Texas Property Tax Protests Explained

Every year, Texas appraisal districts set your property's value — and every year, you have the right to challenge it. Here's how the process works and how we help you save.

Why Protest Your Property Taxes?

Texas has no state income tax — property taxes are the primary way local governments fund schools, roads, and services. That means assessments tend to run high, and protesting is not only common, it's expected.

~50%

of Texas homeowners who protest get a reduction

$1,200+

average annual savings for Houston homeowners

$0

risk to you — you can never be raised by protesting

Key Deadlines

The Texas property tax calendar runs on a strict schedule. Missing deadlines means missing savings.

January 1

Valuation Date

The appraisal district values your property as of this date each year. Market conditions on January 1 determine your assessed value.

April 15 – May 15

Notice of Appraised Value

You receive your notice in the mail showing your new appraised value. This is when most homeowners first see if their value went up.

May 15 (or 30 days after notice)

Protest Deadline

You must file your protest by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later. This is the most important deadline.

May – September

Informal & Formal Hearings

After filing, you’ll have an informal hearing with the appraisal district, followed by a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) if needed.

October – January

Tax Bills & Payment

Tax bills are mailed in October and due by January 31. Your protested value (if reduced) is reflected in your final bill.

How We Build Your Case

There are several legal approaches to challenging your property tax assessment. We use the strategy — or combination of strategies — that gives you the best chance of a reduction.

Market / Sales Approach

The most common method for residential properties. We compare your property to recent sales of similar homes in your area to show the appraisal district that your assessed value is higher than what the market supports.

Comparable sales analysis within your neighborhood
Adjustments for size, age, condition, and features
Most effective when the market is flat or declining

Income Approach

Used primarily for commercial and rental properties. This method values a property based on the income it generates. If a property's income doesn't support the appraised value, that's strong grounds for a reduction.

Based on actual or market rental income and expenses
Uses capitalization rates to determine fair value
Ideal for office, retail, multifamily, and industrial

Cost Approach

This method asks: what would it cost to rebuild this property today, minus depreciation? It's especially useful for newer construction, unique properties, or when comparable sales are limited.

Estimates land value plus replacement cost of improvements
Accounts for physical deterioration and obsolescence
Useful for special-purpose or unique properties

Equal & Uniform

Texas law requires that similar properties be appraised equally. If comparable properties in your area are assessed at a lower ratio of market value than yours, you can argue that your assessment is unfairly high — even if the appraised value itself is accurate.

Compares your assessment ratio to similar properties
Can reduce your value even if comps sold for more
One of the most powerful tools in Texas property tax law

What We Do For You

You sign up in 2 minutes. We handle everything else.

What We Handle

File your protest on time

We monitor deadlines and file all paperwork with the county before the cutoff.

Research & build your case

Our team pulls comparable sales, analyzes market trends, and prepares evidence packets.

Represent you at hearings

We attend informal and formal hearings on your behalf — you never have to show up.

Negotiate your reduction

We push for the lowest possible assessed value, saving you money year after year.

What You Do

See our transparent pricing — no upfront cost, ever.

1

Search your address

Find your property and see your estimated savings instantly.

2

Sign up in 2 minutes

Enter your info, e-sign the authorization form, and you’re done.

3

Sit back and save

We do all the work. You only pay 25% of what we actually save you.

Common Questions

Can my taxes go up if I protest?

No. Texas law prohibits the appraisal district from raising your value as a result of a protest. The worst outcome is that your value stays the same.

What if I just bought my home?

You can still protest. Your purchase price is one data point, but it doesn’t lock in your assessed value. We try find reductions even for recent buyers, however, it is more difficult.

Do I need to attend any hearings?

No. We handle everything — informal negotiations and formal ARB hearings — on your behalf. You never need to take time off work or appear in person.

When do I pay?

Only after your tax savings are confirmed. We charge 25% of your actual savings. If we don’t save you anything, you owe nothing.

What counties do you serve?

We currently serve Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Galveston counties — covering the greater Houston metro area.

Do you handle commercial properties?

Yes. Commercial properties receive personalized, hands-on service from our team. Visit our commercial page to submit an inquiry.

Ready to lower your property taxes?

It takes 2 minutes to sign up. We take it from there.