Step-By-Step Guide
How to Protest Your Property Taxes
A complete guide to protesting your property tax assessment in Texas and potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars.
The Property Tax Protest Process
Follow these six steps to protest your property taxes in Texas. The process is straightforward, and with the right evidence, most homeowners can achieve a reduction.
Check Your Notice of Appraised Value
Each spring, your county appraisal district mails a Notice of Appraised Value. Review it carefully to see if your home's assessed value increased. Even if you didn't receive a notice, you can look up your property's value on your county appraisal district's website.
File Your Protest Before the Deadline
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Texas is typically May 15th, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed — whichever is later. You can file online through your county appraisal district's website or by mail. Filing is free.
Gather Your Evidence
Strong evidence is the key to a successful protest. You'll need comparable property assessments, recent sales data, and any documentation of issues affecting your home's value (foundation problems, needed repairs, etc.). This is where our reports save you hours of research.
Attend Your Informal Hearing
After filing, you'll be scheduled for an informal hearing with an appraiser. This is a one-on-one meeting where you present your evidence. Many protests are resolved at this stage with a negotiated reduction.
Formal Hearing (If Needed)
If you're not satisfied with the informal hearing result, you can proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Present your evidence to the panel, and they'll make a binding determination on your property's value.
Receive Your Reduction
If successful, your assessed value will be lowered and your tax bill will be recalculated. The savings apply to the current tax year and can carry forward, potentially saving you money year after year.
Pro Tips for a Successful Protest
Maximize your chances of getting a reduction with these tips from our experienced property tax consultants.
Need help with your evidence?
Our property tax reduction reports give you professionally prepared evidence — comparable properties, market data, and proper adjustments — all ready to present at your hearing.