A property tax consultant (also called a property tax representative, property tax agent, or protest company) is a professional who specializes in challenging property assessments on behalf of homeowners and businesses. They research a property's value, gather evidence, negotiate with appraisal districts, and may represent owners at hearings.
In Texas, paid representatives at formal ARB hearings generally must hold a Property Tax Consultant or RPA credential. Most Texas consultants historically charged 25–40% of first-year tax savings. That is the industry pattern — not TaxDrop's current fee. TaxDrop Pro is 1% of the assessment reduction in 17 Texas counties, with no fee unless the assessed value is lowered. TaxDrop One is $129 per property per tax year, refunded if there is no reduction, in 43 Texas counties and in served counties outside Texas.
California is TaxDrop One only: a $129 Prop 8 filing packet, not TDLR-style licensed full-service representation. See Texas property tax consultant and California property tax consultant for how each product works. This page defines the role; it is not a sales landing page.
Hiring a property tax consultant makes sense when their expertise can deliver results you could not achieve alone.
When owners hire a consultant:
• You don't have time to research and attend hearings
• Your property increased 15%+ in value
• You're uncomfortable negotiating
• You've tried protesting yourself without success
• You own multiple properties
• You want expert analysis of your assessment
What a licensed consultant can provide (Texas protests):
• Professional-grade comparable sales analysis
• Knowledge of local appraisal district practices
• Experience with what evidence works
• License and credentials for formal ARB hearings
TaxDrop Pro (17 Texas counties) charges 1% of the assessment reduction. TaxDrop One is $129 and does not include TDLR-style licensed representation in California. Learn more: Texas property tax consultant and California property tax consultant.
How property tax consultants work:
Research & analysis:
• Pull your property record card
• Identify valuation errors
• Research comparable sales
• Calculate a realistic target value
Filing & representation:
• File a protest or appeal before the deadline
• Prepare evidence packages
• Attend informal and formal hearings (where licensed to do so)
• Negotiate with appraisers
Typical fee structures:
• Historical contingency (Texas market): 25–40% of first-year tax savings — common among consultants, not TaxDrop's fee
• TaxDrop Pro: 1% of the assessment reduction in 17 Texas counties (no fee unless the value is lowered)
• TaxDrop One: $129 per property per tax year, refunded if no reduction
Do not treat 25–40% (or 25–50%) as TaxDrop's fee. New Jersey county filing fees of $5–$150 are extra and non-refundable where they apply.
For Texas ARB formal hearings, paid representatives must be licensed property tax consultants or attorneys. Family members representing you for free don't need licenses. California has different requirements—check your county's rules.
Most Texas residential consultants historically charged 25–40% of first-year tax savings on contingency. TaxDrop Pro is 1% of the assessment reduction in 17 Texas counties (no fee unless the value is lowered). TaxDrop One is $129 per property per tax year, refunded if no reduction. Competitors' 25–50% of tax savings is not TaxDrop's fee.
No legitimate consultant can guarantee specific results—the appraisal district and ARB make final decisions. However, experienced consultants can estimate likely outcomes based on your evidence and their success rates. Be wary of unrealistic promises.