Understanding Texas Property Tax Appeal Deadlines

When Exactly Can I File an Appeal of My Property Value?

For Texas homeowners, understanding when you can appeal your property taxes is crucial to ensuring a fair tax assessment. The property tax appeal process provides an opportunity to challenge your property’s value if you believe it is incorrect or unfair. Here’s what you need to know about timing your appeal.

Texas Property Tax Appeal Deadlines

In Texas, property tax appeals must be filed within specific deadlines to be considered valid. Typically, the Texas property value appeal deadline to file a protest is May 15th or 30 days after you receive your appraisal notice, whichever is later. Missing this window means forfeiting your right to contest your property’s valuation for that year.

When Will You Receive Your Appraisal Notice?

Appraisal districts in Texas usually send out appraisal notices between April and early May. This document outlines the appraised value of your property and serves as the starting point for deciding whether to appeal. Keep a close eye on your mailbox or check your appraisal district’s website to access your notice online. Most large counties will have notices out by the end of April. See https://www.hctax.net/Property/protest for an example on when Harris protest deadlines begin. Please note that Texas taxpayers are only allowed to appeal their value, not their actual taxes. For this reason, once a tax bill has been issued to a taxpayer, it is generally too late to reduce their tax liability. 

Reasons to Appeal Your Texas Property Taxes

You may want to consider an appeal if:

1. Your property is overvalued: Similar properties to your own have recently sold for less than your property’s noticed value.
2. Unequal appraisal: Comparable properties in your area have lower market values than your own.
3. Exemptions are missing: Applicable exemptions, like homestead, veteran, or over 65 exemptions, were not appropriately applied.

How to Appeal Your Property Taxes

Filing a property tax appeal in Texas typically involves these steps:

1. Submit a Notice of Protest: Complete and file the notice form with your county’s appraisal district by the deadline.
2. Choose Your Hearing Type: Decide between an informal meeting with an appraiser or a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
3. Prepare Your Case: Gather evidence, such as comparable sales data or documentation of property condition, to support your claim.

Preparing for Your Appeal

Once you decide to appeal, start gathering evidence to support your case. This may include recent sales data for comparable properties, photos of property damage, or professional appraisals. A strong argument requires solid documentation.

How AppealSnap Can Help

Navigating the property tax appeal process can be daunting, but that’s where AppealSnap comes in. We provide expert-level equity appeal evidence tailored to Texas homeowners. Our platform helps you build a compelling case to present to your appraisal district, saving you time, effort, and money.

Final Thoughts

Appealing your property taxes is a time-sensitive process, so it’s essential to act quickly once you receive your appraisal notice. Texas property tax appeal deadlines are easy to find, but also easy to miss. With tools like AppealSnap, never miss a deadline again. You can confidently challenge an unfair valuation and potentially save hundreds or even thousands on your tax bill. Use AppealSnap for your Texas property value appeals!