Fight Your Property Taxes in Texas
Fighting your property taxes in Texas involves a structured process that includes filing a protest, gathering evidence, attending hearings, and potentially appealing decisions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
Step 1: File a Notice of Protest
If you believe your property's appraised value is too high or incorrect, you have the right to protest.Submit a completed Notice of Protest Form (Form 50-132) to your county's Appraisal Review Board (ARB. You can obtain this form from your local appraisal district or download it from the Texas Comptroller's website. Include your contact information, property description, reasons for protesting, and your opinion of the property's value. It's advisable to send this form via certified mail and request a return receipt citeturn0search0
Deadline: May 15 or within 30 days after the appraisal district sends your notice of appraised value.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
To strengthen your case, collect documentation that supports your claim that the appraised value is too high.This may include:
Photographs of your property highlighting any defects or needed repairs.
Blueprints, engineering reports, or repair estimates.
Recent sales data of comparable properties (CMA) from a local Real Estate Agent in your area.
Statements from independent appraisers or builder.
Any inaccuracies in the appraisal district's records, such as incorrect square footage or the number of bedrooms.
Step 3: Attend Informal and Formal Hearings
*Informal Hearing: After filing your protest, you'll be scheduled for an informal meeting with a staff appraiser at the appraisal district office. This meeting typically lasts about 15 minutes, during which you can present your evidence and discuss your concerns. Many disputes are resolved at this stage.
*Formal Hearing (ARB Hearing): If an agreement isn't reached during the informal hearing, you'll proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board. Here, you'll present your case to a panel, and the appraisal district will present your case. The ARB will then determine your property's value.
Additional Tips
Check for Exemptions Ensure you're receiving all applicable exemptions, such as the homestead exemption, which can cap annual appraisal increases at 10%. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled individuals, veterans, and surviving spouses.
Review Appraisal Records. Obtain your property's record card from the appraisal district to verify the accuracy of the listed information. Errors in these records can be a valid basis for protest.
Consider Professional Help if the process seems daunting; you might hire a property tax consultant. Many firms operate on a contingency basis, charging a percentage of the tax savings achieved.
If you need assistance locating your local appraisal district or need a Comparative Marketing Analysis of recently sold homes, feel free to ask!
