Navigating property taxes can often feel overwhelming, but understanding the process and available services can make it significantly easier. This guide is designed to help you understand your property tax statement and the various services available to manage and pay your property taxes effectively.
If you haven’t received your 2024 property tax statement by mail and are unable to access it online, there could be a few reasons why:
- Property Tax Account Not Yet Certified: The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) might not have finalized the certification of your property tax account.
- Opt-Out of Online Access: You may have previously requested to opt out of online viewing and access to your property tax account.
- Recent Change in Property Ownership: If there has been a recent change in ownership, the tax office might not yet have been officially notified.
- Account Under Review: Your property tax account could be undergoing a review before the billing process is completed.
It’s crucial to remember that you are still responsible for paying your property taxes by the due date, even if you haven’t received the physical statement. The deadline for 2024 property taxes is January 31, 2025. To find out your payment amount and ensure timely payment, please contact the Tax Office at 713-274-8000 or via email at [email protected].
To reinstate online access to your property tax account if you previously opted out, email [email protected]. Make sure to include your property address, account number, property owner’s email, and phone number in your email.
For efficient searching, if you encounter issues searching by name, please use your Property Tax Account Number or Property Address on the online portal.
Please be aware that the tax statement information available online is current as of the print date and may be subject to updates or corrections. Recent payments might not be reflected immediately. For official records, visit a Tax Office location or call 713-274-8000.
If your account isn’t displaying online despite owing property tax, it might be due to uncertified values from the appraisal district. Check with the Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) for the latest updates.
The Tax Office provides flexible payment options, accepting both full and partial property tax payments online using credit cards, debit cards, or e-Checks. You can also easily find your tax receipts on the current statement page or by clicking the “Property Tax Receipts” button.
Comprehensive Property Tax Payment Options
The Tax Office is dedicated to providing convenient Tax Service, offering various methods for both full and partial property tax payments. You can pay your property taxes online, in person, via mail, or by phone.
Note that a $30 administrative charge applies for incorrect payment information or payments rejected by your bank or service provider.
Paying Taxes from Previous Years
When making partial payments by mail or phone, payments are first applied to the current year’s taxes. If you owe taxes from both the current and previous years, you must pay the total amount due if using mail or phone to cover prior year taxes.
To pay ONLY prior year taxes, you must use the online or in-person payment methods at any branch location. These methods also allow you to split payments between current and prior year taxes. Online payments for prior year taxes will be applied starting with the oldest tax year first.
Accepted Payment Methods
Paying with Cash
Cash payments are accepted at all Tax Office locations during business hours.
Paying with Check or Money Order
Checks and money orders are accepted for payments made in person at Tax Office locations or by mail.
Acceptable forms include personal, business, cashier’s, and traveler’s checks.
Mail your checks and money orders to:
Annette Ramirez, Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector
P. O. Box 4622
Houston, TX 77210-4622
Ensure you write your Account Number on your payment and include the Payment Coupon. If you don’t have a coupon, mail to:
Annette Ramirez, Tax Assessor-Collector
Attn: Accounting
P.O. Box 3547
Houston, TX 77253-3547
For timely payments, please note:
- Payments sent via USPS must be postmarked by the last business day of January.
- Payments via UPS, FedEx, or other couriers must have a receipt date on or before the due date.
A dated receipt from these carriers serves as proof of timely mailing. Send courier payments to:
Annette Ramirez, Tax Assessor Collector
Attention: Property Tax Department
1001 Preston St.
Houston, TX 77002
Paying with E-Check
Electronic checks are a convenient tax service option and can be used:
- Online (click here)
- By phone using a touch-tone phone: 713-274-CARD (2273)
- Through your bank’s ‘Bill Pay’ feature
E-Check FAQs are available for more information.
Paying with Credit/Debit Card
Credit and debit cards, including American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and VISA, are accepted for tax service payments:
- Online (click here)
- By phone: 713-274-CARD (2273)
- In-person at all tax office locations.
A non-refundable convenience fee of 2.45% (minimum $1.00) is applied to all card payments.
Paying Your Property Tax Online
To pay online, start by accessing your tax statement from the Statement Search and Payment page. Then, click “Pay Online” to:
- Make full or partial payments by entering your desired amount.
- Pay for multiple accounts in one transaction using the “Add Additional Accounts” button.
- Allocate payments between current and prior year taxes.
Remember that online payments for prior year taxes are applied to the oldest years first.
Online transactions must be completed by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time on the due date to avoid penalties and interest. The $30 administrative charge also applies to online payments for incorrect information or rejected transactions.
Online Payment Methods: E-checks, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted for online property tax payments.
Paying with E-Check Online
To pay with an e-Check, ensure you have:
- Your property tax account number
- Payment amount
- Phone number
- Bank’s ABA routing number
- Checking account number
- Check number
Paying with Debit/Credit Card Online
For credit or debit card payments, you’ll need:
- Your property tax account number
- Credit or debit card details
A 2.45% convenience fee (minimum $1.00) applies to all card transactions.
Paying Your Property Tax by Phone
Harris County property taxes can be paid by phone 24/7. Call 713-274-2273 to make a payment.
You can use a combination of credit cards and/or e-Checks for phone payments.
Accepted cards include:
- American Express
- Discover
- MasterCard (credit and debit)
- VISA (credit and debit)
A 2.45% fee (minimum $1.00) is added to each card transaction.
Have this information ready for a smooth process:
- Tax bill account number
- Credit card or e-Check details
To check your amount due, click here.
Accessing Your Property Tax Receipt
Tax receipts are available online, reflecting data as of the print date. For official records, visit a Tax Office location.
Opting for Electronic Tax Bills
The Harris County Tax Office offers paperless electronic property tax bills. Registration for 2024 is closed, but you can register for 2025 and onwards.
IMPORTANT: Choosing electronic delivery means you will no longer receive paper bills by mail, as per Texas Property Tax Code §31.01. Review all regulations related to your property tax account before opting in.
Multi-Account Management
For managing payments for 5 or more accounts, the multi-account manager provides a streamlined tax service.
