How to Appeal Property Taxes in Dallas: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a homeowner in Dallas, Texas, dealing with rising property tax assessments, appealing your taxes could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about protesting property taxes in Dallas, from understanding the process to leveraging local trends, exemptions, and resources.

Understanding Property Taxes in Dallas

Property taxes in Dallas are determined by the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD). These taxes are based on three main factors:

• Appraised Value: The market value of your property as assessed by DCAD.
• Tax Rate: A percentage set by local taxing entities, such as the city, county, and school districts.
• Exemptions: Reductions in taxable value, such as homestead, senior citizen, or disabled veteran exemptions.

Dallas Property Tax Rates

Dallas property tax rates vary based on your taxing jurisdictions. For example:

• City of Dallas Rate: 0.7047%
• Dallas ISD Rate: 0.9972%
• Dallas County Rate: 0.2431%
• Average Total Property Tax Rate: Around 2.01%.

Rates are subject to annual adjustments based on local budgets and voter-approved measures. High-demand neighborhoods, such as Highland Park (75205) and Lakewood (75214), often have higher appraisals due to rising property values.

Popular Zip Codes and Tax Trends

Certain Dallas neighborhoods have experienced dramatic increases in property values:

• 75205 (Highland Park): Known for its luxury homes and rapid appreciation.
• 75230 (North Dallas): Features high-value properties with increasing assessments.
• 75206 (Lower Greenville): A hot spot for younger buyers and new developments.

Step-by-Step Guide to Appealing Property Taxes in Dallas

Review Your Appraisal Notice

Each spring, DCAD sends a notice of appraised value. Review this document for:

• Appraised Value: Does it accurately reflect your home’s market value?
• Property Details: Are there errors in square footage, lot size, or improvements?

What if your appraisal notice contains errors?

Gather documentation such as repair estimates, photos of damage, or comparable sales data to support your appeal.

Decide Whether to Protest

Protesting your property taxes is worth considering if:

• Your home’s appraised value exceeds its market value.
• Comparable homes in your neighborhood are assessed lower.
• Errors exist in your property’s description or condition.

File Your Protest

The protest deadline is May 15th or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice. File through:

• Online: Use DCAD’s uFile Online Protest System.
• Mail:  Submit the Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) to DCAD: Address: 2949 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75247.
• In Person: Deliver the form to the same address.

Gather Supporting Evidence

The quality of your evidence will determine the success of your appeal. Collect:

• Comparable Sales Data: Recent sales of similar homes in your area.
• Independent Appraisals: Professional assessments showing your home’s fair market value.
• Photos: Visual evidence of damage or needed repairs, such as foundation cracks or roof issues.

Attend the Informal Review

Once your protest is filed, you’ll have the option to meet with a DCAD appraiser during an informal review.

What happens during an informal review?

• Present your evidence to the appraiser.
• Discuss any discrepancies in the assessed value.
• If no agreement is reached, your protest will proceed to the formal hearing stage.

Prepare for the Formal ARB Hearing

The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing is your opportunity to present your case to a panel of independent reviewers. During the hearing:

• Clearly explain why your home’s appraised value is incorrect.
• Use data and visuals to support your argument.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your property.

What happens if you’re dissatisfied with the ARB decision?

You can pursue binding arbitration or file a court appeal for further review.

Dallas Property Tax Exemptions

Dallas homeowners can apply for the following exemptions to lower their tax burden:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces taxable value by up to 20% for primary residences.
• Over-65 or Disabled Exemption: Offers additional savings for qualifying homeowners.
• Veteran Exemptions: Based on service-related disability percentages.
• Disaster Exemptions: Temporary reductions for homes damaged by hurricanes or flooding.

Visit DCAD’s exemptions page for details and application forms.

Dallas Property Tax Trends

• Rising Home Values: Dallas home values have increased significantly in recent years, driving up property tax bills.
• Neighborhood Growth: Areas like Oak Cliff (75208) and Bishop Arts District (75203) have become highly desirable, resulting in higher assessments.
• Legislative Changes: Recent laws cap annual appraisal increases for homestead properties at 10%.

How Abode Can Help

Navigating the property tax appeal process can be complicated, but Abode makes it easier:

• Localized Data: Access comparable sales data in your Dallas zip code.
• Streamlined Filing Tools: Submit your protest quickly and accurately.
• Exemption Assistance: Ensure you’re taking full advantage of available tax savings.

Start saving on property taxes in Dallas today with Abode.

Final Thoughts

Appealing your property taxes in Dallas can result in significant savings while ensuring a fair assessment of your property. By following this guide and using tools like Abode, you can simplify the process and maximize your chances of success.

File your Dallas property tax protest today!