A Realtor’s Guide to Protesting Your Property Taxes

A Realtor’s Guide to Protesting Your Property Taxes

As a top-producing real estate professional in the Houston area, I’m not just here to help you buy or sell a home—I’m also here to help you protect your investment. One way I do that is by empowering homeowners like you to confidently navigate the property tax protest process.

Each spring, appraisal notices go out, and if you’re like many Houston-area homeowners, you may be surprised to see your home’s value increase significantly—sometimes more than the market justifies. Fortunately, Texas law gives you the right to protest your property tax appraisal, and in many cases, lower your property tax bill.

Here’s my insider’s guide to help you through it:

🔍 1. Understand What You're Protesting

You're not protesting your taxes—you're protesting the appraised value of your home as determined by your county’s appraisal district. That value directly affects how much you pay in property taxes, so accuracy is key.

Look for discrepancies such as:

• Appraised value that exceeds your recent purchase price
• Noticeable jumps year over year without major upgrades
• Inconsistencies compared to similar homes in your neighborhood

🗓️ 2. Mark Your Deadlines

• Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD): Deadline to file a protest is typically May 15 or 30 days from the date of your appraisal notice, whichever is later.

⚠️ Don’t miss this window—late protests may not be accepted unless you qualify for special circumstances.

📝 3. File Your Protest Online

HCAD allows you to file your protest online—it's easy, fast, and allows for electronic communication with the district.

• HCAD eServices Portal: hcad.org

Once filed, you’ll typically be offered an iSettle option or informal hearing before proceeding to a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing.

📸 4. Gather Your Evidence

Here’s where having a Realtor in your corner can make all the difference. To support your protest, collect:

• Comparable Sales Data (I can provide a custom CMA report)
• Photos of property defects (foundation issues, aging roof, outdated interiors, etc.)
• Contract/closing documents if recently purchased
• Independent appraisals if available

💡 Pro Tip: I help clients compare their property to similar homes recently sold in the area to ensure the county isn’t overvaluing your home.

💬 5. Present Your Case (and Stay Professional)

If your protest reaches a formal hearing, don’t panic—it’s a straightforward process. You’ll meet with the ARB and present your evidence calmly and clearly. Bring everything in writing and be prepared to explain any disparities.

You don’t need to be a tax expert—just stick to the facts. If needed, you can also authorize a tax consultant to represent you.

💼 6. When to Hire a Pro

If your case is complex (such as large acreage, unique homes, or recent renovations), you might consider hiring a property tax consultant. They typically charge a percentage of the savings and often only get paid if they reduce your valuation.

Need a recommendation? I’m happy to connect you with trusted local professionals.

📩 Want Help or a Free CMA?

If you're unsure where to start, I offer complimentary Comparative Market Analyses (CMAs) to help homeowners evaluate their appraisal. Whether you’re in River Oaks, Memorial, Sugar Land, or The Heights, I’ve got hyper-local data that can strengthen your case.

Let’s Keep Your Taxes in Check

Don’t leave money on the table. Protesting your property taxes is a smart, proactive step every Houston-area homeowner should consider. If you’d like personalized help or a CMA tailored to your address, reach out today.

📞 Jana Bruce
Houston Luxury Real Estate Expert
📧 [email protected]| 📱713.444.0180
🌐 www.janabruce.com