023 onwards. That doesn't mean you should not protest! You can't get a reduction without protesting!

Protest yourself or hire an agent?

Let's look at what data says:

  • DIY protests have generally increased over the years, significantly outnumbering agent protests.
  • Until 2022, DIY protests had a higher chance of success. The tide turned in 2023!
  • Yet, DIY protests had a consistently higher median reduction than agent led protests! And the difference is quite stark in 2023 and 2024.
  • 2023 marked an all-time high median reduction for DIY protests, 40% more than agent led protests!
  • In 2024, our customers in Harris county got an average value reduction of $37,762!
  • You know your property best! There are enough resources available to help you prepare. Our guide to protesting your Harris county property value can also help.

However, you should seek help from a property tax agent when your property:

  • is mixed use.
  • has multiple improvements on site.
  • is commercial, industrial, agricultural or any income producing property.
  • has complex improvements that require individual attention.

Explore our list of top 20 property tax protest companies in Houston and how they did in 2024.

Should I accept iSettle value or go to ARB?

  • DIY protests exhibit higher success rates in both informal hearings (including iSettle) and formal hearings (ARB).
  • Success rates for DIY protesters at formal hearings are lower than informal hearings, but they still outperform agents.
  • Until 2022, more homeowners got reductions at informal hearings itself! They didn't have to go to the ARB!
  • If you DIY, you are better off accepting your iSettle offer. If you plan to go to the ARB, here are our tips to prepare better for your ARB and increase your success rate.

In sum, homeowners who protest by themselves:

  • Stand a better chance of reducing their noticed value.

  • Get more dollar reduction!

  • Are more likely to resolve their protests informally.

  • Get to keep more of their tax savings!

  • This is a win-win for both homeowners and the county.

  • More homewners should protest! Filing a protest is easy. Just check your property for reductions on squaredeal.tax and file your protest online at iFile.

Want to save on your Texas property tax?

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Data for this analysis were sourced from: HCAD Public data.

Similar analysis of Harris CAD data by others:

  1. Community Impact news
  2. January Advisors

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Disclaimer

Articles presented here are for general information and education only. It is provided as a courtesy to the general public. SQD Taxtech LLC does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are those of the authors or persons quoted as of the date of the article with no obligation to update or notify of inaccuracy or change. This article may not be reproduced, distributed or further published by any person without the written consent of SQD Taxtech LLC. Please cite source when quoting.

SQD Taxtech LLC, its managed affiliates and subsidiaries, as a matter of policy, do not give tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice. Rules in the areas of law, tax, and accounting are subject to change and open to varying interpretations. You should consult with your other advisors on the tax, accounting and legal implications of actions you may take based on any strategies presented, taking into account your own particular circumstances.