What Evidence Do You Need To Successfully Appeal Property Taxes In Texas?

Key Takeaways:

• Evidence Drives Results: You’ll learn which types of records, reports, and visuals are most effective in influencing appraisal districts during your appeal.
• Math-Based Comparisons Matter: The article walks you through adjusting comps with real numbers to support your valuation argument with logic, not guesswork.
• Condition Counts: Discover how documenting physical flaws or repairs on your property can help reduce your assessed value — and, ultimately, your tax bill.

At Icon, we’ve handled over $45 billion in property valuations and helped thousands of Texans lower their property tax bills. With years of experience and powerful data tools, we know what it takes to build a strong case and challenge unfair property tax assessments.

If you own property in Texas, there’s a good chance your appraisal isn’t 100% accurate. Maybe it’s based on outdated data or doesn’t reflect needed repairs. When that happens, you could pay more in property taxes than you should. The good news is you have the right to appeal — and with the right evidence, you can make a strong case for a lower value.

In this piece, we’ll walk you through the key evidence you need to appeal property taxes in Texas successfully and how to use it to your advantage.

Why Evidence Matters In Your Property Tax Appeal

When it comes to appealing property taxes in Texas, your success hinges on the strength of your evidence. Property owners often feel frustrated when their homes are assessed at values that don’t reflect reality — but frustration alone won’t convince the appraisal district. What will? Clear, organized, and well-supported documentation.

Appraisal districts rely on objective data to make decisions. If you want to challenge their valuation, you’ll need to present facts that show your property has been overvalued. This includes property condition reports, photographs, comparable sales data, and detailed adjustments. Without that, your appeal is likely to be dismissed or result in only minimal changes.

Evidence transforms your appeal from an emotional plea to a rational, numbers-backed argument. It shows the review board that your valuation is not only questionable but provably incorrect. And when you’re dealing with something as financially significant as property taxes, accuracy matters. Well-prepared evidence could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. Find evidence for your property tax appeal by entering your address at Icon Property Tax’s website. 

Collecting Your Property’s Appraisal Records

The foundation of any effective property tax appeal starts with your property’s appraisal records. These documents contain key information that can either support or challenge the value assigned by the appraisal district. Without them, it’s nearly impossible to craft a strong case.

Start With Your County Appraisal District

Each county in Texas has its own appraisal district that manages and publishes property valuations. Begin by visiting your local appraisal district’s website to retrieve your property’s appraisal report. This report includes your current assessed value, a breakdown of the property characteristics, and sometimes even comparable sales used in the initial valuation.

Review The Details Thoroughly

Once you obtain the report, don’t just glance over the numbers — examine every detail. Look for inaccuracies in square footage, construction type, number of bathrooms, lot size, or any other structural features. Even minor errors in these areas can lead to inflated values. If your property is listed as having a renovated kitchen, but you haven’t updated it in years, that’s an important discrepancy to flag.

Keep A Copy For Reference

Store both digital and printed versions of your appraisal report. You’ll need this as a reference throughout your appeal process — especially when compiling comps, documenting property conditions, or calculating value adjustments.

Gathering Comparable Property Sales Data

Comparable sales data — often referred to as “comps” — is one of the most persuasive forms of evidence when appealing property taxes in Texas. This data allows you to demonstrate that your property has been overvalued by comparing it to similar homes that sold for less in the same market.

Identify The Right Comparables

To begin, look for recently sold properties in your neighborhood that are similar in key aspects: square footage, age, layout, lot size, and condition. Sales within the last 12 months are ideal, as they reflect the most accurate market conditions. Public property databases, MLS listings, and county records are good starting points for gathering this information.

Match Features As Closely As Possible

When selecting comps, the goal is to find homes that are truly comparable — not just in the same ZIP code, but with similar features and value-affecting traits. A home with an updated kitchen or new roof isn’t a fair comparison if your property hasn’t had similar improvements. Likewise, properties with extras like swimming pools, corner lots, or scenic views will naturally command higher prices and should be adjusted for when making comparisons.

Prepare To Make Adjustments

It’s rare to find comps that are perfectly identical, which is why adjustments are crucial. You’ll need to account for differences by making value-based corrections for factors like square footage, amenities, and condition. These adjustments will help make your comparisons apples-to-apples — a critical component of making a compelling, fact-based argument.

Documenting Property Condition Issues

One of the most overlooked yet impactful pieces of evidence in a property tax appeal is the actual condition of your property. While appraisal districts often assume homes are in average or above-average condition, that isn’t always the case. Documenting flaws, damage, or deferred maintenance can make a significant difference in how your property is valued.

Walk Through Your Home With A Critical Eye

Start by inspecting your home thoroughly. Look for structural issues like foundation cracks, roof damage, outdated plumbing, or electrical problems. Don’t overlook cosmetic wear and tear—worn flooring, peeling paint, and aging fixtures, which can all contribute to a reduced market value, especially when compared to updated properties used as comps.

Gather Written Estimates And Inspection Reports

If you’ve had recent work done — or even quotes for repairs — collect those documents. Contractor estimates, inspection reports, or maintenance records provide tangible, third-party evidence that your property may be overvalued due to condition. These can support your claim by showing the cost burden a potential buyer would inherit.

Focus On What Affects Value

Not all wear and tear will carry the same weight. Prioritize documenting issues that are likely to lower a buyer’s offer. For example, a leaking roof is more significant than an outdated carpet. The appraisal district is more likely to consider repairs that directly impact livability, safety, or long-term maintenance costs.

Using Photographs To Support Your Case

Photographs are one of the most effective — and often underutilized — tools when it comes to supporting a property tax appeal. Visual evidence helps appraisal review boards see what words and numbers alone might miss. Whether you’re highlighting damage, structural issues, or key differences between your home and nearby properties, well-taken photos can strengthen your case considerably.

Capture Current Property Conditions

Start by photographing all areas that reflect the current state of your home. Focus on visible issues like water damage, cracked foundations, roof wear, old fixtures, or outdated interiors. Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and dated. This builds a visual timeline of your property’s condition and reinforces any written reports or repair estimates you submit.

Highlight Features That Affect Value

In addition to documenting damage, use photos to show features (or lack thereof) that may influence market value. For example, if comparable homes have large backyards or scenic views and yours does not, a photo provides visual context for these differences. Likewise, things like a steep driveway, noise pollution from nearby roads, or limited natural light can all be documented visually.

Use Comparison Images Wisely

If you have access to exterior images of comparable properties — particularly those in better condition or with more amenities — consider placing those side-by-side with images of your own. This visual comparison helps drive home the point that your property is not equivalent in value, even if it shares basic features like square footage or layout.

How To Adjust Comparables Mathematically For Accurate Valuations

Raw sales data alone isn’t enough to win a property tax appeal — the real power comes from how you interpret and adjust that data. Accurately adjusting comparable property sales helps you compare your home to others on an equal footing. This mathematical approach helps validate your argument with logic, precision, and fairness.

Step 1: Evaluate Square Footage Differences

Begin by identifying how the size of your home compares to each comp. If your home is 1,800 square feet and a comparable property is 2,000, you’ll need to account for that difference. For example, if homes in your area are valued at $100 per square foot, you’d subtract $20,000 from the comp’s sale price to reflect the smaller size of your home. This adjusted number offers a more apples-to-apples valuation.

Step 2: Adjust For Condition And Age

Next, factors such as differences in condition or renovations should be considered. If your home has an aging HVAC system, while a comp has a brand-new one, you’ll need to subtract the estimated value of that upgrade from the comp’s price. Likewise, if the comp is recently remodeled and yours is not, make an appropriate downward adjustment based on the cost of similar upgrades.

Step 3: Account For Amenities And Location

Differences in amenities — like pools, garages, updated kitchens, or corner lots — also require adjustments. Use market estimates or contractor bids to approximate the value of these features. Location matters, too. If the comp is in a quieter cul-de-sac or near a desirable school zone, that can affect its value relative to yours.

Step 4: Use Consistent Percentages

Whenever possible, apply percentage-based adjustments. For example, if a home sold for 10% less due to major repairs, apply that same percentage to comps that share similar conditions. This standardization keeps your comparisons transparent and easier for review boards to follow.

Final Thoughts

Successfully appealing your property taxes in Texas comes down to preparation — and preparation starts with evidence. From collecting detailed appraisal records to using photographs and mathematically adjusted comparables, every piece of documentation helps build a stronger, more persuasive case.

The appraisal review board isn’t looking for emotion or vague claims — they want data, clarity, and well-reasoned arguments. By investing the time to organize and present solid evidence, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a fairer property valuation and lowering your annual tax burden.

Whether you’re navigating this process for the first time or refining your approach from a previous year, the key is staying informed, detail-oriented, and persistent. With the right information in hand, your appeal becomes more than a formality — it becomes a powerful tool for protecting your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Evidence Do You Need To Appeal Property Taxes In Texas Successfully

Can I appeal my property taxes without hiring a consultant or attorney?

Yes, you can absolutely handle the appeal process on your own in Texas. Many homeowners successfully file and present their own evidence without legal representation. The key is organizing strong, clear documentation to support your argument.

How far back can I use sales data as evidence in a property tax appeal?

Ideally, you should use sales data from within the past 12 months. However, some appraisal districts may consider older sales if more recent comps are unavailable. Just be sure to explain why the older sale is still relevant.

What’s the difference between a formal and informal appeal hearing?

An informal hearing is typically a one-on-one meeting with an appraisal district representative to try to settle the dispute early. A formal hearing takes place before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) and is more structured, with both sides presenting evidence and rebuttals.

Can I submit new evidence after my initial appeal filing?

Yes. You can submit additional evidence up until the hearing date and in some cases, even at the hearing itself. However, submitting everything in advance is best so the appraisal district has time to review it.

Are online tools reliable for finding comparable property data?

Some online tools are accurate and use up-to-date MLS data, while others rely on outdated or generalized information. Always verify comps with local records or recent sales in your appraisal district to confirm reliability.

Do commercial property owners follow the same appeal process as homeowners?

The appeal process is generally the same, but commercial property appeals often involve more complex valuation methods. Evidence like income statements, occupancy rates, and cap rates may be relevant in addition to standard comps and condition reports.

Will appealing my property taxes trigger a reassessment that increases my value?

No. In Texas, appealing your property taxes will not automatically increase your property’s assessed value. Appraisal districts can only revise valuations based on objective, reviewed evidence — not as a retaliatory measure.

Can I appeal my taxes every year?

Yes. Texas property owners can file an appeal every year if they believe their assessed value is too high. In fact, regular appeals are common, especially in areas experiencing rapid market shifts.

Is a private appraisal report a strong form of evidence?

Yes, private appraisals conducted by certified professionals can be highly persuasive, especially when they include detailed reasoning, photos, and adjustments. Just make sure the appraisal date is recent and relevant.

What happens if I miss my scheduled appeal hearing?

If you miss your hearing without prior notice or rescheduling, your appeal may be dismissed, and your current assessed value will stand. However, you may be able to reschedule or file a late appeal if you have a valid excuse and act quickly.