## Why Protest Your Property Taxes? Each year, **County Appraisal Districts (CADs)** assess property values, but these assessments are not always accurate. A high assessment could mean you're paying **more taxes than necessary**. By filing a **property tax protest**, you can reduce your assessed property value and potentially save **hundreds or thousands of dollars** annually. ## Step 1: Review Your Property Tax Appraisal Notice Every year, homeowners receive a **Notice of Appraised Value** from their **County Appraisal District (CAD)**. This includes: - **Market value** of your home - **Taxable value** after exemptions - **Protest deadline** (usually 30 days after receiving your notice) Compare your value with **similar properties in your area** to see if it is fair.  ## Step 2: Gather Evidence to Support Your Protest To make a strong case, collect the following: - **Comparable sales data** – Ask your Real Estate Professional for recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood. - **Property condition reports** – Take photos and get repair estimates for any damages or outdated features. - **Assessment comparisons** – If neighbors have lower valuations, use that as evidence. - **Appraisal errors** – Look for inaccuracies in square footage, number of rooms, or property details. ## Step 3: File Your Property Tax Protest Most counties allow protests to be filed **online, by mail, or in person**. Submit a **Property Owner’s Notice of Protest (Form 50-132)** to your local **Appraisal Review Board (ARB)**. ### Find Your County’s Protest Process: - [Galveston County Appraisal District](https://www.galvestoncad.org/) - [Brazoria County Appraisal District](https://www.brazoriacad.org/) - [Tarrant County Appraisal District (Fort Worth, Haslet)](https://www.tad.org/) - [Wise County Appraisal District](https://www.wisecad.org/)  ## Step 4: Schedule an Informal Review Before a formal hearing, you may have an opportunity for an **informal meeting** with the appraisal district. This can help resolve your case without a full hearing. ## Step 5: Attend Your Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Hearing If your informal meeting does not result in a satisfactory adjustment, you will present your case to the **Appraisal Review Board**. **What to expect:** - You present your evidence. - The appraisal district will argue its case. - The ARB will decide on your property’s value. ## Step 6: Appeal the ARB Decision If you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you have additional options: - **Binding arbitration** – A neutral third party will review your case. - **Lawsuit in district court** – If you have strong evidence, legal action may be an option. - **State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)** – Available for properties valued at **$5 million or more**. ## **Final Thoughts: Reduce Your Property Taxes & Save Money** Filing a **property tax protest** is one of the most effective ways to **lower your annual tax bill**. Even if you don’t secure a **full reduction**, many homeowners achieve **partial reductions**, which can save **hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time**. 📅 **Take action now!** Mark your calendar, gather your evidence, and file your protest before the deadline. [👉 Click here to Request Protest Comps](https://cathycarter.cartersp.com/contact.php)  ### [Cathy Carter](https://www.cartersp.com/agents/1258262/Cathy+Carter) Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Keller, Texas, I purchased my first home in Roanoke. As the Broker and Founder of Carter Signature Properties, I bring over 15 years of Fortune 500 management e.... - [](https://www.facebook.com/Carter.Signature) - [](https://www.instagram.com/cartersignatureproperties/) - [](https://www.pinterest.com/cartersignatureproperties/) - [](https://www.twitter.com/CarterSignature) - [](https://youtube.com/@cartersignatureproperties?si=LcWETlYeyx1pG839) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-signature-properties/) Login To Leave A Comment
