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With the May 15th protest deadline just days away, we've compiled the most common last-minute questions and provided detailed answers to help you successfully file your protest before time runs out.
Deadline Questions
Q: Is May 15th the absolute final deadline to file a protest in Harris County?
A: Yes, for most property owners, May 15th is the firm deadline. Your protest must be submitted online, postmarked, or hand-delivered to HCAD by this date. There are very limited exceptions:
- If your notice of appraised value was mailed after April 15th, you have 30 days from the date the notice was mailed
- If you received a correction notice, you have 30 days from the date that notice was mailed
- If you can prove you didn't receive a notice that was required to be sent to you, you may qualify for a late protest
Q: What happens if I miss the May 15th deadline by just one day?
A: Unfortunately, the Texas Property Tax Code is strict on deadlines. Missing the protest deadline by even one day typically means losing your right to protest this year's value. HCAD does not have the authority to accept late protests unless you meet one of the limited exceptions mentioned above. The system will automatically reject protests filed after the deadline.
Q: If I mail my protest, does it need to arrive by May 15th or just be postmarked by that date?
A: Your protest must be postmarked by May 15th, not necessarily received by that date. We strongly recommend using certified mail with a return receipt requested to prove your protest was mailed on time. If you're cutting it close to the deadline, consider using the online iFile system instead, which provides immediate confirmation.
Q: Can I get an extension on the protest deadline?
A: No, HCAD does not grant extensions to the May 15th protest deadline except in the specific circumstances outlined by law (such as military service on active duty). Even hospitalization or being out of town are not considered valid reasons for missing the deadline according to the Texas Property Tax Code.
Filing Process Questions
Q: I can't find my notice of appraised value. Can I still file a protest?
A: Yes! You can still protest without your notice. Visit the HCAD website (www.hcad.org) and search for your property by address. Once you locate your property, you can:
- Find your account number on your property record
- Request your iFile number through the website (they'll email it to the address on record)
- File using the online system or download and print a protest form
Q: I'm selling my house soon. Should I still protest?
A: Absolutely! Even if you're selling your home, filing a protest before the deadline can benefit both you and your buyer:
- If you sell before the protest is resolved, the lower value (if achieved) can make your home more attractive to buyers concerned about property taxes
- You can transfer protest rights to the new owner as part of the sale
- A successful protest establishes a lower baseline for next year's assessment, benefiting the new owner
Q: Can I protest if my property value decreased slightly from last year but I still think it's too high?
A: Yes. You can protest regardless of whether your value increased, decreased, or stayed the same. The only thing that matters is whether the current assessed value is higher than what you believe is the correct market value or if there's an unequal appraisal compared to similar properties.
Q: I already accepted an online settlement offer from HCAD. Can I still have a formal hearing?
A: No. Once you accept a settlement offer, you waive your right to proceed to a formal hearing for this tax year. Before accepting any settlement offer, make sure you're satisfied with the reduction offered. If you're not, reject the offer and proceed to your scheduled ARB hearing
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
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