Harris County Reform Acts
Free & Clear Property Ownership Reform Act
Limited Taxing on Homesteaded Residential Property in Harris County, Texas
"Just imagine everything that you have worked for — Gone. In most cases people labor 15 to 30 years to pay for their homes."
Our current form of governing and taxing has become burdensome and outdated for the homeowners of Harris County. The time has come for a new chapter.
3 in 10
Harris County residents are homeowners bearing the full tax burden
7 in 10
Residents rent or lease — with no direct tax contribution required
15 Years
Proposed maximum property tax period under this Reform Act
4.5M
Residents of Harris County today
Harris County: A New Chapter
Harris County was founded in August of 1836 by the Allen Brothers — Augustus and John Allen — on land near the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. Could our county's founders have predicted that Houston, Texas would become the fourth most populous city in the nation?
Today we have a population of four and a half million residents. The time is perfect for Limited Taxing on Homesteaded Residential Property and the Harris County Shared Responsibility Act.
Roughly three in ten residents of Harris County are homeowners required by law to make a direct financial contribution to the Harris County tax base. Seven in ten residents rent or lease their homes — taking full advantage of county infrastructure, police and fire protection, schools, and roads — without being required by law to make a direct financial contribution.
Why Can't We Own Our Homes Free and Clear?
In life we have three necessities for survival: food, shelter, and clothing. A key element in the American dream for most people is homeownership — providing shelter and a lifetime of security for individuals and families.
Have you ever wondered why it's possible to own everything we purchase free and clear — except our homes? If you purchase a car and pay the taxes, it's yours. A watch, a suit — yours, free and clear. But in the case of homeownership, you are required to pay property taxes year after year.
If you fail to pay these taxes, your home will go into tax foreclosure. Every second Tuesday of each month, Harris County holds an auction to sell the homes and property of residents who have fallen behind on their property taxes.
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month — Harris County auctions homes of residents behind on property taxes.
The American Dream at Risk
You Can Own a Car Free & Clear — Why Not Your Home?
Every item you purchase — a car, a watch, a suit — becomes yours free and clear once paid for. Homeownership should be no different. The Free & Clear Property Ownership Reform Act would make that a reality for Harris County residents after 15 years of contributions.
The Reform Act
The Free and Clear Property Ownership Act
This Reform Act would call for Limited Taxing on Homesteaded Property in Harris County, Texas. After contributing to Harris County for fifteen years, the resident would own their property free and clear of any future taxing.
15
Years
Pay into the property tax system for 15 years — then own your home free and clear, forever.
15-Year Limited Taxing
Residents of Harris County pay into the current property taxing system for a period of fifteen (15) years on one homesteaded property.
Property Sales
If the property is sold, the next property owner pays into the taxing system for fifteen (15) years — resetting the clock for the new owner.
Inheritance
In the event of the death of a spouse or both original owners, the heirs pay an inheritance tax and contribute fifteen (15) years into the taxing system.
Data Integration
Establish a database between the Coroner's Office and taxing agencies to ensure accurate and timely property tax administration.
Our current form of governing and taxing has now become so large that it has become a burden on the very people that it was designed to serve and protect.
Sign the Petition