Beyond Bending Tell You How
Property taxes are a crucial source of revenue for local governments in Texas. However, as a property owner, you may find that your assessed value is higher than it should be, resulting in higher property taxes. Fortunately, Texas law allows property owners to contest their property taxes if they believe their property has been overvalued or if they have been unfairly assessed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to contest property taxes in Texas.
Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand how property taxes work in Texas. Property taxes are based on the value of your property, which is determined by your local appraisal district. The appraisal district considers several factors when assessing your property value, including the size of your lot, the square footage of your home or building, and any improvements or additions you have made to the property. Once your property value has been assessed, your local taxing authorities use that value to calculate your property taxes.
Determine Your Property Value
The first step in contesting your property taxes is to determine your property value. This can be done by reviewing your property tax assessment notice, which you should receive in the mail each year. The notice will include your property value and the amount of taxes you owe. If you believe your property value is too high, you can request a copy of your property appraisal from your local appraisal district.
Once you have a copy of your property appraisal, review it carefully to ensure that all of the information is correct. Look for errors in the size of your lot, the square footage of your home or building, and any improvements or additions that have been made to the property. If you find any errors, contact your local appraisal district to have them corrected.
File a Protest
If you believe that your property value has been overvalued or that you have been unfairly assessed, you can file a protest with your local appraisal district. The deadline to file a protest is May 15th or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later.
To file a protest, you will need to fill out a protest form and submit it to your local appraisal district. You can obtain the protest form from your appraisal district’s website or by contacting them directly. Be sure to include any documentation that supports your claim, such as photographs or appraisals from independent appraisers.
Attend a Hearing
After you file a protest, you will be scheduled for a hearing with a local appraisal review board. The hearing is an opportunity for you to present your case and provide evidence to support your claim. It’s important to be prepared for the hearing by bringing all of your documentation and being ready to answer any questions the review board may have.
The review board will consider all of the evidence presented and make a decision on your case. If they find in your favor, your property value will be adjusted and your property taxes will be lowered. If they do not find in your favor, you can still appeal their decision to a district court.
Consider Hiring a Property Tax Consultant
If you’re not comfortable contesting your property taxes on your own, you may want to consider hiring a property tax consultant. A property tax consultant can help you navigate the process and ensure that you have the best chance of success. They can also provide expert advice on how to present your case and what evidence to include.
However, it’s important to note that property tax consultants charge a fee for their services, which can be a percentage of the amount of taxes you save. Be sure to do your research and find a reputable consultant before hiring them.
Important Notes to Consider
| Note: | Be sure to file your protest on time. The deadline to file a protest is May 15th or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. |
| Note: | Bring all of your documentation to the hearing, including photographs, appraisals, and any other evidence that supports your claim. |
| Note: | If you hire a property tax consultant, be sure to find a reputable consultant who charges a fair fee for their services. |
Conclusion
Contesting your property taxes in Texas can be a complex process, but it’s an important step to take if you believe your property value has been overvalued or if you have been unfairly assessed. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of success and lower your property taxes. Remember to file your protest on time, bring all of your documentation to the hearing, and consider hiring a property tax consultant if you need help navigating the process.
People Also Ask
What is the deadline to file a protest in Texas?
The deadline to file a protest in Texas is May 15th or 30 days after the appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later.
What happens if I win my protest?
If you win your protest, your property value will be adjusted and your property taxes will be lowered.
Can I appeal the decision of the appraisal review board?
Yes, you can appeal the decision of the appraisal review board to a district court.
