Property Tax Appeal Process FAQs
Popular Questions
At Icon, our service has no upfront fees. We have a 25% contingency fee only if we successfully reduce your property’s assessed value.
Regulations in many states prohibit soliciting business based on estimated tax savings. However, we are happy to review your property to determine if there are opportunities for savings.
At Icon, we handle the entire property tax appeal process, from filing paperwork to negotiating with county assessors and attending hearings. Our approach combines proprietary technology with local expertise to achieve the best possible tax reductions.
Icon specializes in property tax appeals and will:
Icon specializes in property tax appeals and will:
- Review your notice of appraised value
- Analyze opportunities for property tax savings
- File a protest by the county deadline
- Present the case to the appraisal district
- Negotiate with the district on your behalf
Signing up is a breeze! Simply enter your property address and contact details, then follow the prompts to review and sign our engagement documents.
Our fee is based on the property tax savings we achieve in the year we file your property tax appeal. For example, if your property tax bill is reduced from $6,000 to $5,000, the tax savings would be $1,000. With our fee of 25%, your final invoice would be $250 and you would keep $750 of tax savings!
Since the county requires an electronic signature for filings, all sign-ups must be completed through (Icon website)
Per our representation agreement our invoice is calculated based on your estimated tax savings.
Exemptions are not used in our fee calculation for the following reasons:
This approach allows us to maintain a consistent and transparent billing process.
Exemptions are not used in our fee calculation for the following reasons:
- County-to-county variation: exemption values and rules vary widely by county, making them inconsistent to apply uniformly.
- Complexity and Variables: exemption credits involve multiple variables that can change year to year.
This approach allows us to maintain a consistent and transparent billing process.
During the reappraisal period, County appraisal districts establish a Value for your property. That Value is then multiplied by your local tax rates to calculate your property tax bill.
In most cases, protesting property taxes carries no risk. However, in Tennessee and North Carolina, appeals can sometimes increase taxable value, so we only proceed when it’s appropriate to do so. Annual reviews of your property taxes help ensure fair assessments and prevent costly overpayments.
Our team of expert agents at Icon uses a strategic, personalized approach to help our clients lower their property taxes. Since our fees are performance-based, we’re fully invested in your success, which means our clients get a win-win experience!
We currently operate in California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Contact our team at Icon to learn more about our service and the areas we cover today!
Property Tax Basics
Unfortunately, protests cannot be filed after the deadline. In very rare cases, a property owner may qualify for late filing. To determine eligibility, please contact your local appraisal district for specific requirements.
No, the Texas Property Tax Code prevents your property value from increasing during an appeal. The worst-case scenario is that the county keeps your value the same as the notice value.
A property’s Notice Value represents its taxable value for property tax purposes. This analysis is determined using one or more methods, including Market Value (comparable sales), Equity Analysis (similar properties in your area), Cost (replacement cost), and Income (rental value).
Your property value notice is the starting point of the property tax cycle. It shows the assessor’s estimated value of your property and the taxing jurisdictions it falls under. To estimate your taxes, multiply the assessed value by the applicable tax rate. This notice also includes instructions for filing an appeal with the assessor’s office, should you wish to contest the valuation.
Each month, part of your mortgage payment is set aside for property taxes. When your county issues the final tax bill, it will reflect any reductions from your appeal. Your mortgage company will then pay the adjusted amount from your escrow account and recalculate future payments accordingly. Depending on the change in taxes, your monthly escrow payments may increase or decrease, and your mortgage company will notify you once they finalize the calculations.
Yes, your property tax bill must be paid by January 31st. If your appeal results in a reduction, the tax assessor will issue a refund for any overpayment after a successful appeal has been completed.
The market value is the estimated price a property would sell for in an open market, based on recent comparable sales, location, and market trends. Assessed value, however, is the actual taxable value of the property, determined by the county appraisal district. The assessed value is often lower than the market value due to exemptions, such as the homestead exemption, which can reduce the taxable amount. Contact our team at Icon to learn more about assessed and market values.
Just like hiring a real estate agent to negotiate the best deal on a home, working with a property tax consultant can be essential for successfully protesting your property taxes. Our knowledgeable team at Icon understands property valuation methods, local tax laws, and appraisal district procedures. We’re committed to achieving the best possible results for our clients year after year.
Each jurisdiction is different, but typically the new tax rates will be released with a few months of the notice being issued for the given tax year.
To apply for a homestead exemption in Texas, obtain the application form from the Texas Comptroller's website or your local appraisal district's website. Complete the form with all required information, including your property address, personal details, and any supporting documentation. Submit the completed application, along with a photocopy of a government-issued ID that matches the address on the application, to your local county appraisal district by mail, in person, or online. The appraisal district will update their website to reflect the homestead exemption on your property, which can take up to three months. Retain a copy of your application and any related correspondence for your records.
At Icon, we serve most states across the USA. Contact our team to learn more about our services in your state today.
At Icon, we serve most states across the USA. Contact our team to learn more about our services in your state today.
The Homestead Cap, also known as the Appraisal Limit, is a cap on the percentage increase allowed on the appraised value of your homestead property for property tax purposes. This limit is specifically designed to protect homeowners from dramatic increases in their property taxes due to rising property values. The Texas Property Tax Code states that the appraised value of your homestead cannot increase by more than 10% from one year to the next, with certain conditions and exceptions.
If your property has a mortgage, the mortgage service provider will likely pay your property taxes from an escrow account before the end of the year. This escrow account is funded by a portion of your monthly mortgage payments. The monthly contribution to the escrow account is determined by dividing the previous year's property tax bill by 12.
If you successfully lower your property's appraised value, and the property tax rates remain the same, your property taxes will be lower than the previous year. This will result in an excess amount in your escrow account. The service provider will typically refund the difference and lower your monthly mortgage payments for the following year.
If you successfully lower your property's appraised value, and the property tax rates remain the same, your property taxes will be lower than the previous year. This will result in an excess amount in your escrow account. The service provider will typically refund the difference and lower your monthly mortgage payments for the following year.
The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is an independent body that plays a key role in the property tax protest process.
ARB members are not employees of the appraisal district. The ARB's sole power is to resolve property disputes presented to it. In hearing a case, the ARB listens to both the property owner (or their agent) and an appraisal district representative. Evidence such as recent sales data, photographs, and repair estimates may be presented. The ARB then makes a determination and may change or set the value of the property in question for the tax year in question. By law, the ARB cannot increase a property's value as the result of a protest.
ARB members are not employees of the appraisal district. The ARB's sole power is to resolve property disputes presented to it. In hearing a case, the ARB listens to both the property owner (or their agent) and an appraisal district representative. Evidence such as recent sales data, photographs, and repair estimates may be presented. The ARB then makes a determination and may change or set the value of the property in question for the tax year in question. By law, the ARB cannot increase a property's value as the result of a protest.
The Texas Property Tax Code provides a resident homestead exemption that significantly reduces property taxes for homeowners. This exemption lowers the taxable value of a homeowner's primary residence (homestead), resulting in lower property tax bills.
To get a resident homestead exemption in Texas, you must meet these requirements:
Ownership and Occupancy: You must own and live in the property as your primary residence. Your driver's license must show the same address as the property.
Principal Residence: The property must be your main home. If you own multiple homes, only one can have the homestead exemption.
Application: You must apply for the exemption every time you change your permanent residence. Any change in ownership shown on a deed cancels an existing exemption.
At Icon, we serve most states across the USA. Contact our team to learn more about our services in your state today.
Ownership and Occupancy: You must own and live in the property as your primary residence. Your driver's license must show the same address as the property.
Principal Residence: The property must be your main home. If you own multiple homes, only one can have the homestead exemption.
Application: You must apply for the exemption every time you change your permanent residence. Any change in ownership shown on a deed cancels an existing exemption.
At Icon, we serve most states across the USA. Contact our team to learn more about our services in your state today.
The Over 65 Exemption provides an additional $10,000 exemption from school district taxes, on top of the $100,000 standard homestead exemption. More importantly, it establishes a tax ceiling—the amount you owe in the year you turn 65 and are approved. Even if the school tax rate or your property value rises in subsequent years, you'll only be taxed at this ceiling. However, if school district taxes fall below your ceiling, you'll only be charged the lower amount.
Cities and other taxing entities may also offer over-65 exemptions. While school districts must provide tax ceilings, other jurisdictions may choose to do so. It's crucial to consult with local tax authorities for specifics.
Cities and other taxing entities may also offer over-65 exemptions. While school districts must provide tax ceilings, other jurisdictions may choose to do so. It's crucial to consult with local tax authorities for specifics.
The Circuit Breaker law was passed as a recent part of property tax legislation in Texas to cover the 2024-2026 tax years. It functions similarly to the 10% Homestead Cap but applies to non-homestead properties, limiting assessed value increases to 20% year over year.
While there's no limit on market value, the assessed value increase for qualifying properties is capped at 20% from the prior year's value. The value notice from the appraisal district should indicate if the cap applies, though it may not be explicitly referred to as the "Circuit Breaker," "Circuit Breaker tax credit" or "Circuit Breaker limitation".
Disclaimer
This information is not legal advice. The Circuit Breaker law is new, and interpretations by appraisal districts may vary.
While there's no limit on market value, the assessed value increase for qualifying properties is capped at 20% from the prior year's value. The value notice from the appraisal district should indicate if the cap applies, though it may not be explicitly referred to as the "Circuit Breaker," "Circuit Breaker tax credit" or "Circuit Breaker limitation".
Disclaimer
This information is not legal advice. The Circuit Breaker law is new, and interpretations by appraisal districts may vary.
A property tax appeal, or protest, is the process of challenging your property’s market value with the County Tax Assessor to ensure it is fair and accurate.
Signup FAQs
Our licensed property tax consultants, having attended thousands of hearings, are skilled at securing the best outcomes for our clients. Occasionally, clients may unintentionally present evidence that undermines our case. To ensure the most effective representation, it is preferable for our consultants to engage directly with the appraisal district.
Our team ensures your appeal is filed by your county’s deadline.
Yes! A licensed property tax consultant will personally handle your appeal to make sure your property is assessed fairly.
We apply the previous year’s tax rate on our invoice since it is the last known rate. Contact our team at Icon to learn more about our property tax consulting services today.
Yes, your agreement renews automatically. The county reviews your property’s value yearly, and protesting annually is key to managing it. You’ll only receive an invoice if we lower your assessed value.
This can be due to various factors, including the property being under-assessed or fairly assessed as determined by the evidence gathered during the protest. Additionally, the Central Appraisal District is not obligated to make any value reductions during a hearing unless the Appraisal Review Board makes a ruling based on their interpretation of the evidence presented from both sides.
If you enroll and the County rejects the agency form, we will email you requesting an updated form.
Counties vary given when value notices are released. Please search your property on property insights to see if it is eligable for sign up.
Our property tax appeal success rate is strong, with many counties seeing reductions in over 70% of cases. Results vary by property type, location, market conditions, and local policies, making expert guidance key to maximizing savings.
This is a common misconception. Your homes market value is determined by sales in your area, not by the taxable value assigned by the Central Appraisal District.
Unfortunately, if you have already filed an appeal directly with the Central Appraisal District, we cannot assist you this year.
Most cases are resolved within about 90 days, though timing depends on the appraisal district’s scheduling, as they assign all hearing dates.
The property tax appeal process might sound intimidating, but you should consider it as a double-check that your home is being valued fairly. A lot of people open their notice and feel that little sting of surprise when they see a higher number than expected. This experience occurs frequently, which is why we have resources to guide you through your next tax appeal.
The property tax appeal process gives you the right to speak up, show your side, and fix any errors that might’ve slipped through. Don’t miss the property tax appeal deadline. Each county has its own schedule, and once that property tax appeal deadline passes, you’ll have to wait until next year.
When you’re ready, fill out the property tax appeal form. Take a look at some frequently asked questions that our clients have below, and contact our team of experts at Icon Property Tax to help with the property tax appeal process in your area today!
