How to protest a property tax appraisal increase

How to protest your property tax appraisal district increase

• Research the deadline and procedures: Each jurisdiction has different deadlines and procedures for protesting property tax appraisals. Visit your local appraisal district’s website or call them to find out the deadline for filing a protest, as well as any specific procedures you need to follow.
• Gather evidence: Before filing a protest, gather evidence to support your claim that your property has been overvalued. This can include comparable sales data, a professional appraisal, or information about any factors that negatively impact your property’s value, such as needed repairs or nearby nuisances.
• Fill out the protest form: Obtain a property tax protest form from your local appraisal district’s website or office. Fill out the form completely, providing all necessary information, and attach any supporting evidence you’ve gathered.
• File the protest: Submit your completed protest form and supporting evidence to the appraisal district by the deadline. You can usually submit your protest by mail, in person, or sometimes electronically. Make sure to keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
• Attend the informal meeting: After you file your protest, you may be invited to an informal meeting with an appraiser from the appraisal district. This is an opportunity to present your evidence and discuss your concerns. Be prepared to make your case clearly and calmly.
• Attend the formal hearing: If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of the informal meeting, you can proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). At the hearing, you will present your evidence and arguments, and the appraisal district will present theirs. The ARB will then make a decision on your protest.
• Appeal the decision (if necessary): If you’re not satisfied with the ARB’s decision, you may be able to appeal it to a higher authority, such as a district court or the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Check with your local appraisal district for details on the appeals process.

Will asking the appraisal district for information help?

• Clarification on procedures: The appraisal district can explain the specific steps you need to follow to file a protest and provide you with any necessary forms or documents.
• Understanding your property’s valuation: You can request information on how your property was appraised and the factors considered in determining its value. This information can help you identify any discrepancies or issues you’d like to challenge.
• Comparable sales data: The appraisal district may be able to provide you with sales data for similar properties in your area, which can help you build a case for a lower valuation if the comparable properties have lower values.
• Assistance with deadlines: The appraisal district can inform you of important deadlines, ensuring that you submit your protest and any supporting documentation on time.
• Guidance on the appeals process: If you decide to appeal an unfavorable decision, the appraisal district can explain the process and any additional steps you need to take.

Do not discuss taxes at your hearing.

Will unique repairs be needed, or will damage help?

• Document the repairs or damages: Take photos of any significant repairs needed or damage to your property. If possible, obtain written estimates from contractors or other professionals detailing the cost of repairing these issues.
• Show the impact on property value: Research and gather evidence to demonstrate how these repairs or damages negatively affect your property’s value compared to similar properties in your area that are in better condition. This might include comparable sales data or professional opinions from real estate agents or appraisers.
• Include the information in your protest: When you file your protest, include the documentation of repairs or damages, along with any estimates or other evidence that shows how these issues impact your property’s value. Clearly explain in your protest that you believe the appraisal district has overvalued your property due to these unique factors.
• Be prepared to discuss the issues: If you attend an informal meeting or formal hearing with the appraisal district, be prepared to discuss the repairs or damages and how they impact your property’s value. Bring your documentation and be prepared to answer any questions or provide further information if needed.

Strategies to achieve a favorable outcome

1. Be kind, do not discuss taxes, it’s only about appraised value.
2. Take your value notice, turn it over, fill the thing out and mail it in. That satisfies the legal requirement of filing a protest.
3. Since the appraisal is based on other homes around you, ask the appraisal district for the comparisons they are using. They must tell you which houses they are comparing yours to in order to determine your appraised value.
4. Drive around and take pictures of the comparable properties the appraisal district used and show evidence of how your property doesn’t compare to them.
5. Document any unique repairs or damages that reduce the value compared to similar properties.
6. Get right to the point. When you do have your hearing, you only have about 3 minutes to speak.