How to: Protest Property Taxes

Texas Laws: Protesting Property Taxes

One of the biggest expenses that homeowners have to deal with is property taxes. It can be frustrating to see a significant increase in your property taxes without any explanation. Fortunately, homeowners have the legal right to protest their property taxes. In this blog, we'll explain how property tax protests work in Texas, and why it's important for both buyers and sellers in the real estate market.

How it Works?

The first step in protesting your property taxes is to file a protest with your local appraisal district. The deadline for filing your protest is May 15th, or 30 days after the appraisal district sends your property tax notice, whichever is later. Once you file your protest, you'll be scheduled for a hearing with the appraisal district. During the hearing, you'll have the opportunity to present evidence to support your claim that the appraisal district has undervalued or overvalued your property. This evidence could include recent property sales in your neighborhood, home improvements you've made that haven't been taken into account, or appraisals from independent appraisers.

Why is it Important?

Protesting your property taxes is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it can save homeowners a significant amount of money. Property taxes are based on the appraised value of your property, so if your appraisal is too high, you're paying more than you should be in taxes. By protesting your appraisal and getting it lowered, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. This can be especially important for older homeowners who are on a fixed income and need to keep their expenses as low as possible.

Secondly, property tax protests can have a significant impact on the real estate market. When property taxes are too high, it can make a home less affordable for potential buyers, which can lead to decreased demand and lower property values. By protesting your property taxes and getting them lowered, you're not only saving money for yourself, but you're also making your home more affordable for potential buyers. This can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.

Conclusion

Protesting your property taxes can be a complex process, but it's an important tool for homeowners who want to keep their expenses under control. By filing a protest and presenting evidence to support your claim, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. Additionally, lowering your property taxes can make your home more affordable for potential buyers, which can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price. With the deadline for filing protests approaching, now is the time to start the process and get the savings you deserve.