A photo of someone working through their assessed property value on their house with the Robert J Fischer Team logo in the bottom right of the image.

Fight unfair Texas property tax appraisals! Need help fighting your property taxes? This guide equips you with the knowledge and steps to understand your appraisal, file a protest by the crucial May 15th deadline, and potentially win a lower value with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Don't let your hard-earned money go to waste – take action and fight for a fair property tax rate!

Understanding Your Texas Property Tax Appraisal

Every spring, Texas counties send out notices with the current year's property tax appraisals. It's crucial to carefully review your Notice of Appraised Value. Make sure the information aligns with your property details and that any applicable exemptions you qualify for (homestead, over 65, etc.) are reflected.

Challenging Your Appraisal: When to Protest

If you believe the assigned value on your Notice of Appraised Value is significantly higher than what similar properties in your neighborhood are selling for, you have the right to protest the appraisal. It's important to remember that local appraisers determine property value at market value as of January 1st.

Filing a Texas Property Tax Protest: The Deadline Looms 

Don't delay! The deadline to file a written protest is May 15th or 30 days after receiving the Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Missing this deadline means you lose the right to protest for the entire year.

Building Your Case: Evidence for the Appraisal Review Board

The stronger your case, the better your chances of successfully lowering your appraised value. Gather evidence to support your claim, such as:

  • Closing statements from your home purchase
  • Copies of purchase contracts for similar properties in your neighborhood that recently sold
  • Recent appraisals conducted by licensed appraisers
  • Engineer reports documenting any structural issues or repairs needed on your property
  • Photos of property defects that could potentially affect the value
  • A comparable market analysis (CMA) prepared by a real estate agent specializing in your area. This document should analyze recent sales of similar properties to estimate the fair market value of your own home.

The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Hearing

The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is an independent board composed of citizens who hear property owner protests and have the authority to adjust appraised values. If you file a protest on time, you'll be scheduled for a hearing to present your case directly to the ARB. Be prepared to clearly explain why you believe the appraised value is incorrect and present the evidence you've gathered.

Possible ARB Outcomes:

  • Granting your request: The ARB may agree with your assessment and lower your appraised value.
  • Referring your case: In some instances, the ARB may refer your case to a full board hearing for further consideration.
  • Scheduling a physical inspection: The ARB might decide to send an appraiser to inspect your property before making a final decision.
  • Denying your request: If the ARB denies your protest, you have the option to file a lawsuit against the appraisal district. However, this is a complex process and it's recommended to consult with an attorney specializing in property tax law.

Texas Property Tax Resources

For more information on the protest process and to obtain protest forms, contact your local appraisal district. You can find their contact details (phone numbers and physical addresses) online or by searching the Texas Comptroller's website.

Remember: By following these steps and taking action before the May 15th deadline, you can increase your chances of successfully protesting your Texas property tax appraisal and potentially saving significant money on your property taxes each year.

Central Texas Appraisal Districts

Bastrop County

Burnet County

Caldwell County

Hays County

Llano County

Travis County

Williamson County

  • 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, TX 78626
  • 512-930-3787
  • www.wcad.org

Texas Comptroller

 

All information provided deemed reliable but not guaranteed.