How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas...

An important right as a taxpayer in Texas is you may protest, to the appraisal review board (ARR), if you disagree with the appraisal district value. In fact you can protest any of the districts actions concerning your property. You have the right to appeal the ABR findings if you are dissatisfied with the outcome.

Any of the ARB decisions can be appealed to the state district court in the county in which the property is located. Depending on the facts and the type of property, you may be able to go a step further and appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) or to binding arbitration.

u When should you file a property tax protest?

Appraisals should be sent to you on or before May 1st of the year in question. You have until May 15th or 30 days after receiving your appraisal to file to a protest and request a hearing.

u Can a company file a protest for you?

Hiring a reputable property tax protest company is worth it, as it can save you time and money. Whether you hire a company or file your tax protest on your own, all Texas homeowners should exercise their right to appeal their assessed value.

u What is the deadline for a late Property Tax protest?

The technical deadline is the day property taxes would be delinquent. This is January 31 or 30 days after the tax bill is mailed. The late property tax protest deadline is January 31 of the next year for 99% of accounts. In other words, the deadline for a late property tax protest for 2022 is January 31, 2023. The exception is the deadline is later if the tax assessor is late in sending your property tax bill.

In Texas there are two ways to lower your Property Taxes: 

u Protest your taxes (always recommend).

u Apply for exemptions. The main one is the Residence Homestead Exemption and Over 65 Exemption. If you are Military and have a Disability/or are a Surviving Spouse you also have another avenue to lower the property tax you owe.

Exercise your taxpayer rights and take time to file for exemptions that apply to your statuses...... Go for it...... Reduce your property tax exposure! Yesterday was the last day to pay your 2022 Property Taxes so hopefully all of you will avoid a penalty.