Guides & insights
Know your property taxes better than your county does.
Practical guides on protesting your appraisal, meeting county deadlines, and keeping every exemption you have earned.
Harris County
How to Protest Harris County Property Taxes: HCAD iFile & iSettle
A Harris County-specific guide to protesting your HCAD appraisal: filing in iFile, how iSettle offers work, requesting HCAD's evidence, and what to expect at an ARB hearing in Houston.
Sameer Ahmed · · 6 min read
Data
590,000 Houston-Area Homes Have No Homestead Exemption on File
We analyzed 3.6 million Texas appraisal records. In the Houston metro, 590,914 homes carry no homestead exemption, and the gap is widest in the ZIP codes that can least afford it.
Sameer Ahmed · · 7 min read
Data
Houston Property Values by ZIP Code: Who Protests and Who Doesn't
Median 2026 appraised values for every major Harris County ZIP code, plus the protest rates behind them. Homes over $700k protest at 65%. Homes under $150k: 24%.
Sameer Ahmed · · 6 min read
Guides
How to Protest Property Taxes in Texas: The Complete Guide
Every step of a Texas property tax protest: the May 15 deadline, filing online with your appraisal district, the evidence that wins, the informal and ARB hearings, and what to do if you lose.
Sameer Ahmed · · 7 min read
Explainers
Appraised Value vs. Market Value in Texas: Reading Your Notice
Your Texas appraisal notice shows a market value, an appraised value, and a taxable value, and they are often different numbers. Here is what each one means, why they diverge, and which one you can protest.
Sameer Ahmed · · 5 min read
Guides
Texas Homestead Exemption 2026: $140,000 Off and How to File
The Texas homestead exemption now removes $140,000 from school taxes ($200,000 if you're 65+) and caps taxable value growth at 10%. Who qualifies, how to file Form 50-114, and how to claim two years of refunds.
Sameer Ahmed · · 6 min read
Guides
Texas Over-65 and Disabled Property Tax Exemptions (2026 Guide)
Texas homeowners 65 or older or disabled get a $60,000 extra school exemption, a school tax freeze, quarterly payments, and the right to defer taxes entirely. Here is how each one works and how to claim it.
Sameer Ahmed · · 7 min read
Deadlines
Texas Property Tax Protest Deadline: May 15 and the Exceptions
The Texas property tax protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice, whichever is later. Here is how the rule works, what happens if you miss it, and the late-protest exceptions.
Sameer Ahmed · · 5 min read
Explainers
Texas Property Tax Rates by County: Houston, Austin, DFW (2025)
Adopted 2025 property tax rates for Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Travis, Williamson, Dallas, and Collin counties, what a typical bill looks like on the median home, and why your rate depends on your address.
Sameer Ahmed · · 6 min read
Deadlines
When Are Property Taxes Due in Texas? Dates, Penalties, Options
Texas property taxes are due January 31 and delinquent February 1. Here is the full penalty schedule month by month, the split and installment payment options, and how to avoid a late payment.
Sameer Ahmed · · 6 min read
Guides
How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax on Inherited Property (2026)
Good news: most heirs owe little or no capital gains tax on inherited property. Learn how the stepped-up basis works and 7 ways to legally avoid the rest.
Sameer Ahmed · · 10 min read
Commercial
Commercial Property Tax Appeals: How to File & Win in 2026
Learn how commercial property tax appeals work, when to file, what evidence wins, and whether to hire an attorney. Step-by-step guide with deadlines and costs.
Sameer Ahmed · · 9 min read
Explainers
Do Amish Pay Property Taxes? Yes, and Here's the Proof
Yes, the Amish pay property taxes, including school taxes for schools they don't use. See which taxes Amish pay, which they're exempt from, and why.
Sameer Ahmed · · 9 min read
Explainers
Is There a Federal Property Tax? No. Here's What Exists
There is no federal property tax in the U.S. Property taxes are state and local. Learn why, where the rumors come from, and how property touches federal taxes.
Sameer Ahmed · · 8 min read
Guides
Property Tax Loans Explained: How They Work & The Risks
What are property tax loans, and are they a good idea or a debt trap? An unbiased guide to how they work, what they cost, the risks, and cheaper alternatives.
Sameer Ahmed · · 10 min read
Guides
Tax Implications of Transferring Property Into a Trust 2026
Transferring property into a trust: revocable trusts trigger no tax, irrevocable trusts can mean gift tax, lost step-up, and more. Full 2026 guide by trust type.
Sameer Ahmed · · 10 min read
Explainers
Who Pays Property Taxes on a Land Contract? (The Buyer)
On a land contract, the buyer almost always pays the property taxes, even though the seller keeps legal title. Here's how it works, the risks, and state rules.
Sameer Ahmed · · 9 min read
Deadlines
USPS Policy Changes May Cause Late Property Tax Payments
USPS now postmarks mail at regional sorting centers, so your property tax payment can be marked late even if mailed on time. Here's how to protect yourself.
Sameer Ahmed · · 9 min read