How To Appeal Your Property Taxes In Texas And Actually Win

Key Takeaways:

• Build a Strong Case with Data: Texas homeowners can challenge overvalued property assessments by filing an appeal and presenting evidence such as comps, condition reports, and market trends.
• Don’t Miss the Appeal Deadline: Meeting critical deadlines—such as filing by May 15 or within 30 days of your notice—is essential to maintaining your right to appeal.
• Unlock Long-Term Tax Savings: A well-prepared appeal can lead to tax savings year after year and promote fairness in your local property tax system.

Icon Property Tax has helped thousands of Texas homeowners lower their property tax bills—with a 90% success rate to back it up. We know how the system works and how to challenge unfair property valuations with proven strategies that get results.

Every year, homeowners across Texas receive appraisal notices that don’t reflect the true value of their homes. Maybe the county used bad comparisons, missed damage to the property, or simply overestimated market value. Unfortunately, many people overpay simply because they don’t know they can appeal—or how to do it effectively.

In this piece, we’ll show you how to appeal your property taxes in Texas and actually win. We’ll walk you through everything from key deadlines to the evidence you’ll need.

Reasons To Appeal Your Property Valuation

Appealing your property valuation might feel overwhelming at first, but there are plenty of practical reasons to take action—and the benefits can be significant. Whether you’re trying to save money or promote fairness, here’s why it’s worth considering:

Inaccurate Assessments

County appraisers often rely on mass appraisal methods that may not reflect your home’s true condition or market value. If your home has outdated features, needed repairs, or unique characteristics, it could be incorrectly valued. Challenging these inaccuracies can help lower your tax burden.

Outdated Or Unfair Comparisons

Assessors typically use comparable sales—known as “comps”—to determine your home’s value. But if they’ve compared your home to properties with larger square footage, newer upgrades, or better locations without adjusting for those differences, your valuation could be inflated. An appeal allows you to challenge these mismatched comparisons.

Shifting Market Conditions

The real estate market can fluctuate significantly year over year. If values in your neighborhood have dropped or stabilized, but your assessment increased, it’s a signal that something may be off. Appealing gives you a chance to realign your valuation with current market trends.

Potential Tax Savings

Winning an appeal can reduce your property tax bill—not just for one year, but potentially for several. Even modest reductions can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars in annual savings, especially for homeowners with fixed incomes or rising expenses.

Qualification For Exemptions

Sometimes, property owners are unaware of exemptions they qualify for, such as homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemptions. While the appeal itself may not grant the exemption, it creates an opportunity to confirm that all applicable tax relief options are being applied correctly.

Accountability And Advocacy

Appealing isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about holding the system accountable. When more property owners engage in the process, appraisal districts are incentivized to maintain fairness and accuracy. Your appeal can help promote more equitable taxation across your community.

Important Deadlines For Filing An Appeal

Timing is everything when it comes to appealing your property taxes in Texas. Missing a key deadline can mean losing your opportunity to correct an unfair assessment—regardless of how strong your case might be. To stay on track, it’s important to understand the timeline and what to expect.

Notice Of Appraised Value

Each spring, your county’s appraisal district sends out a Notice of Appraised Value, usually between April and early May. This document outlines the county’s estimate of your property’s value for the current tax year. As soon as it arrives, review it carefully and compare it with previous years or recent home sales in your area.

Appeal Filing Deadline

By law, you must file your appeal by May 15 or within 30 days of the date on your appraisal notice—whichever is later. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you forfeit your right to challenge your valuation for that year. That’s why it’s critical to act promptly, even if you’re still gathering evidence or deciding whether to seek professional help.

Evidence Submission Deadlines

After filing, some counties may set specific deadlines for when your supporting documents (like comparable property data or repair estimates) must be submitted. These deadlines vary by location, so check with your local appraisal district to confirm you’re complying with all rules and timelines. Being late or unprepared could weaken your appeal.

Hearing Dates

If your appeal proceeds to a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), you’ll be notified of the hearing date in advance. These usually occur between May and July, depending on your district’s schedule. Use the time between filing and your hearing to prepare your case thoroughly.

How To File A Notice Of Appeal In Texas

Filing a Notice of Protest is the essential first step in challenging your property tax assessment. Though the process may seem intimidating at first glance, it’s manageable when broken down into clear, actionable steps.

Know Your Deadline

You must file your appeal by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice, whichever date gives you more time. Missing this window means losing your right to appeal your valuation for the year, so it’s critical to act promptly.

Obtain The Correct Form

Most appraisal districts in Texas use the standard Notice of Protest (Form 50-132), which is available for download on your local district’s website. Some counties also offer online submission portals that simplify the process and give you immediate confirmation of receipt.

Provide Clear Reasons For The Appeal

On the form, you’ll be asked to state why you believe your assessed value is inaccurate. Whether it’s overvaluation, incorrect comparisons, or missing exemptions, identifying your concerns clearly helps set the foundation for your case.

Submit The Form

Depending on your county’s procedures, you can submit your appeal online, by mail, or in person. No matter which method you choose, make sure to save a copy of your submission and keep proof of the date it was sent or received.

Start Building Your Case

While you don’t need to submit evidence with your initial appeal form, the time between filing and your hearing is best spent gathering it. This includes comparable sales data, property condition documentation, and any other materials that support your claim.

Gathering Evidence To Support Your Case

Submitting an appeal is just the beginning—the real strength of your appeal lies in the evidence you present. A well-prepared case, backed by solid data and documentation, greatly improves your chances of securing a fair and accurate property valuation.

Conduct A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Start by identifying recently sold homes in your neighborhood that are similar in size, age, and location. Adjust their sale prices to account for differences in features, such as square footage, upgrades, or lot size, to create a fair comparison with your property.

Document Property Conditions

Photographs, contractor estimates, and inspection reports can show that your home requires repairs or has outdated features. These materials help illustrate why your home may not command the same value as others in better condition.

Review The Appraisal District’s Records

Check for inaccuracies in the appraisal district’s description of your property, such as the number of bedrooms, the presence of a garage, or square footage. Even small errors can lead to inflated values and may be grounds for a reduction.

Leverage Public Tools And Technology

There are online platforms and real estate data tools available to help you locate comps and calculate adjustments. Using these resources can streamline your research and make your evidence more persuasive during the review process.

What To Expect At The Appraisal Review Board Hearing

If your property tax appeal progresses to a hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), understanding the process ahead of time can help you feel more prepared and confident. The hearing is your opportunity to present your case in person and advocate for a fair valuation of your property.

Prepare Your Materials Thoroughly

Before your hearing date, organize all the documents you’ve gathered—this includes comparable property data, photos, repair estimates, and any official correspondence. Bringing a well-structured packet of evidence allows you to present your argument clearly and keeps the board focused on the facts.

Understand The Hearing Process

At the hearing, a panel of ARB members will introduce the session and explain the order of events. You’ll have a set amount of time to present your case, followed by a chance for the appraisal district to respond and for the panel to ask questions.

Present Your Argument Clearly And Respectfully

When it’s your turn to speak, stay focused on your key points and refer to your evidence when explaining why the current valuation is too high. Avoid emotional appeals and instead highlight data, comparisons, and documentation that support your position.

Receive The Board’s Decision

After reviewing both sides, the ARB will make a decision and typically notify you by mail within a few days or weeks. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you still have options to appeal further through binding arbitration or district court.

Final Thoughts

Appealing your property taxes in Texas may seem like a complex and intimidating process, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can lead to real financial relief. Many homeowners accept their appraised values without question, even when they’re too high—but by taking a proactive approach, you can correct inaccuracies and potentially lower your annual tax bill.

From understanding why appeals matter to submitting your evidence and attending a hearing, each step of the process is an opportunity to advocate for a fair assessment of your property. By meeting deadlines, gathering the right documents, and presenting your case clearly, you give yourself the best possible chance of winning your appeal. With the right strategy, you don’t just appeal—you win.

Frequently Asked Questions About Appealing Your Property Taxes In Texas And Actually Win

Can I appeal my property taxes every year?

Yes, you can appeal your property taxes annually if you believe your valuation is inaccurate. Each year’s appraisal stands on its own, so even if you were successful previously, your new assessment may still warrant review.

Do I need to hire an attorney or tax consultant to appeal?

No, you’re not required to have legal representation or hire a professional. Many homeowners choose to appeal on their own, though some prefer expert assistance to strengthen their case or save time.

Is it possible to negotiate with the appraisal district informally before a hearing?

Yes, most counties offer an informal review process where you can present your evidence and attempt to reach an agreement without going before the Appraisal Review Board. This can result in a quicker and less formal resolution.

What happens if I miss the deadline to file an appeal?

Unfortunately, missing the deadline typically means you lose the right to challenge your property valuation for that tax year. However, if there was a mailing error or other extenuating circumstances, you may be able to appeal for a late hearing under limited conditions.

Can I still appeal if I recently purchased my home?

Yes, and your recent purchase price can serve as strong evidence of market value. Just make sure to provide documentation such as your closing statement and appraisal report if available.

Will appealing my property taxes affect my home’s resale value?

No, the appeal process only affects the assessed value used for taxation. It does not alter your market value or how your home is perceived by potential buyers.

Can I appeal property taxes on a rental or investment property?

Yes, all types of real property—including rentals, commercial, and investment properties—can be appealed. The same principles of overvaluation and improper comps apply.

Is it worth appealing if the potential savings are small?

Even a small reduction can compound over time, especially if it affects future valuations. Additionally, lowering your tax liability may improve cash flow or make your property more affordable.

Do I need to pay my taxes while the appeal is pending?

Yes, you must pay your property taxes by the due date, even if your appeal is in progress. If the appeal results in a lower valuation, you may receive a refund or credit for the overpayment.

What should I do if I disagree with the ARB’s final decision?

If you’re not satisfied with the ARB outcome, you can appeal through binding arbitration, file a suit in district court, or in some cases, request a review by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Each option has its own deadlines and requirements.