Typical Protest Timeline
The Harris County property tax protest process takes time. Here is a general timeline of what to expect after you file your protest. Keep in mind that timelines can vary depending on the total number of protests filed each year.
Before May 15 — File Your Protest
Submit your protest through iFile before the May 15 deadline. You will receive a confirmation number.
Late May to July — iSettle Offers
HCAD reviews protests and may send settlement offers through iSettle. Check your iFile account and email regularly. Respond within the deadline (usually 5 to 7 business days).
June to September — Informal Hearings
If iSettle does not resolve your case, you will be scheduled for an informal hearing. You will receive a notice with the date, time, and location (or phone/video instructions).
July to November — Formal ARB Hearings
If the informal hearing does not resolve your case, the formal ARB hearing follows. This can take several months depending on the backlog.
Resolution — New Value Confirmed
Once your protest is resolved (through iSettle, informal hearing, or ARB), your new assessed value is finalized and your tax bill will be calculated based on the new value.
Note about tax bills: You may receive a property tax bill before your protest is resolved. This is normal. If your protest results in a lower value, you will receive a corrected bill or a refund for any overpayment.
How to Check the Status of Your Protest
You can check on your protest at any time using these methods:
iFile Portal
Log in to your iFile account at iFile. Your protest status will be shown on your property page. Look for status labels like "Pending," "Hearing Scheduled," "Settled," or "Closed."
This is the best way to check your status because it is updated in real time and will show any iSettle offers or hearing notices.
HCAD Website
Go to HCAD, search for your property, and look at the property detail page. If your protest has been resolved, the assessed value shown will reflect the new value.
Note that the HCAD property value may not update immediately after a settlement. It can take a few weeks for the new value to appear.
Call HCAD
If you cannot find the information online, you can call HCAD's main line at (713) 957-7800. Have your account number ready. The phone lines can be busy during peak protest season (May through August), so calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon may result in shorter wait times.
What Happens If You Win
If your protest results in a lower assessed value (which happens in approximately 88% of Harris County protests), here is what you can expect:
Your assessed value is reduced
The new, lower value becomes your official assessed value for the current tax year. This directly reduces the amount of property tax you owe.
Your tax bill is adjusted
Your property tax bill will be recalculated based on the new value. The exact savings depends on the reduction amount and the tax rates set by each taxing entity (county, school district, etc.).
You may receive a refund
If you already paid your tax bill at the higher value, you will receive a refund for the overpayment. If you pay through an escrow account (through your mortgage company), the refund goes to your escrow account, and your monthly mortgage payment may decrease at the next escrow analysis.
The reduction is for the current year only
Your protest result applies to the current tax year. Next year, HCAD will set a new assessed value, and you may need to protest again if the new value is too high. Many homeowners protest every year.
What Happens If You Lose
If your protest does not result in a reduction (or if the ARB sides with HCAD), your assessed value remains unchanged. However, you still have options:
Your value stays the same
There is no penalty for protesting and losing. Your value does not go up because you protested. It simply stays at the level HCAD originally set.
You can protest again next year
Losing a protest one year does not prevent you from protesting in future years. You can protest every single year if you believe your value is too high. In fact, many successful protesters do exactly that.
The Binding Arbitration Option
If you are unsatisfied with the ARB's decision and your property has an appraised value of $5 million or less, you have the option of binding arbitration. This is an alternative to filing a lawsuit in district court and is generally simpler and less expensive.
How Binding Arbitration Works
- You must request arbitration within 60 days of receiving the ARB's written order
- You file a request with the Comptroller's office and pay a deposit (typically $500, refundable if you win)
- An independent arbitrator (not affiliated with HCAD or the ARB) hears your case
- The arbitrator's decision is final and binding for both you and HCAD
- This is less formal and less expensive than filing a lawsuit
Most homeowners do not need to pursue arbitration. The vast majority of protests are resolved through iSettle or the informal hearing. Arbitration is a backstop for cases where you have strong evidence but received an unfavorable result from the ARB.
District Court as a Final Option
You also have the right to appeal the ARB decision to district court. This involves filing a lawsuit against the appraisal district. This option is more expensive and time-consuming, and most homeowners do not pursue it. If you are considering this route, consulting with a property tax attorney is advisable.
Important Reminders
Pay your tax bill on time even if your protest is still pending. Penalties and interest accrue on unpaid taxes regardless of whether you have an open protest. If your protest results in a reduction, you will receive a refund.
Check for your homestead exemption if you have not already filed one. This is separate from protesting and provides a different kind of tax savings. You can check and file at HCAD.
Keep copies of everything — your confirmation number, any settlement agreements you sign, the ARB order, and your evidence packet. These may be useful if you protest again next year or need to reference your case history.
Plan to protest next year too. Property values are reassessed annually. Even if you win this year, HCAD may increase your value again next year. Many experienced homeowners make protesting an annual habit.