Tax Rate

NOTICE ABOUT 2025 TAXES

This notice concerns the 2025 property tax rates for Harris County Department of Education. This notice provides information about two tax rates used in adopting the current tax year's tax rate. The no-new-revenue tax rate would Impose the same amount of taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both years. In most cases, the voter-approval tax rate is the highest tax rate a taxing unit can adopt without holding an election. In each case, these rates are calculated by dividing the total amount of taxes by the current taxable value with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value.

This year's no-new-revenue tax rate	$0.004725/$100
This year's voter-approval tax rate	$0.005127/$100

In 1935, the voters of Harris County, Texas, approved a maximum tax rate of $0.01 (one cent) per $100 valuation of property for Harris County Department of Education. Property taxes are levied by October 1 in conformity with Subtitle E. Texas Property Tax Code, on the assessed value listed as of the prior January 1 for all real and business personal property located in Harris County, Texas. Taxes are due upon receipt of the tax bill in October. On January 1 of each year, a tax lien attaches to property to secure the payment of all taxes, penalties, and interest ultimately imposed. Taxes become delinquent if not paid before February 1. On July 1, additional penalties and interest are imposed on unpaid taxes. Property tax revenues are considered available when they become due or past due and receivable within the current period.

Appraised values are established by the Harris County Appraisal District (“HCAD”) of Harris County, Texas. Taxes are levied by the Department’s Board of Trustees based on the appraised values received from HCAD. Billing and collection of tax levies are performed by the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.

The Department’s property tax rates, established in accordance with state law, are levied for use in financing the Department’s general government (maintenance and operations - “M&O”) expenditures. The Department does not have a debt service rate. Allowances for uncollectible taxes are based on historical experience in collecting property taxes. Uncollectible personal property taxes receivable are written off after ten years and real property taxes receivable are written off after twenty years.

HCDE lowers tax rate 12 years in a row

Harris County Department of Education is committed to operating in a fiscally conservative manner. For the last 12 years, the Board of Trustees has systematically lowered the tax rate. This is only made possible through a sound business model, strong internal controls, and excellent business acumen by all division managers and the Superintendent.

For FY 26, HCDE adopted a tax rate of .004798, which amounts to approximately $11.52 per year for the average homeowner (with a homestead exemption) with an assessed value of $300,000.

Visit the Harris County Tax Office website for more information and assistance with property taxes.

Contact Us

Dr. Jesus J Amezcua
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services
6300 Irvington Blvd
Houston, TX 77022

Email: jamezcua@hcde-texas.org
Phone: 713-696-1371

Brenda Del Valle
Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent for Business Services
6300 Irvington Blvd
Houston, TX 77022

Email: brenda.delvalle@hcde-texas.org
Phone: 713-696-8249

For board inquiries, please contact

Jessica Bermea
Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees
6300 Irvington Blvd
Houston, TX 77022

Email: jbermea@hcde-texas.org
Phone: 713-696-8246

Tax Rate Calculator

Additional Tax Information

Tax Exemptions Explained

The Homestead Exemption is calculated by reducing the market value by $5,000 or 20%, whichever is greater. For example a home with a market value of $250,000 with a qualifying homestead exemption has a taxable value of $200,000 (20% is $50,000 and is reduced from the market value). The taxes due will be calculated using the $200,000.

The Over 65 Exemption is calculated by reducing the market value by $229,000. For example a home with a market value of $250,000 has an Over 65 Exemption so the taxable value is $21,000. ($250,000 less $229,000). The taxes due will be calculated using the $21,000.

The Disabled Exemption is calculated by reducing the market value by $229,000. For example a home with a market value of $250,000 has a Disabled Exemption so the taxable value is $21,000. ($250,000 less $229,000). The taxes due will be calculated using the $21,000.

The Survivor Exemption is calculated by reducing the market value by $229,000. For example a home with a market value of $250,000 has a Survivor Exemption so the taxable value is $21,000. ($250,000 less $229,000). The taxes due will be calculated using the $21,000.

Disclaimer: The estimates above are based on information that you have provided and are calculated using a hypothetical example. HCDE does not warrant or certify the accuracy of any values or tax amounts on this page. This shows only the amount due to HCDE. For tax value information, go to: www.HCAD.org. For information on tax payments, go to: https://www.hctax.net/

Other exemptions available: Over 65 exemption and Disabled Exemption. These exemptions must be applied for and granted by the Harris County Appraisal District.

Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Fiscal Year 2023-2024

Fiscal Year 2022-2023

Fiscal Year 2021-2022

Fiscal Year 2020-2021

Fiscal Year 2019-2020

Harris County Department of Education is committed to operating in a fiscally conservative manner. Looking out for taxpayers, HCDE’s Board of Trustees voted to save taxpayers money by lowering the tax rate for the fifth consecutive year in 2019. The continued lowering of the tax rate is possible due to a sound business model, strong internal controls and excellent business acumen by all division managers. For 2020 the Board of Trustees adopted a lower rate than 2019.

HCDE’s adopted tax rate is 0.004993 per $100 assessed property value for tax year 2019 and 2020. For the average taxable value of a home in Harris County with a homestead exemption, or $182,484, the tax equates to $9.11 a year.

Ordinance to set Tax Rate

Board Presentation September 18, 2019 - Tax Rate

Property tax rates published in Houston Chronicle

Effective Tax Rate and Rollback Tax Rate Worksheet

Tax Rate

For board inquiries, please contact

Your Appraised Home Value: