Property tax rates for 2026 are officially set across the Houston area, and Harris County homeowners are facing what local outlets are calling the largest increase in county history. Montgomery County's change was much smaller. Here's what changed, the simple math behind your bill, and three things worth doing now.
The short version: Harris County's combined county rate rose from$0.6241 to $0.6715 per $100 of taxable value, or about $142 more a year on a $300,000 home, according to ABC13. Montgomery County's rate rose $0.009 per $100, which works out to just over $30 a year for the median homeowner, per Community Impact.
What changed in Harris County
In mid-September, Harris County commissioners voted 3-1 to raise the combined county tax rate from $0.6241 to $0.6715 per $100 of value, ABC13 reported. That combined rate covers four taxing units: the county, the flood control district, the Port of Houston and the hospital district.
The increase helps close a projected $180 million budget gap, according to the Houston Chronicle. The county's new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.
If you live in Cypress, Humble, Tomball or most of Spring, this is your county rate.
What it means for your bill
ABC13 estimates the new rate adds about $142 a year on a $300,000 home and about $188 a year on a $400,000 home.
Keep in mind that's only the county's share. Your total bill also includes your school district and your city or MUD (municipal utility district), each with its own rate.
How Montgomery County compares
Montgomery County commissioners approved a much smaller increase of $0.009 per $100 of value, on a 3-2 vote. Community Impact reports that works out to just over $30 a year for the median homeowner. Montgomery County includes Conroe, Magnolia and most of The Woodlands.
Property tax math in 30 seconds
Tax rates are charged per $100 of your home's taxable value, which is its appraised value minus any exemptions.
Here's the shortcut: on a $300,000 taxable value, every 1 cent of rate costs about $30 a year. Harris County's rate went up 4.74 cents, and 4.74 × $30 ≈ $142. That's where the estimate above comes from.
To estimate the county's share for your own home, divide your taxable value by 100, then multiply by the rate. For example, $300,000 ÷ 100 × $0.6715 ≈ $2,015 a year.
You can't protest the rate, but you can protest your value
Tax rates are set by taxing units like the county. What you can challenge is your home's appraised value. In most cases, you have until May 15 or 30 days after your appraisal notice is delivered, whichever is later, according to the Texas Comptroller.
3 things to do now
- Make sure your homestead exemption is on file. Harris County offers a 20% homestead exemption on a primary residence, which lowers the taxable value the rate is applied to. You can check your exemptions on your appraisal district's website: HCAD for Harris County or MCAD for Montgomery County.
- Ask about extra exemptions if you qualify. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who have a disability, may qualify for additional relief. You generally can't claim both.
- Start a protest folder now. Save photos of needed repairs, receipts, and notes on anything that affects your home's value, so you're ready when appraisal notices arrive in the spring.
Want a second set of eyes on your value?
When appraisal notices arrive, I'm happy to pull recent sales near you so you can see how your home's value compares. Email me anytime at [email protected].
This article first appeared in Houston at Home, my email newsletter with local news and a real estate perspective for Greater Houston homeowners. Subscribe here to get the next issue.
This article is for general information only and isn't tax or legal advice. For your situation, contact your county appraisal district or a tax professional. Ashauna Lindo, Real Estate Advisor, eXp Realty, LLC.
Sources
- ABC13: Harris County commissioners approve one of the largest tax rates in recent history
- Houston Chronicle: Harris County commissioners approve historic tax hike to bridge $180M deficit
- Community Impact: Montgomery County commissioners approve tax rate increase, budget
- Click2Houston: Steps homeowners can take as Harris County property taxes rise
- Texas Comptroller: Property tax protests
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