Blog > 2024 Guide to Protesting Property Taxes in Texas
As a homeowner in Texas, one of the biggest expenses you will face is property taxes. These taxes are calculated based on the value of your home and the rates set by local taxing authorities. While property taxes are necessary to fund essential public services, they can be a significant burden on homeowners, especially if your tax assessment is higher than it should be. Fortunately, Texas law provides a process for protesting your property tax assessment if you believe it is too high. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps involved in protesting property taxes in Texas.
Understanding Property Taxes in Texas
Before we dive into the process of protesting property taxes, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how property taxes are calculated in Texas. Property taxes are based on the appraised value of your home, which is determined by your local appraisal district. The appraisal district takes into account factors such as the size, age, and condition of your home, as well as the value of comparable homes in your area.
It’s important to note that appraisal districts are not perfect and can make mistakes. Factors such as renovations, additions, or changes in the local real estate market can cause your home’s value to increase or decrease, affecting your tax assessment. If you believe that your home’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to protest it.
Preparing for a Property Tax Protest
Before you file a property tax protest, it’s essential to gather evidence to support your case. This evidence should include recent sales data for comparable homes in your area, information on any repairs or upgrades you’ve made to your home, and any other relevant information that could affect your home’s value. You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the appeals process and the potential outcomes of your protest.
The timeline for filing a property tax protest varies depending on your county, but in most cases, you will have until May 15th to file. It’s important to keep this deadline in mind and file your protest as early as possible to ensure that you have enough time to prepare your case.
Filing a Property Tax Protest
Filing a property tax protest in Texas is a relatively straightforward process. You can file a protest online, by mail, or in person at your local appraisal district office. To file a protest, you’ll need to complete the necessary forms and submit any evidence you have gathered to support your case.
If you choose to file your protest in person, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with an appraiser and discuss your case. If you file your protest online or by mail, you’ll receive a notice of your hearing date and time.
Attending a Property Tax Hearing
Once you’ve filed your protest, you’ll need to attend a property tax hearing. At the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case in front of the appraisal review board. The board will consist of three to five members, including a chairman and two to four other members.
During the hearing, the board will ask you questions about your case, and you’ll have the opportunity to respond. It’s essential to be prepared and organized when presenting your case. Bring copies of all your evidence, and be ready to explain how it supports your argument.
Possible Outcomes of a Property Tax Protest
There are a few different outcomes that may result from a property tax protest. The most common is a reduction in your tax assessment, which will lower your property tax bill. However, it’s also possible that the appraisal review board may decide to maintain your current assessment or increase it.
If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of your protest, you can take further action by appealing the decision to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. However, this process can be time-consuming and expensive, so it’s essential to weigh the potential costs and benefits before deciding to appeal.
Conclusion
Protesting property taxes in Texas can be a daunting process, but it’s an important one for homeowners who believe that their tax assessment is too high. By understanding the process and gathering evidence to support your case, you can increase your chances of a successful protest. Remember to file your protest early, be prepared for your hearing, and consider all your options if you’re not satisfied with the outcome.
If you’re a Texas homeowner who believes that your property tax assessment is too high, I encourage you to take action and file a protest. With the right preparation and guidance, you can successfully lower your tax bill and save yourself money in the long run.
If you need help with gathering your property tax exemption recent sales data (comps) – call or email our team today:
P: 512-308-3244
We can also guide you to some great local companies that will file your protest on your behalf. Most of these companies do not charge anything until they actually save you money, and then take a percentage.
Travis County
Hays County
Williamson County
Bastrop County
Caldwell County