When Should You Protest Property Tax Assessment? DoNotPay Knows!
Property taxes are a part of every homeowner’s life, and knowing more about your rights can help you reduce them. When can you protest property tax assessments? DoNotPay can tell you the answer to this and other questions related to property tax appeals in Texas.
What You Should Know About Protesting Property Tax Assessments in Texas
As a homeowner in Texas, you have the right to protest to the appraisal review board (ARB). The ARB is an independent board of citizens that hears and determines protests that have to do with property appraisals. You can protest whenever you don’t believe the appraisal district value is correct or if you disagree with any other district actions related to your property.
If you find ARB’s decisions unfair, you may appeal that decision. According to the type of property, you can appeal to:
- The state district court in the county where your property is—You have 60 days after receiving the ARB's written order to file a petition for review with the district court. You have the right to ask that the parties discuss a settlement before the trial
- An independent arbitrator—You can opt for binding arbitration only if your property is a residential homestead (no matter the value) or a property with an appraised value of up to $5 million
- The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)—This is possible when the ARB determines the property value is over $1 million. The process applies to real or personal property (other than industrial property)
When Should You Protest Actions Connected to Your Property Tax Appraisals?
Homeowners can protest actions related to their property tax appraisals, and the reasons for doing so can relate to the:
- Appraised (market) value of the property
- Property ownership
- Exemptions that you can use
- Different value of your property in comparison to other similar properties
- Chief appraiser or appraisal review board (ARB) failing to send a required notice
You can file a request for an ARB hearing (notice of protest), and the ARB will let you know of the time and dates, as well as the place of your hearing.
What Is the Texas Property Tax Appeal Deadline?
You can file a property tax appeal in Texas until May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district notice gets to its destination (depending on what date is later).
You can always deal with property tax appeals easily if you use DoNotPay!
Appeal Property Tax Assessments in Texas With DoNotPay
If you want to sail through the process of appealing past property tax assessments in Texas, you can ask DoNotPay for help. You only need to follow a few simple steps:
- in your favorite web browser
- Find the Property Tax product
- Answer some questions about your property
DoNotPay will provide you with a personalized guide on property tax appeals. Our app will help you get ready for a property tax appeal hearing by telling you what evidence you need to gather to reduce the property’s assessed value. We can also show you the ropes of negotiating with the property tax assessor.
Other Efficient Property Tax Reduction Methods
If you want to prevent sky-high property tax bills, you should try some of these ways to lower your property taxes. Take a look at the table below for a more detailed explanation:
| Property Tax Reduction Technique | How It Works |
| Going around the house with the property tax assessor | You should not leave the property tax assessor’s side while they are evaluating your property. This is an easy way to notice any discrepancies immediately |
| Avoiding home renovations | It is smart to avoid making any improvements to your residence before the assessment. This action will lead to a higher value of your property and, consequently, higher taxes |
| Searching for inaccuracies on the tax bill | You might notice a mistake on the tax bill that led to an exorbitant amount. If that is the case, you can let the tax authorities know so they can act as soon as possible |
| Moving to a state with low property taxes | This may seem like a bold move, but sometimes it could be the best decision you’ve made. If you plan to change your residence, check the property tax rates in that state |
| Applying for property tax exemptions | You should always look for available property tax exemptions since this method is one of the most efficient approaches to lowering property taxes. Exemptions normally target veterans, widow(er)s, senior citizens, and other individuals that need help paying property taxes |
If you decide to apply for a property tax exemption in Texas, you can count on DoNotPay’s help to see if you are eligible!
Learn if You Qualify for a Property Tax Exemption in Texas With DoNotPay
DoNotPay will generate a PDF guide that contains the exemptions you qualify for and instructions you need to apply for them. You will know if you are eligible and what for by answering our chatbot’s questions. Follow these steps:
- in a web browser
- Find the Lower Property Taxes product
- Answers questions about your property
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