HARRIS COUNTY KEY DATES
A simple reference guide for Houston-area rental property owners
January 31 — Property taxes due
Property taxes for Harris County are due by January 31 each year. Payments made after this date may be subject to penalties and interest. This applies to rental properties, commercial properties, and non-homesteaded real estate.
To access the Harris County Tax Office website for more information and to make payments, click here.
April 15 — Business Personal Property (BPP) rendition deadline
Landlords who own business personal property — such as appliances, equipment, or furnishings used in rentals — may be required to file a rendition with the Harris County Appraisal District.
Filing helps establish accurate values and can prevent estimated assessments. Forms are usually mailed by February 1st, but it is the business’s responsibility to get one from the local appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller’s website if not received. Additional details can be found on the HCAD website. Click here to learn more.
April 30 — Homestead exemption deadline
This deadline applies to primary residences, not rental properties, but it’s included here because many landlords previously lived in their properties or are house-hacking.
If a property’s use has changed, it’s important to confirm exemptions are accurate. For more detailed information from HCAD, click here. To electronically file your residential homestead exemption online via the HCAD mobile app, click here.
May 15 — Appraisal protest deadline
Property owners generally have until May 15 — or 30 days from the date their appraisal notice is mailed — to file a protest with the Harris County Appraisal District.
Even small adjustments can affect long-term tax obligations, so awareness of this window matters. To access the step by step details on how to protest your property appraisal, click here. The property tax protest form can be downloaded here.
July–August — Appraisal Review Board hearings
This is typically the period when appraisal protests are heard and finalized. Decisions made here usually determine the taxable value for the year.
October — Tax rates adopted
Local taxing authorities adopt tax rates during the fall. While bills arrive later, this is a helpful planning milestone for the year ahead.
Optional Updates and Reminder
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