How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas
Rising property taxes can be a significant financial burden for homeowners and property investors alike. However, here's the good news: you have the legal right to protest your property tax appraisal and potentially save thousands of dollars annually. If you're a property owner in Texas, particularly in counties like Tarrant, Johnson, or Parker, understanding how to protest your property taxes is a must.
This blog will guide you through the process of protesting your property taxes in Texas, explain why doing so annually is essential, and how hiring professionals can make the process seamless and risk-free.
What Is a Property Tax Protest?
A property tax protest is a formal process where property owners dispute the appraised value of their property as determined by the county appraisal district. The appraised value directly impacts how much you owe in property taxes. If the value seems inaccurate or inflated, you have the right to challenge it through a property tax protest.
Protesting your property tax could result in a reduced assessed value, which translates to significant savings on your annual tax bill.
Why Every Property Owner Should Protest Annually
Even if your appraised value doesn't drastically increase each year, here are a few reasons why annual property tax protests are worth your time:
- Appraisal District Errors Are Common
County appraisal districts often use mass appraisal methods, which can result in errors. Mistakes in square footage, lot sizes, or property condition data can inflate your property's value unfairly. Protesting ensures these errors don't go unnoticed.
- Market Conditions Change
Property values fluctuate year to year, depending on market trends. By protesting annually, you ensure your property value accurately reflects current market conditions and not outdated data.
- There’s No Risk to Protest
The best part of protesting your property taxes is that it’s usually risk-free. Filing a protest doesn’t increase your taxes, and even if your protest doesn’t result in a reduction, you’re not penalized for trying.
- Small Reductions Add Up Over Time
Even minor reductions in your property tax bill can add up significantly over time. Protesting every year ensures you’re maximizing your savings on a continual basis.
- Texas Has High Property Taxes
Texas property taxes are among the highest in the country. With such a heavy tax burden, it’s essential to use every tool available to manage costs.
How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas
Now that you know why protesting annually is important, here’s a step-by-step guide to protesting your property taxes in Texas:
Step 1: Understand the Deadline
For most Texas counties, the protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mails you the appraisal notice, whichever comes later. Make sure to check your local county’s deadline and mark it on your calendar. You can search your 2025 appraisal values on your county below:
Tarrant County Appraisal Value Search
Johnson County Appraisal Value Search
Parker County Appraisal Value Search
Step 2: File a Notice of Protest
To start the process, you’ll need to file a notice of protest with your county's Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This can be done through the official protest form (Form 50-132) or a written notice that includes your property details and the basis for your protest.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Your protest will require strong evidence to support your claim. Collect documentation such as:
- Sales prices of comparable properties in your area
- Appraisal analysis of unequally appraised properties in your area
- Photos showing property damage or inaccuracies in the appraisal
- Records of recent repairs or improvements that may affect the value
Step 4: Request an Informal Meeting
Most appraisal districts offer the option of an informal meeting with a district appraiser before an ARB hearing. Use this opportunity to present your evidence and negotiate a lower value.
Step 5: Attend the ARB Hearing
If you're unable to reach an agreement informally, your case will go to a formal ARB hearing. Here, you’ll present your evidence and argue your case before a panel. It’s important to be prepared, concise, and professional during this process.
Step 6: Consider Arbitration or Further Appeals
If you're dissatisfied with the ARB's decision, you can appeal through binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or district court, depending on your property type and value.
Why Hire a Property Tax Protest Company?
While you can protest your property taxes on your own, hiring a property tax protest company can save you time, stress, and improve your chances of success.
Companies like Gill, Denson & Company specialize in handling property tax protests for both residential and commercial properties. They are a property tax protest company that operates on a contingency fee model, meaning you only pay if they successfully lower your property taxes. If they don’t save you money, you owe them nothing.
Exclusive Offer for LEAGUE Real Estate Clients
If you’re a LEAGUE Real Estate client, you’re eligible for discounted pricing when signing up with Gill, Denson & Company. Simply use the code LEAGUERE at signup.gilldenson.com to receive an exclusive 25% contingency fee rate on your protest.
