Owning property in Texas comes with many advantages, but it also means facing property taxes. These taxes contribute to funding schools, roads, and other vital public services. However, if you believe your property’s appraised value is inaccurate, you have the right to protest your Texas property taxes.
What Is Property Tax?
Property tax is a levy imposed by local governments based on the appraised value of your real estate. This value is determined by the appraisal district in your county and is intended to reflect the market value of your property. The tax rate is then applied to the appraised value to determine your annual property tax bill. Property tax protest, then, is the method you can use to question that value and its effect on your bill.
Reasons To Protest Property Taxes In Texas
There are several reasons why you might consider protesting your property taxes in Texas. The appraisal district may have made a mistake in valuing your property. This could be due to errors in data collection, incorrect property classification, or failing to consider recent improvements or depreciation.
If the market value of your property has decreased since the appraisal date, you may have grounds to protest. This could be due to factors such as neighborhood decline, economic downturn, or damage to your property. And finally, if similar properties in your neighborhood are appraised at a lower value than yours, you may have a case for unequal appraisal.
How To Protest Property Taxes In Texas?
The process of protesting property taxes in Texas can seem daunting, but it’s important to be informed of your rights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Review Your Appraisal Notice
The first step is to carefully examine your appraisal notice. This document will detail the appraised value of your property, the tax rate, and the estimated amount of your property taxes.
2. Gather Evidence
If you decide to protest, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim. This could include recent appraisals of comparable properties in your neighborhood, repair estimates for any damage to your property, or evidence of a decline in market value.
3. File Your Protest
Each appraisal district has a deadline for filing a protest. Be sure to file your protest well before the deadline to avoid missing out on your chance to challenge the appraised value.
4. Attend Informal Hearing
Most appraisal districts offer an informal hearing process where you can present your case to a review board. This is an opportunity to explain why you believe the appraised value is inaccurate and negotiate a lower value.
5. Formal Hearing (Optional)
If you’re unsatisfied with the outcome of the informal hearing, you can request a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This is a more formal proceeding where you may want to consider seeking legal representation.
How To Protest Property Taxes and Win
Protesting property taxes can be a complex process, and having the right guidance can significantly increase your chances of success. The Hegwood Group, LP, is a full-service property tax consulting firm with a proven track record of helping homeowners and business owners in Dallas, Texas, lower their property taxes.
Our team of experienced professionals can assist you with every step of the protest process, from reviewing your appraisal notice to gathering evidence and representing you at hearings. We have a deep understanding of Texas property tax laws and regulations and can leverage our expertise to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Why Partner With Hegwood Group?
Taking on the property tax appraisal process alone can be stressful and time-consuming. By partnering with The Hegwood Group, you can gain valuable peace of mind knowing that experienced professionals are working on your behalf. Our team is committed to helping you achieve a fair and accurate appraised value for your property, resulting in lower property taxes and significant savings.
Contact The Hegwood Group today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you protest your property taxes in Texas.
