Property taxes in Texas can be a significant burden for homeowners and property owners alike. With the state relying heavily on property taxes to fund local governments, the rates can often feel high and unmanageable. However, you can challenge your property tax assessment if you believe it’s incorrect.
Whether you're facing a high assessment or simply want to make sure you're being taxed fairly, the right legal support can help you challenge the system and potentially lower your property taxes. At our firm, Michael Saegert, Attorney at Law in Houston, Texas, we have extensive experience helping Texas residents understand their rights to protest property taxes.
Who Assesses Property Taxes in Texas?
In Texas, property taxes are assessed by local appraisal districts based on the value of your property. Assessments can sometimes be inaccurate or inflated, leading to higher taxes than you may owe. The value of your property is determined by a property appraiser, who examines various factors such as comparable property sales, condition, and any improvements made.
However, property values can be subjective. A property appraisal is, in part, based on the appraiser's opinion of the property's market value, which may not always align with its actual worth. If you believe your property has been assessed too high or that the value has been incorrectly determined, you have the right to protest the property tax assessment.
Why You Should Protest Your Property Taxes
Protesting property taxes may feel like an overwhelming task, but there are several compelling reasons why it might be worth your time and effort:
Incorrect valuation: If your property’s value has been overestimated, your property taxes could be unnecessarily high. A protest can help make sure the value of your property is accurately assessed.
Overvaluation compared to similar properties: If your property has been assessed at a higher value than similar homes or properties in your area, you could be paying more than your fair share. A protest allows you to compare your assessment with similar properties and make your case for a lower valuation.
Excessive tax burden: High property taxes can place an unnecessary financial strain on homeowners. By protesting the tax assessment, you may be able to lower your annual tax bill and ease that burden.
Appeal potential: If you believe your assessment is unfair, it’s worth challenging. Even if you don’t win the first time, protesting provides an opportunity to appeal and possibly achieve a favorable outcome.
Steps to Protest Property Taxes in Texas
While protesting property taxes in Texas may seem complicated, the process is fairly straightforward when you understand the steps involved. To make sure you’re well-prepared, here’s a breakdown of the key steps in protesting property taxes:
Step 1: Review Your Property Tax Assessment
Before taking any action, it’s important to carefully review your property tax assessment notice. This document will provide essential details, including the appraised value of your property, the estimated taxes, and any exemptions that may apply. Make sure to check for any obvious errors or discrepancies, such as incorrect property descriptions or missing exemptions.
Once you’ve reviewed the assessment, compare the appraised value of your property to similar properties in your area. If your property is valued significantly higher than neighboring properties, this may be grounds for a protest.
Step 2: Research Your Property’s Market Value
To strengthen your case, you’ll need to research your property’s market value. The best way to do this is to find comparable properties (also known as “comps”) in your neighborhood or surrounding areas. Look at recent sales of similar properties and compare the square footage, number of rooms, and other relevant factors.
If your property has been assessed much higher than these comparable properties, you can use this information to argue that your property’s value has been overestimated. Having solid data on comparable properties will be essential when presenting your case to the appraisal review board.
Step 3: File Your Protest on Time
In Texas, property tax protests must be filed by a certain deadline. Typically, this deadline is May 15th or 30 days after you receive your property tax assessment notice, whichever is later. It’s important to keep track of this date and file your protest as soon as possible.
You can file your protest online through your county’s appraisal district website, by mail, or in person. The protest form will ask for information about your property, the reasons for the protest, and any supporting documentation.
Step 4: Prepare Your Case
Once you’ve filed your protest, you’ll need to prepare your case. This involves gathering evidence to support your claim that your property’s value is too high. Here are some examples of the evidence you should collect:
Comparable sales data: Research recent sales of properties similar to yours to show how your assessment compares to the market value.
Photos of the property: If there are any issues with the condition of the property that could affect its value, be sure to take clear photos to present as evidence.
Professional appraisals: If you’ve had a professional appraisal done on your property, this can serve as additional evidence to support your protest.
Repair and renovation records: If you’ve made repairs or renovations that may have increased or decreased your property’s value, keep records of these changes.
Step 5: Attend the Appraisal Review Board Hearing
After you’ve filed your protest, you’ll be scheduled to attend a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This board is made up of local citizens who will review your case and determine whether your property’s assessment should be adjusted. At the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case.
During the hearing, be prepared to explain why you believe the assessment is incorrect. Present your evidence in a clear and organized manner, and remain professional throughout the process. The ARB will then review all the information and make a final determination on your protest.
Step 6: Appeal the Decision (If Necessary)
If the Appraisal Review Board rules in favor of the appraisal district and doesn’t reduce your property’s value, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves taking your case to the district court, where a judge will review your case. However, keep in mind that the appeal process can be lengthy, so it’s important to weigh the potential benefits.
Hiring an attorney experienced in property tax law can help you traverse the appeal process effectively and maximize your chances of success.
How We Can Help
Protesting property taxes can be a challenging process, but with the right legal support, it’s possible to achieve a favorable outcome. Our firm, Michael Saegert, Attorney at Law, has years of experience helping clients in Texas contest property tax assessments. Whether you’re facing an inflated property value or simply want to make sure you’re paying a fair amount, we can help.
By working with us, you gain access to professional legal guidance throughout each step of the protest, from reviewing your assessment to preparing for hearings and even appealing decisions if necessary. With our professional support, you’ll have the confidence to challenge your property tax assessment and fight for a fair evaluation.
Contact Us Today
If you believe your property taxes have been unfairly assessed, don’t wait to take action. Our firm, Michael Saegert, Attorney at Law, helps those throughout Texas, including Houston, Pasadena, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, and beyond. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
