Texas Property Tax Protest: How to Lower Your Bill
Your appraisal notice doesn’t have to equal a bigger tax bill. Use this step-by-step guide—and a free comparable sales report from Carter Signature Properties—to protest with confidence. Experience the Signature Difference.
Why Protest Your Property Taxes?
When your appraised value looks inflated, you have the right to challenge it—and potentially reduce your tax burden. Appraisal districts estimate what your home could sell for as of January 1. That estimate can miss important details about your home’s condition, size, features, or updates.
- Market Value: The county’s estimate of a likely sale price (as of Jan 1).
- Appraised Value: The value used to calculate taxes after exemptions/caps.
- Homestead Cap: For qualified homesteads, taxable value can usually only rise up to 10% per year.
Key Deadlines (Texas)
File your protest by May 15, 2025 or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice—whichever is later. Most counties (Tarrant, Denton, Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, etc.) follow this statewide rule. Always confirm on your appraisal district’s website.
How to File Your Protest (Quick Steps)
- File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) online at your county appraisal district before the deadline.
- Assemble evidence: accurate comparable sales (last 6–12 months), photos of condition, repair estimates, lot size differences, permits, and any features that reduce value.
- Pick your approach: Market value (their value is too high) and/or Unequal appraisal (your home is assessed higher than similar homes).
- Attend the hearing (virtual or in-person) with a clear, concise case and organized packet.
Get a Free Comparable Sales Report (Comps)
Real comps are your best leverage. We’ll pull neighborhood sales and provide you the comps—so you can show why the district’s value should come down. It’s free, fast, and customized to your property.
Request My Free Property Protest Comps
We’re your neighbors—not a tax law firm. We provide real-market data and guidance so you can present a confident case. That’s the Signature Difference.
Winning Strategies That Actually Work
Use Better Comps
- Similar size, age, lot, and location (same subdivision when possible).
- Closed within the last 6–12 months (closer is better).
- Adjust for pools, garages, major updates, or view.
Prove Condition Differences
- Photos of dated kitchens/baths, worn flooring, roof/HVAC age.
- Repair estimates (written bids help quantify adjustments).
- Note smaller lots, busy roads, power lines, or drainage issues.
Unequal Appraisal Angle
- Compare your assessed value per sq ft to similar nearby homes.
- If you’re notably higher, that’s evidence for a reduction.
Present Like a Pro
- Lead with data, not emotion. Be brief and specific.
- Bring organized exhibits: comp table, photos, estimates.
Texas Property Tax Protest Checklist
Print this section or save it digitally before your hearing.
- ☑️ Review your appraisal notice; note market value & property details.
- ☑️ Confirm exemptions (Homestead, Over-65, Disability) are applied.
- ☑️ Calendar the deadline: May 15, or 30 days after notice (whichever is later).
- ☑️ File Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) online; save confirmation.
- ☑️ Request/collect comparable sales (3–10 best matches).
- ☑️ Photograph condition issues; gather repair estimates.
- ☑️ Build a simple comp table (subject vs. comparables with adjustments).
- ☑️ Check for unequal appraisal (assessed $/sq ft vs. similar homes).
- ☑️ Prepare a 2–3 minute summary of your case.
- ☑️ Attend the hearing (virtual or in person) and present calmly.
- ☑️ Keep records; verify the updated value posts after a win.
Where We Help (Local Expertise)
We provide protest comps across DFW (Haslet, Alliance/North Fort Worth, Keller, Roanoke, Dallas, Northlake) and Greater Houston & Gulf Coast (Manvel, Iowa Colony, Pearland, Alvin, Surfside Beach, Lake Jackson, Galveston, Houston ). Local comps win hearings—that’s our lane.
Request Your Free Property Protest Comps
Tell us your address, bed/bath, and approximate square footage, notable features, and any condition items you want considered. Experience the Signature Difference.
Disclaimer: Carter Signature Properties is not a law firm or tax consulting company. This content is educational only. Verify procedures and deadlines with your local appraisal district. Consult a qualified professional for legal or tax advice.
