Home address: 5531 Manitou Dr

2021 Taxable Value: $309,556

Recent Sales Price: $239,900 – Over-taxed by 29%

Half or more of Texas homeowners are paying more than their fair share of property taxes. Market value property tax appeals save homeowners an average of $500, according to Texas Comptroller Glen Hager, for 2019. An unequal appraisal appeal is easy to prepare.  Just find neighborhood homes with a lower level of assessment (per square foot).  Summarize the data in a table. 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. 

Many owners do not protest because they do not understand the process.  Most would appeal if they know how easy it is to have a high chance of success. Incorrect property data such as grade, effective year built, condition, etc lead to substantial errors in appraisal district values for houses. One reason appraisal districts are motivated to settle protests is to maintain goodwill with the community. Property owners have a duty and responsibility to appraise property taxes annually.  It is not prudent or reasonable to rely on the appraisal district’s estimate.