Protesting Your Property Taxes In Texas
Hey there, Texas homeowners!
Are you feeling frustrated about your recent property tax appraisal? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Fortunately, you have the right to protest your appraisal and potentially save some money on your property taxes. In this blog post, we’ll explain the process and give you some tips on how to make a successful protest.
First things first, let’s talk about why property tax appraisals can be so frustrating. For starters, they can often be inaccurate or based on outdated information. This can result in an unfairly high appraisal and, in turn, higher property taxes. Plus, property values in Texas can fluctuate quite a bit, making it difficult for appraisers to accurately assess your home’s value.
*Jump to the end for a video tutorial and links*
But don’t worry, you have the right to protest your appraisal. Here’s how:
- Review Your Appraisal
The first step is to carefully review your appraisal notice. Make sure all the information is accurate, including the size and condition of your property. If you notice any discrepancies, be sure to point them out in your protest. - Gather Evidence
To make a strong case for your protest, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim. This might include recent sales of comparable properties in your area, recent upgrades or renovations to your home, or evidence of damage or deterioration. - File Your Protest
You can file your protest online or by mail. The deadline to file is typically May 15th or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. Make sure to include all your evidence and a clear explanation of why you believe your appraisal is inaccurate. - Attend Your Hearing
Once you’ve filed your protest, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a hearing with the appraisal district. This is your chance to present your evidence and argue your case. Be sure to bring all your evidence and be prepared to answer any questions the appraiser may have. - Wait for the Results
After your hearing, the appraisal district will review your case and make a decision. If your protest is successful, your appraisal will be lowered and you’ll see a reduction in your property taxes. If your protest is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision.
Protesting your property tax appraisal in Texas can be a frustrating process, but it’s worth it if you believe your appraisal is inaccurate. By carefully reviewing your appraisal, gathering evidence, filing your protest, attending your hearing, and waiting for the results, you can potentially save some money on your property taxes.
Good luck!
*Here’s a short video to walk you through the process.
Below is a document with links for Ellis County.
You can also find all of this information at : elliscad.com
