3 Thing To Take To Your Property Tax Protest

3 Thing To Take To Your Property Tax Protest (TEXAS)

I'm usually asked by so many clients seeking help with their Property Taxes around this time of the year. However, this year is a bit different, Property Taxes have jumped so high due to a handful of reasons (read my blog), but everyone seems to have taken an interest. So what do we do. 

The answer is to Protest. Well, not in the literal sense of organized walk-outs or parading with banners and signs. The only way to legally protest is to fill out the provided paperwork on the back of your valuation notice. This is usually mailed out in late April by the county appraisal district office. Just flip the valuation notice over and answer a few questions and mail back or drop it off. If you drop it off, the appraisal district office usually places a container to receive your protest for curbside ease. Simple. A week after submitting your protest, you will receive a date to show up and PROVE that they are wrong and you are right in terms of valuation of your property. You can also protest online when protesting is scheduled to begin. This is the only time you can protest which ever option you choose. It can not be done at any other time.

If you do it online, you will need to upload your documentation used to fight their evaluation. If you do the regular protest. You will be given a date to show up. So the appraisal assistants will ask what evidence do you have to protest you evaluations. 

So here are 3 things that you might want to take or upload @ your Protest.

1. Exemptions.

You would be surprised that most folks don't take advantage of some or all of their Texas/County free tax deductions. These are simple tax reduction measures based on the criteria of the homeowner and not necessarily the home. Exemptions follow the homeowner not the home. You may qualify for an exemption if you fall into certain categories.

Seniors 65+

Veterans

People with certain disabilities

Agriculture properties

Homestead exemptions

There are a few more, the Appraiser District Exemption Form has a list of all exemptions. It's a simple check mark form... 

2. Look for Problems and Take Photos.

Physical Evidence. Take photos of anything that's not fixed, torn, not painted, falling down. anything. also, amenities that are not new or older. Like if you have composite or tile counters versus quartz counters. Roof, if its an older roof verses new... Things like this help devalue their valuation. Make sure you print out the photos because they want to keep them for their file. Make copies.

3. CMA.

Yes, a simple comparative market analysis by a REALTOR is a great way to fight your Property Taxes. The fact that no two homes are alike. Unfortunately, the appraisal district uses blanket algorithms for homes. They have great algorithms and technology for something like square footage but they don't have anything for condition and exact facts. 

These are some great things I use to fight my taxes. I fight them every year. If you need help or specific pointers feel free to reach out to me. Id be happy to help. 

If you need a CMA, give me a DM. All I need is an email, APN / Tax Id Number and an Address. It takes a few hours bit I can usually complete the CMA the same day.

If you need help selling your home or in the market of buying a new one... I can help. 

#rgvRoy

Roy Sawyer

956.588.9811

roysawyer@gmail.com