How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Central Texas
- Jenn Salladay
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Save money on your tax bill — you have the right, and the tools, to fight back
Your Assessed Value May Be Too High — Here's What to Do About It
Property taxes in Texas can increase year over year, but many homeowners don't realize they have the right to protest their property's assessed value. Protesting your property taxes can potentially lower your tax bill and save you money — especially if your home has been overvalued by your county appraisal district.
📌Critical Deadline
In Texas, the deadline to file a property tax protest is typically May 15
— or 30 days after your appraisal notice is delivered, whichever is later. Missing this deadline means losing your opportunity to protest for the year.
Why You Should Consider a Tax Protest
01 Your property value may be higher than current market value. Appraisal districts don't always get it right using mass pricing models. | 02 Comparable homes in your area may be valued lower, creating an unequal and unfair assessment. | 03 You may be overpaying in property taxes year after year without ever realizing it. |
"Even a small reduction in your assessed value can lead to meaningful savings on your annual property taxes."
Steps to Protest Your Property Taxes
1.
Review Your Appraisal Notice
Carefully check your property's assessed value and compare it to previous years. Look for significant jumps that may not reflect actual market conditions.
2.
Research Comparable Properties (Comps)
Look at similar homes in your area to see if your valuation is higher than others. The appraisal district's own data is publicly accessible and can be used against them.
3.
Gather Your Evidence
Build a strong case with documentation:
Recent comparable sales in your neighborhood
Photos of your property's condition
Repair estimates for any issues affecting value
4.
File Your Protest
You can typically file online through your county's appraisal district website. The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes once you have your notice in hand.
5.
Attend Your Hearing
Present your evidence clearly and confidently. Many hearings are now done virtually, making the process more convenient than ever. Come prepared with printed or digital copies of all your comps.
Tips for a Successful Protest
✔ Be organized and concise — appraisal review boards hear dozens of cases | ✔ Focus on factual data, not opinions or emotions |
✔ Use strong comparable sales as your primary evidence | ✔ Highlight any condition issues that affect your property's value |
Need Help? I'm Here for You.
If you have questions about your home's value or need help gathering comparable data, don't go it alone. We're happy to help guide you through the process and make sure you're well-prepared before your hearing.
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