Property Tax Consultants Harris County Appraisal District

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday   8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Harris County Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas and is responsible for establishing and maintaining accurate property values for all real and business personal property.

The following cities and towns are serviced by the Harris County Appraisal District:
Houston, Bellaire, West University, South Houston, Baytown, Tomball, Katy, Bunker Hill, Deer Park, El Lago, Friendswood, Hedwig Village, Humble, Jacinto City, Kemah, La Porte, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Seabrook, Spring Valley, Webster and a number of other cities and tax entities.

Appraisal District Board of Directors:

The Appraisal District Board of Directors Role, in the Property Tax System, is to hire the chief appraiser, set the budget, and appoint the appraisal review board members.  The board of directors has no authority when it comes to setting the values or any being involved in any of the appraisal methods utilized by the chief appraiser.  The chief appraiser’s responsibility is to carry out the appraisal district’s legal duties, hire staff members, property appraisals, and manage the appraisal office.

Chief Appraiser:
Jim Robinson

The members of ARB are private citizens appointed for two-year terms and are permitted to serve a maximum of three terms. Property owners and the appraisal district go to the ARB to dispute taxation values. The ARB is also charged with ensuring that the chief appraiser has granted exemptions and special-use appraisals properly. Taxing units and taxpayers may come before the ARB and challenge appraisals, exemptions, and inclusion of property on the rolls, situs, and other matters.

Facts about Houston Property Tax

Each year, assessment errors cost Houston businesses thousands in inflated commercial property taxes. Unfortunately, reviewing and disputing your Notice of Appraised Value takes time that most busy entrepreneurs simply don’t have. If that’s the case, consider hiring a reputable team of property tax consultants who specialize in Harris County property tax issues.

Worried about how to select the right consultant to appeal your Harris County  property taxes? Keep the following points in mind as you weigh your options.

• Rely on trustworthy friends and business associates. Selecting a qualified, professional lawyer for Houston Texas property tax relief is not as easy as flipping to an ad in the phonebook. Find a proven consultant by asking for recommendations from people you trust. This will help you narrow your list of choices.
• Gather information. Before hiring property tax consultant, look into their credentials by visiting the firm’s website, looking at online user comments and interviewing staff members over the phone. Referrals are always good, but there’s no substitute for conducting your own research.
• Meet with the attorney before making a decision. It’s easier to get a feel for the attorney and his staff during a face-to-face consultation. Remember to inquire about how the firm will handle the appeal of your Houston Texas property taxes. Find out who attends the hearings, how you can get in touch with the an property tax consultant attorney and his staff—and how often you can expect an update on your case.
• Conduct online research and ask the consultant what organizations he or she belongs to. Skilled, professional firms should belong to national organizations like the Texas Association of Property Tax Professionals (TAPTP) or the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO). It’s also wise to check into unresolved Better Business Bureau complaints.

Finally, before you hire a consultant to appeal your Houston property tax rate, inquire about the firm’s case record. Most property tax professionals are willing to provide potential clients with data that supports their track record, but you can also inquire about the records at your regional courthouse.

Commercial property tax in Houston can be confusing, so it’s important to choose an experienced consultant who will guide you successfully through the process. Call P.E. Pennington and Co. today to schedule your Houston Texas property tax relief consultation, to inquire about our hourly, straight and contingency fee schedules, or to learn more about our team of tax experts.