Texas Tax Protest Reviews – FAQs About The Property Tax Protest Process

At Texas Tax Protest, we believe no homeowner should pay more than their fair share in property taxes. That’s why we stand with homeowners, veterans, seniors, and commercial property owners across Texas, equipping them with the knowledge and support needed to challenge inflated valuations. Nestled in the heartland of Texas, we leverage unmatched expertise, cutting-edge technology, and personalized service to demystify the protest process for our clients. This holistic approach helps secure the fairest possible property valuations so you can sleep easy.

Why Should I Hire a Tax Consultant Over Protesting Myself?

Navigating the intricate web of Texas property tax laws can be daunting for homeowners and commercial property owners. While it’s entirely possible to protest your property taxes independently, there are compelling reasons why enlisting a tax consultant, like Texas Tax Protest, can be an incredibly advantageous decision. Let’s explore those:

Expertise and Knowledge

Property tax laws and assessment methods change over time, and it’s easy to miss reduction opportunities without a clear understanding of these updates. Our team studies market trends, property valuation models, and local tax codes to find ways to challenge unfair assessments. Sometimes, homeowners overlook exemptions that could lower their taxable value, while commercial property owners might miss out on classification adjustments that reduce their tax rate.

Our team at Texas Tax Protest continuously analyzes market data and legal nuances to provide clients with unique strategies.

Less Hassle, More Results

Filing a tax protest is not as simple as filling out a form. The process involves gathering evidence, reviewing property records, submitting paperwork within strict deadlines, and, in many cases, attending hearings. Missing a key detail or failing to present the right supporting data can weaken a case. At Texas Tax Protest, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your daily lives. From reviewing tax records to preparing strong arguments for appeal, we take care of every step.

Technology That Strengthens Your Case

A strong protest relies on solid data. Our consultants use advanced technology to compare your property against similar homes or businesses in the area. This research helps uncover over-assessments that could lead to a reduction. For example, a homeowner may find that properties with the same square footage and features are valued at lower amounts. Instead of guessing, we present clear, data-backed evidence to support a fairer valuation.

Advocacy in Your Corner

Property tax protests often require hearings where evidence must be presented before an appraisal review board. Standing in front of a panel and making a strong case can feel intimidating, especially without prior experience. Thankfully, our team knows how to present the right facts and ask the right questions. Clients have peace of mind knowing they have a dedicated team fighting for the best possible outcome.

What Happens If I Missed the Appeal Deadline?

Missing the property tax appeal deadline can feel frustrating, but there are still options available depending on your situation. While Texas has strict deadlines for filing protests, certain circumstances may allow for late appeals or alternative solutions. Here’s what you need to know.

Late Filing Options Under Texas Law

Texas property owners typically have until May 15th or 30 days after receiving their Notice of Appraised Value to file a protest. However, some exceptions exist that may allow for a late appeal:

Clerical Errors & Mistakes: If an error in your property’s assessed value is due to a clerical mistake or an oversight in recordkeeping, you may still be eligible to challenge it.
Failure to Receive Notice: If you never received a formal notice of your appraised value, you might be able to file a late protest based on lack of proper notification.
Substantial Overvaluation Claims: Some counties allow property owners to request corrections if they can prove their property was significantly overvalued compared to similar properties.

Situational Late Protest Options

There are limited circumstances where Texas property owners may file a late protest. These exceptions are available only in specific cases and have strict qualifications.

25.25(d) Protest: Significant Overvaluation

Property owners with non-homestead properties can file a 25.25(d) protest if their property is appraised at least one-third higher than its actual market value. For example, if a property is appraised at $400,000, its true market value must be less than $300,000 to qualify. This type of protest must be filed by December 31st of the current tax year, and all property taxes must be paid on time. Additionally, a property owner cannot have filed another protest for the same year.

For residential homesteads, a 25.25(d) protest may also be an option. However, instead of the one-third rule that applies to non-homestead properties, a residential homestead must be over-appraised by at least one-fourth of its actual value to qualify.

25.25(c) Protest: Correcting Clerical Errors

In some cases, property owners may be able to reopen the appraisal roll for up to four past tax years to correct specific errors. A 25.25(c) protest is designed for situations where mistakes such as miscalculations, exemption issues, or incorrect property data have impacted the assessed value.

This type of protest is not used to dispute an appraisal value but rather to correct factual errors. A 25.25(c) protest may be appropriate when an assessment includes incorrect square footage, an unaccounted-for tax exemption, or an error in property classification that results in an inflated tax burden.

Options for Next Year’s Appeal

If the deadline has completely passed, preparing for next year’s protest is the next best step. Being proactive can make the process smoother when the next appeal window opens.

Gather Evidence: Start collecting data on comparable property values, past tax assessments, and any documentation that supports a lower valuation.
Monitor Market Trends: Keep an eye on property sales and trends in your area to strengthen your case for the next appeal cycle.
Work With a Tax Consultant Early: Partnering with experts before the next protest period ensures that all paperwork is ready to file as soon as the window opens.

Other Ways to Reduce Your Tax Burden

Even if you missed the deadline, there are still ways to lower your property tax bill:

Apply for Exemptions: Texas offers tax exemptions for homesteads, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Even if you missed your protest deadline, you may still qualify for certain exemptions that can reduce your taxable value.
Request a Payment Plan: If your tax bill is higher than expected, some counties offer installment payment plans to ease the financial burden.
Stay Informed on Future Deadlines: Signing up for reminders or working with a property tax consultant ensures you never miss a critical deadline again.

When Will I Receive My Appeal Results?

The timeline for receiving property tax appeal results depends on the county appraisal district’s process, the volume of appeals, and whether the case requires a formal hearing. While some appeals are resolved quickly, others take longer due to review procedures and scheduling.

Initial Response from the Appraisal District

After filing a property tax protest, the appraisal district typically sends an acknowledgment confirming the appeal has been received. Some counties provide an informal review process, where a representative evaluates the case before scheduling a formal hearing. If the informal review results in an adjustment, the process may conclude at this stage. However, property owners who don’t receive a probable resolution through the informal process can expect a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board.

Appraisal Review Board Hearing and Decision Timeline

The ARB schedules hearings based on the number of appeals filed in a given year. Most hearings take place during the summer months, typically between June and July, though high-volume districts may extend hearings into late summer or early fall.

During the hearing, property owners or their tax consultants present evidence supporting their case. The ARB deliberates and issues a decision, which may be provided immediately after the hearing. From there, property owners receive final ARB order by mailwithin a few weekse.

How to Check the Status of an Appeal

Property owners can monitor their appeal status by checking the county appraisal district’s website. Many districts provide updates on hearing schedules, case progress, and final determinations. If no online updates are available, contacting the appraisal district directly can offer more information on expected timelines.

What Happens After Receiving a Decision?

Once the ARB decides on your property tax appeal, the next steps depend on the outcome. Whether the decision results in a reduction or the appeal is denied, property owners should review their options carefully to ensure they are making the most informed financial decisions.

How a Reduction Affects Your Tax Bill

If the appeal leads to a lower assessed value, the updated valuation is applied to your current year’s tax bill. The tax office will recalculate the amount owed based on the new valuation and the finalized tax rates set by local taxing entities. Property owners should review their tax bill to ensure the new assessment has been properly reflected. If there are discrepancies, contact the county tax assessor-collector’s office to resolve any issues.

What If You Disagree with the ARB’s Decision?

If the ARB denies the appeal or grants a reduction that does not reflect what you believe to be a fair valuation, you may have additional options to continue the dispute.

Binding Arbitration: Property owners who disagree with the ARB’s decision but do not want to go through the court system may opt for binding arbitration. This process involves an independent third-party arbitrator who reviews the case and issues a final ruling.
Judicial Appeal: For cases where a property owner strongly disagrees with the ARB’s ruling, filing a lawsuit in district court may be an option. A judicial appeal allows a property owner to challenge the decision and present additional evidence to a judge. However, this route involves legal fees and extended timelines, so weigh the potential benefits against the costs.

Next Steps After the Appeal Process

Regardless of the outcome, property owners should take proactive steps to prepare for future tax years.

Monitor Future Assessments: Stay on top of your property’s assessed value and watch for changes that may require another protest.
Save Documentation for Future Appeals: If another protest is needed next year, having prior evidence, market data, and tax appeal records readily available can strengthen your case.
Consider Exemptions: Homeowners may qualify for exemptions that lower their taxable value, such as the homestead exemption, senior exemptions, or veteran exemptions. Applying for these can lead to long-term tax savings.

Can I Hire Texas Tax Protest If I Already Filed My Own Protest?

If you have already filed your protest, we cannot take you on as a new client for the current tax year. We achieve the best reduction results when we manage the entire protest process from start to finish. However, we encourage you to consider working with us next year to maximize your potential tax savings.

How to Handle Your Protest on Your Own

Since you have already filed your appeal, here are some key steps to strengthen your case and navigate the process successfully:

Gather Market Data: Research comparable properties in your area to identify discrepancies in valuation. Use recent sales, appraisal district records, and online real estate tools to build a strong argument.
Check for Errors in Your Property Record: Review your appraisal notice for mistakes in square footage, property classification, or other details that could impact your assessed value.
Prepare for the ARB Hearing: Organize your evidence and practice explaining why your valuation should be lowered. Focus on clear, fact-based arguments rather than emotional appeals.
Attend the Informal Meeting: Many counties offer an informal hearing before the ARB hearing. This is an opportunity to negotiate a reduction without a formal hearing.
Consider Filing for Arbitration or a Lawsuit: If the ARB ruling is unsatisfactory, binding arbitration or judicial appeals may be options for further appeal.

If you need assistance next year, our team at Texas Tax Protest is ready to help from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in the future.

When Do the New Tax Rates Come Out?

New property tax rates are typically released in the fall, and most counties finalize rates between September and early October. Local taxing entities determine these rates like school districts, city governments, and county authorities. Once finalized, the new rates are applied to the assessed property values to calculate annual tax bills.

Take note that each taxing entity sets its rate so the exact timing may vary by county. Property owners can usually find updated tax rates on their county appraisal district’s website or through notifications sent by the local tax assessor-collector’s office.

What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Tax Rate Notification?

If you haven’t received your updated tax rates by mid-October, here are a few steps to ensure you stay informed:

Check Your County Appraisal District Website: Most counties publish new tax rates online as soon as they are finalized.
Look for Public Notices: Taxing entities are required to hold public hearings before setting final rates. These announcements often appear in local newspapers and official websites.
Contact Your Local Tax Office: If your tax rate information is missing, your local tax assessor-collector’s office can provide the latest updates.
Review Your Tax Bill Carefully: Once tax bills are issued, check that the correct rates were applied to your property’s assessed value. Any discrepancies should be addressed immediately.