How to Protest Your Property Tax Assessment in Texas

So, you've opened your property tax assessment and nearly spilled your coffee. We’ve all been there. Texas property taxes can be a big hit, but there’s some good news—you have the right to protest your bill. If you think your property’s appraised value is off, and you're getting taxed more than you should, it’s time to take action. Here's a step-by-step guide to protesting your property taxes in Texas, explained in a way that's easy to follow (even if you've never done this before).

What Is a Property Tax Appeal?

Let’s start with the basics: A property tax appeal is your formal request to have your home’s appraised value (the basis for your tax bill) reassessed. Appraisal districts might overvalue your home, meaning you’re paying more taxes than necessary. Protesting allows you to challenge that valuation and potentially lower your tax bill.

The Deadline: Don’t Miss It

The property tax protest deadline is critical—miss it, and you’re stuck with that bill. In Texas, you must file a protest by May 15 or 30 days after you receive your assessment, whichever is later. This gives you a tight window, so mark your calendar and set that reminder.

Step-by-Step Guide to Protest Property Taxes in Texas

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s the process broken down into easy steps:

1. Review Your Assessment Notice:

• First, carefully review your notice for inaccuracies, like inflated square footage or incorrect property details.
• Gather evidence that supports your case, such as recent sales data from similar homes in your neighborhood.

🏠 Continue reading: The $3,000 Question: Is Your Texas Property Tax Assessment Inflated?

2. File Your Protest:

• You can file your protest online, by mail, or in person through your local County Appraisal District (CAD) website. Most counties in Texas offer online protest portals, which makes the process super easy. Just submit a Notice of Protest form.

3. Prepare Your Evidence:

• This is where you get to build your case. Compile evidence like photos of your property, reports of necessary repairs, or sales data from comparable homes.
• You might also want to hire a property tax consultant or use tools like the ones Abode offers to review your appraisal and gather data for you.

4. Attend Your Hearing:

• Once your protest is filed, you’ll be assigned a hearing date with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The hearing can happen in person, by phone, or via video conference, depending on your county’s setup.
• You’ll present your evidence and explain why you believe the appraisal is too high. Be polite, clear, and stick to the facts.

5. Await the Decision:

• The ARB will make a ruling based on your evidence and the assessor’s information. If you win, your property tax bill could drop significantly.

Expert Tips to File and Win Your Protest

1. Know Your Neighborhood: Compare the appraisal values of similar homes in your neighborhood. This data is your strongest defense. If a comparable house was appraised lower, you’ve got a case.
2. Document Everything: Take photos, document any property damage, and keep receipts for necessary repairs. Show them why your home might not be worth as much as they think.
3. Hire a Consultant: If the process feels overwhelming, bring in a professional. Many tax consultants work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if they lower your bill. Abode will help guide you through this.
4. Use an Online Tool: Some appraisal districts offer online tools to submit protests. It’s convenient and allows you to track your protest status easily.

🏠 Continue reading: Insider Tips for Winning Property Tax Appeals in Texas

Do You Have to File In-Person or Online?

You can file both in-person and online, depending on your county’s rules. However, most major Texas counties (like Travis, Harris, and Dallas) offer easy-to-use online portals. Filing online is faster and can save you the hassle of going in person, but if you’re old-school, you can still walk into the office and submit everything by hand.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If you miss the deadline, it’s not the end of the world—but you’ll have to wait until next year to file again. Missing the deadline locks in your tax bill for the year, so set those reminders early. Don’t procrastinate!

Can You Do It Alone or Should You Hire Someone?

Yes, you can absolutely file your property tax protest on your own. But, depending on how complicated your case is or how much time you have, hiring a professional might be worth it.  Here at Abode, we are experts in navigating the system and can save you a lot of stress (and money).

Filing a Property Tax? Abode can Help! 

At Abode, we specialize in making property tax protests painless. We can help you evaluate your home’s appraisal, gather the evidence you need, and file the protest on your behalf. Plus, we’ll track the process and keep you updated at every step. Don’t pay more than you should—let Abode help you lower your property taxes with ease.

Ready to get started?Sign up for Abode today and see how much you could save on your Texas property taxes!