Understanding the Texas Property Tax Appeal Process

Property Tax Protest

Understanding the Texas Property Tax Appeal Process

If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect, you have the right to appeal. Successfully appealing your property tax assessment can lead to significant savings. This guide provides an overview of the appeal process, helping you understand each step and what to expect.

Reasons to Appeal

Common Grounds for Appeal:

Incorrect Property Valuation: Your property has been assessed at a higher value than its market value.
Discrepancies in Property Data: Errors in the property’s characteristics or data used for assessment.
Comparable Sales Data: Similar properties in your area have been assessed at lower values.

Impact of Successful Appeal:

Reduced Property Taxes: Lower taxable value means lower property tax bills.
Fair Assessment: Ensures that your property is assessed accurately and fairly.

Consider Hiring a Property Tax Consultant

How to File an Appeal

Gathering Evidence:

Comparable Property Sales: Collect recent sales data for similar properties in your area.
Property Data: Gather documentation on any discrepancies in your property’s assessed characteristics.
Photographs: Provide pictures of your property and any issues affecting its value.

Documentation:

Appraisal Reports: If available, obtain a professional appraisal.
Repair Estimates: Include estimates for any repairs needed that might affect the property’s value.

Preparing for the Appeal

Gathering Evidence:

Comparable Property Sales: Collect recent sales data for similar properties in your area.
Property Data: Gather documentation on any discrepancies in your property’s assessed characteristics.
Photographs: Provide pictures of your property and any issues affecting its value.

Documentation:

Appraisal Reports: If available, obtain a professional appraisal.
Repair Estimates: Include estimates for any repairs needed that might affect the property’s value.

Consider Hiring an Attorney

The Hearing Process

What to Expect:

Informal Hearing: Often, you can meet informally with an appraiser to discuss your case before a formal hearing.
Formal Hearing: If the informal hearing does not resolve the issue, you will have a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

Presenting Your Case:

Organize Your Evidence: Present a clear, concise case with all relevant documentation.
Be Professional: Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor during the hearing.

Questions and Answers:

Be Prepared: Be ready to answer questions from the ARB members regarding your evidence and argument.

Post-Appeal Actions

After the Hearing:

ARB Decision: The ARB will provide a written notice of their decision.
Acceptance or Further Appeal: Decide whether to accept the ARB’s decision or pursue further appeal options.

Further Steps:

Binding Arbitration: If you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you can request binding arbitration.
State District Court: Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit in state district court.

Updating Records:

Ensure Changes: Verify that any changes resulting from your appeal are reflected in future assessments.

Application Tips

General Tips:

Timeliness: Ensure you meet all deadlines to avoid forfeiting your right to appeal.
Documentation: Keep thorough records of all communications and documents related to your appeal.

Deadlines and Documentation:

Appeal Deadline: File your Notice of Protest by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your Notice of Appraised Value.
Required Documents: Have all necessary forms and evidence organized and ready for submission.