Navigating Property Tax Appeals in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Property taxes are a reality for Texas homeowners, forming a significant part of your annual expenses. With property values increasing, it's easy to feel like your tax bill is climbing faster than your home’s actual worth. 

The good news? If you believe your property tax assessment is inaccurate, you have the power to appeal it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what property taxes are, the appeal process step by step, and tips to help you win your appeal. By the end of it, you'll feel more confident in challenging your property tax assessment if it’s unfairly high. And remember, if you need expert assistance, Abode is here to help!

What is a Property Tax?

Property tax is an annual tax levied by local governments (cities, counties, and school districts) on real estate property. It’s calculated based on the assessed value of your home and land. In Texas, property taxes are a major source of revenue for schools, hospitals, and local infrastructure projects. The more your property is valued, the higher your tax bill. Unfortunately, sometimes the assessed value doesn’t reflect reality, and that’s where appealing comes in.

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Step-by-Step Process to Appeal Property Taxes in Texas

Review Your Property Tax Assessment Notice

Every year, you’ll receive a notice of appraised value from your local County Appraisal District (CAD). This document provides the assessed value of your property, which will be used to calculate your taxes. Review this assessment closely—errors such as overvalued square footage, incorrect condition, or recent sales data discrepancies might indicate an inflated value.

Research Comparable Properties

Look into how similar properties in your area are appraised. Use online resources or visit your CAD’s website to check the valuation of nearby homes. If similar properties are valued lower than yours, this could be a strong case for appeal.

File a Notice of Protest

The next step is to file a protest with your CAD. You must file within 30 days of receiving your notice, or by May 15, whichever comes later. The protest form can usually be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Make sure to state the reason for your protest—whether it's due to incorrect appraisal, unequal appraisal, or other discrepancies.

Present Your Evidence

Once the protest is filed, you’ll attend a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) to present your case. Bring as much documentation as possible to support your claim:

Recent sales data for comparable homes in your area.

Photographs of your property and any issues that may lower its value (damage, repairs needed, etc.).

Repair estimates or contractor quotes for fixing the damage.

The ARB Hearing

During the hearing, you'll present your evidence and arguments. The appraiser who assessed your property may also present their case. This is your opportunity to explain why you believe the assessment is incorrect and back it up with data. After both sides have made their arguments, the ARB will decide whether to adjust your property's assessed value.

3 Tips to Win Your Property Tax Appeal

Be Thorough in Your Research

Your best weapon in a property tax appeal is solid research. Take the time to gather recent sales data, research your neighborhood, and document any issues with your home that might lower its value. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case.

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Prepare a Compelling Argument

Be concise but clear in your argument. Break down your main points and focus on factual information like market values, physical issues with the property, and any discrepancies between your property and others in the area.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Professional Help

Filing a property tax appeal can be time-consuming and complicated. If the process feels overwhelming, consider working with a professional service like Abode. Our experts specialize in reviewing assessments, gathering the right evidence, and guiding you through the entire appeals process.

Consider Working with Abode

At Abode, we understand how stressful the property tax appeals process can be. Our goal is to simplify this for you. Whether it’s reviewing your property assessment, compiling strong evidence, or walking you through the hearing process, our experts are here to ensure you get the best possible outcome. We’ve helped countless Texas homeowners save hundreds—sometimes thousands—on their property tax bills, and we’re ready to help you too.

Conclusion

Property tax assessments aren’t set in stone, and you have the right to challenge them if they don’t seem fair. By knowing the appeals process and coming prepared with the right data, you can lower your tax bill and put more money back into your pocket. Remember, the deadline to file an appeal comes quickly, so act promptly!

If you're ready to start your appeal or just want some guidance, reach out to Abode. Our team is here to make sure your property taxes reflect the true value of your home—not a penny more.