Home address: 730 Mountain Laurel Dr

2021 Taxable Value: $534,856

Recent Sales Price: $417,500 – Over-taxed by 28%

Half or more of Texas homeowners are paying more than their fair share of property taxes. Protest market value, get a few comparable sales as evidence and you are very likely to reduce your property taxes. Unequal appraisal appeals are valid when the assessment is below market value. Woody Allen said “80% of success is showing up”.  The same is true of property taxes.  If you file an appeal and attend the hearing, your chance of reducing your property taxes is excellent. 

Some homeowners do not appeal property taxes because they are not aware of this right.  You can and should protest both market value and unequal appraisal annually. One reason it is difficult for appraisal districts to correctly value homes is they are not homogenous.  Some have been remodeled and some haven’t. Appraisal districts usually settle appeals at the informal hearing since it costs less and takes fewer resources. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car.  Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.