How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas
Helpful Information on How You Can Protest the Property Value Proposed with the Central Appraisal District
One of your most important rights as a taxpayer is your right to protest the property value that is proposed by the Central Appraisal District (CAD). Your protest would be reviewed either formally or informally by the appraisal review board (ARB). Have a question? Reach out to us anytime.
When you receive your Notice of Appraised Value:
• Verify that the appraisal is for the correct property and make sure that any exemption you are eligible for (i.e. homestead, over 65, etc.) is included
- If you believe the value assigned to your property is higher than what the market in your neighborhood would bear, you do have the option of protesting that value.
In most cases, you have until May 15 or 30 days from the date the appraisal district notice is delivered – whichever date is later.
After filing your protest, you will receive written notice of the date, time, place and subject matter for a formal hearing with the ARB. You may discuss your objections about your property value, exemptions and special appraisal in a hearing with the ARB. Most appraisal districts however, will informally review your protest with you to try to resolve your concerns prior to a hearing. Contact your local appraisal district for more information or for copies of protest forms.
Helpful Tips
- Use sales data of properties comparable to yours in size, age, location and type of construction.
- A REALTOR® can help you find sales of nearby homes comparable to yours or consider using an independent appraisal by a real estate appraiser.
- Review the appraisal district site information to make sure the property description and measurements of your property are correct.
- Consider providing evidence as to why you believe the appraised value is too high, for example, location related items such as locations near a railroad track or property related items such as a cracked foundation or roof that needs repair.
- Ask the appraisal district for all information it used to set the value of your property, to include copies of the data, schedules, formulas, and any other information that the appraisal district plans to introduce at the hearing.
- Consider the costs of preparing a protest against the potential tax savings. Preparing a protest may not be worth the time and expense if it results in only a small tax savings.