How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why You Should Protest Your Texas Property Taxes

Here's a number that might surprise you: only about 5% of Texas homeowners protest their property taxes each year.

Meanwhile, studies show that 30-60% of properties are overassessed. That's a lot of people paying more than they should.

The good news? Texas has one of the most homeowner-friendly protest systems in the country. And 80-90% of informal protests result in at least some reduction.

Step 1: Get Your Notice of Appraised Value

Your county appraisal district mails these out between late March and early May. This document shows:

• Your property's new assessed value
• Last year's value for comparison
• The deadline to file your protest (usually May 15)

Don't wait for the mail. Most appraisal districts post values online in April.

Step 2: Check Your Property Record for Errors

Before anything else, verify the basic facts. Common mistakes include:

• Wrong square footage (often overstated by 50-200+ sq ft)
• Incorrect bedroom or bathroom count
• Features you don't have (pool, extra garage, outbuilding)
• Wrong lot size or year built

These errors are surprisingly common—and easy wins if you catch them.

Step 3: Research Comparable Sales

This is your most powerful evidence. Look for homes that:

• Sold within the last 6-12 months
• Are within 0.5-1 mile of your property
• Have similar size, age, and features

If comparable homes sold for less than your assessed value, you have a strong case.

Step 4: File Your Protest Before the Deadline

You have until May 15 (or 30 days after your notice was mailed, whichever is later) to file.

Filing options:

• Online through your appraisal district's website
• By mail using the form on your notice
• In person at the appraisal district office

Check the box for "Value is over market value" and "Value is unequal compared with other properties." You can argue both.

Step 5: Attend Your Informal Hearing

Most protests start with an informal hearing—a one-on-one meeting with an appraiser. This is where most cases get resolved.

Bring:

• Photos of any condition issues
• Your comparable sales data
• Repair estimates if applicable
• Anything showing your home is worth less than assessed

Be respectful but firm. The appraiser wants to settle—formal hearings cost the district time and money.

Step 6: Go to the ARB If Needed

If you can't reach an agreement, you'll get a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This is a panel that reviews your evidence and makes a binding decision.

Most cases never get here. But if yours does, the same evidence applies—just presented more formally.

The Bottom Line

Protesting your property taxes in Texas isn't complicated. The system is designed to give homeowners a fair shot.

The hardest part? Actually doing it. That's why most people don't—and why those who do usually win. Check out our CPA partners program.

Keep Reading

• Texas Homestead Exemption Guide
• How to Find Comparable Sales
• The Texas Protest Process Explained