How to Protest Your 2023 Property Taxes in Fort Worth

It’s that time of year where we have to talk about those 3 little words that all homeowners dread: Property Value Notice. AKA the infamous blue letter. I bet we all make that same sound when we open our mailbox to find the appropriately colored notice that dampens our spirits. Sadly, we can’t make taxes go away, but before you get too down in the dumps, it’s reassuring to know that you do have options when it comes to fighting back.

Two effective ways to accomplish lowering your tax bill are by applying for a homestead exemption and protesting your property tax valuation. Both methods require a bit of effort, but they can significantly impact your tax bill in a positive way. In this article, we'll delve into the details of each method and provide you with the information you need to take advantage of them.

Protesting Your Property Taxes

If you disagree with the assessed value of your property, you have the right to protest. The first step is to act quickly. The deadline to protest in Tarrant County is May 15th, so time is of the essence. If your taxes didn't increase or the increase was minimal, it may not be worth your time, money, or effort to protest. But if you believe you have a strong case, there are a few ways to proceed.

One option is to hire a professional property tax consultant to protest on your behalf. They will gather the necessary proof to argue against the higher assessment. If you're interested in going this route, our LEAGUE agents can recommend the right consultant for you.

Another option is to do it yourself, which can be more cost-effective but requires more effort on your part. It's important to have your evidence ready, such as a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine whether the property description and assessed value of your home is correct (Your LEAGUE agent can help you with this!). You should also take pictures of anything that needs to be updated, repaired, or replaced in your home, and know the conditions of comparable houses in your area, like upgrades and improvements.

To access your property appraisal information and appeal on the Fort Worth Appraisal District website (surrounding county websites linked at the end of this article), follow these steps:

  • Go to tad.org.
  • Click on the "Property Search" tab.
  • Enter your address and click "Search".
  • Click on your property to view the details.
  • If you decide to protest, click on the "Protest Online" button and follow the instructions.

After your protest has been submitted, a hearing will be scheduled. At the hearing, you'll have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case. The appraisal district will also present their evidence, and the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will make a decision on whether to uphold or lower the assessed value of your property.

If you're not satisfied with the ARB's decision, you can appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) or file a lawsuit in district court. Keep in mind that these options can be more time-consuming and expensive than the initial protest process.

Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption is a way to reduce the taxable value of your property and potentially save money on your property taxes. To be eligible for a homestead exemption in Texas, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1st of the tax year. The last day to file an exemption application with the Tarrant Appraisal District is April 30, 2023.

In Fort Worth, you can apply for a homestead exemption through the Fort Worth Appraisal District website. The application form can be downloaded and submitted online or by mail. Once your application is approved, your property taxes will be calculated based on the reduced taxable value of your property.

The amount of the homestead exemption varies depending on the type of property and your age or disability status. For example, the general homestead exemption for a primary residence is 20% of the assessed value, up to a maximum of $25,000. There are also additional exemptions available for seniors, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses of disabled veterans.

If you're eligible for a homestead exemption, don't forget to apply before the April 30th deadline to take advantage of this valuable tax savings opportunity!

Conclusion

In summary, protesting your property taxes and applying for a homestead exemption are two ways to potentially reduce your tax burden in Fort Worth. The protest process can be time-consuming and complex, but with the right evidence and support, you can successfully contest the assessed value of your property.

Remember, you don't have to go through the property tax protest process alone. Our LEAGUE agents are here to help, with years of experience and knowledge to guide you through the process. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in reducing your tax burden. With the right resources and support, you can successfully protest your property taxes and potentially save money in the long run.

*Surrounding County Websites and Resources:

Johnson County
Parker County
Hood County

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