Reviewed and updated October 16, 2026
Appraisal and collection are different jobs
The Harris Central Appraisal District determines appraised values and administers exemptions. Local taxing units adopt rates, and tax offices handle collection for the jurisdictions they serve. Your total bill can include several taxing units rather than a single county tax.
Closing documents may prorate estimated taxes between buyer and seller, but that calculation is not a guarantee of the final bill. Review the property account and ask your title company or servicer how taxes were handled at closing.
Review exemptions and any appraisal notice
If the property is your qualifying principal residence, review residence-homestead eligibility with the appraisal district. Other relief may depend on age, disability, veteran status or the taxing unit. Do not assume that a previous owner’s exemptions automatically apply to you.
Read your appraisal notice and its protest instructions promptly. Texas generally uses a May 15 or notice-based deadline, with rules and exceptions affecting the actual due date. Use the deadline applicable to your notice rather than relying on a generic date from an older article.
Keep the annual bill and federal records
Confirm the payment deadline directly with the collecting office, even if a mortgage servicer maintains an escrow account. Review escrow statements and verify that the tax payment was actually made. A monthly escrow deposit is not itself a property-tax payment to the taxing authority.
Keep the paid bill, settlement statement and improvement records. Federal deduction eligibility depends on itemizing and current limitations; local property-tax relief does not automatically determine the federal deduction. Bring these documents to your return-preparation appointment, especially after a purchase, refinance or ownership change.
Official sources
This guide provides general information. The rules depend on the tax year, jurisdiction and your circumstances. Ask our team which filing or planning steps apply to you.
