Home address: 25 The Oval St

2021 Taxable Value: $940,070

Recent Sales Price: $750,000 – Over-taxed by 25%

Texas property owners can avoid paying excess property taxes by taking several basic steps. Most market value protests are successful, typically saving the owner hundreds or thousands of dollars. The lower value stands when appealing market value and unequal appraisal. Appeal both every year. Property tax appeals are often won with a smile and a bit of data.

Property owners are sometimes reluctant to protest their property taxes because the believe the appeal process is difficult. It is not difficult and 60 to 80% of owners who appeal are successful. Incorrect property data such as grade, effective year built, condition, etc lead to substantial errors in appraisal district values for houses. Appraisal districts settle appeals at the informal level to avoid the time consuming and expensive appraisal review board hearings. Property owners have a duty and responsibility to appraisal property taxes annually. It is not prudent or reasonable to rely on the appraisal district’s estimate.