The deadline to protest property taxes is rapidly approaching. May 17th marks the date by which homeowners must file a Notice of Protest of their annual appraisals. Even if your property value did not increase this year, there are still options for reductions. Whether you file online, by mail, or by using a website such as Texas ProTax, there are a few things you should know about the process before diving in.
Step 1: Filing a Notice of Protest
May 15th is the deadline to file a Notice of Protest of your appraisal. When it comes to filing, you can either use the form mailed to you by the Appraisal District or file your protest online.
If you choose to file online:
Filing online has a much quicker turnaround than filing via mail. Appraisal district staffers can review your information and decide if you will receive a settlement potentially without you having to attend a hearing. Informal meetings will be offered through June 18th, 2021 on a first-come first-served basis. This link provides helpful information about navigating the online appeal process.
Below are links to file online:
File online in Travis County (Click on “E-Services”)
File in Williamson County (Click on “Online Protests”)
File in Hays County (Deadline in Hays, May 17th)
If you choose to fill out the form:
Be careful as to which boxes you are checking off regarding the reason for your protest. This will determine what kind of evidence you can present later on.
Step 2: Meet With the Appraiser
Once you’ve filed a Notice of Protest, you have the option to request an informal meeting with a staffer via the online portal and a formal hearing date with ARB, a group of residents appointed to hear this type of challenge.
Informal meeting with a staffer:
You must submit evidence prior to an informal meeting. This can be done online (processing time 2 hours) or via mail (processing time 10-15 days). This evidence can include information on comparable homes that can be found on the appraisal district’s website, an independent appraisal if you recently refinanced your house, photos, repair estimates, and the like. If you are offered a reduction in value by the district and you are happy with the number, you can choose to accept.
If you still aren’t satisfied, you can keep your date with the ARB. You will have the right to see all of the information district appraisers are planning to present, so contact the appraisal district if you wish to see those documents.
Step 3: Official Hearing
The hearing will likely not exceed the span of 15-30 minutes. You will be put under oath and have the chance to present your evidence, concluding with the statement of a figure you believe your property is worth.
Some documentation to consider presenting:
Condition of your home, location of your home, recently purchased homes, comparable market analysis or information on comparable homes found on the appraisal district’s website, an independent appraisal if you refinanced your house, photos, and repair estimates.
Helpful Links:
County Appraisal District Websites:
Information in this post was based on information provided by the Travis Central Appraisal District and Texas Comptroller's Office.
