Property taxes remain a major concern for Harris County homeowners, with higher tax rates translating into higher tax bills for property owners following Thursday's vote by Harris County Commissioner's Court to increase the county's tax rate.

While homeowners cannot control the tax rate adopted by County Commissioners Leslie Briones, Adrian Garcia and Rodney Ellis, there are steps property owners can take to make sure they are receiving every exemption for which they qualify and to prepare for the next property appraisal protest period according to experts.

The Harris Central Appraisal District, or HCAD, says exemptions reduce the portion of a property's value that is subject to taxation.