Harrison County Appraisal District

If you believe the Harrison County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that assessment. Understanding the process gives you the best chance of achieving a fair result.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Harrison County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Harrison County Appraisal District. Contact the district directly at 903-935-1991 or visit their website at http://www.harrisoncad.net for forms and filing instructions. Note that an online filing portal is not currently available through Harrison CAD, so protests must be submitted by mail or in person at the district office.

Build Your Case

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Gather documentation that supports a lower valuation, including recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, a recent independent appraisal, photographs of property damage or deterioration, and any repair estimates for structural issues. The appraisal district's own records — accessible through their website — can help you identify comparable properties and check whether your property data is accurate.

The Informal Hearing

Most protests begin with an informal meeting between the property owner and an appraisal district staff member. This is often where settlements are reached. Come prepared with organized documentation and a clear argument tied to market value or unequal appraisal.

The Formal ARB Hearing

If the informal meeting does not produce a satisfactory result, your case proceeds to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is an independent panel that reviews evidence from both you and the appraisal district before issuing a binding determination.

After the ARB Decision

If you disagree with the ARB's ruling, further appeal options include binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or district court. Chief Appraiser J.L. Flowers oversees the Harrison County Appraisal District, and the office can answer procedural questions at 903-935-1991.

1. What is the protest deadline for Harrison County property taxes?

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Harrison County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed — whichever date falls later. If you received your notice late in the season, the 30-day window may extend your deadline beyond May 15. Always check the date printed on your notice and count carefully, because late filings are not accepted.

2. How do I file a protest with the Harrison County Appraisal District?

Because Harrison CAD does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the appraisal district office. You can download the Notice of Protest form from http://www.harrisoncad.net or request one by calling the district at 903-935-1991. Make sure your completed form is received — not just postmarked — by the applicable deadline if you are hand-delivering it.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Harrison County?

Harrison County property owners who occupy their home as a primary residence are eligible for a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional exemption of $200,000. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% qualify for a $5,000 exemption. These exemptions directly reduce the taxable value of your property, which lowers your overall tax bill.

4. What should I bring to my ARB hearing at Harrison CAD?

Preparation is the single most important factor in a successful Appraisal Review Board hearing. Bring printed copies of your evidence for the board members and the district's representative — typically at least three sets. Useful evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties in Harrison County, a licensed appraisal, photographs showing physical deficiencies, and any documentation that contradicts the data the appraisal district used to value your property. Presenting your argument concisely and tying every piece of evidence directly to a specific dollar impact on value will make the strongest impression.

Filing a property tax protest in Harrison County requires attention to detail, particularly because the Harrison County Appraisal District does not offer an online submission option. Here is how to approach the process efficiently.

Confirm your filing method before the deadline. Since online filing is not available through Harrison CAD, plan to submit your Notice of Protest by mail or in person. If mailing, send your form early enough to ensure it arrives by the May 15 deadline or within 30 days of your notice date. Using certified mail with return receipt gives you proof of delivery.

Pull your property record first. Before filing, visit http://www.harrisoncad.net to review the appraisal district's data on your property. Look for errors in square footage, lot size, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or property condition. A factual error in the district's records is one of the fastest ways to achieve a reduction.

Document everything in writing. When you call 903-935-1991 to ask procedural questions or request forms, note the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with. Written records protect you if any dispute arises about what information you were given.

Organize your comparables carefully. Harrison County's real estate market has its own pricing patterns. When selecting comparable sales to support your protest, focus on properties in the same neighborhood or school zone, with similar age, size, and condition. Sales from the prior calendar year carry the most weight with the ARB.

Request the appraisal district's evidence packet. Once your protest is filed, you are entitled to receive the evidence the district intends to use at your hearing. Request this packet as early as possible so you have time to prepare a targeted rebuttal before your scheduled hearing date.