How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas (And Why It’s Probably Worth Your Time)
If you own a home in Texas, you’ve likely received (or will soon receive) a property tax appraisal in the mail. And if you’re like most people, you probably glanced at the number, sighed, and filed it away.
Here’s the thing: that number isn’t final. And if it feels high, you can challenge it.
A lot of homeowners don’t realize they have the right to protest their property tax assessment — or that doing so could actually lower their tax bill. It’s not complicated, but there are a few things that make a big difference.
Here’s what you need to know — in plain English.
📅 First: What’s the Deadline?
The deadline to protest your property taxes is May 15, 2025
—or 30 days after you receive your appraisal notice, whichever is later.
That’s your window to take action if something doesn’t feel right.
🧐 What Even Is a Property Tax Protest?
Every year, your county’s appraisal district estimates the value of your home. That number is used to calculate how much you owe in property taxes.
But if the assessed value is too high, you might be overpaying.
A property tax protest is your chance to say, “Actually, this isn’t accurate — here’s what I think it’s worth.”
If your protest is accepted, your property value is adjusted, and your tax bill drops. Simple as that.
🛠️ How to Protest Your Property Taxes (Texas Homeowners Edition)
1. Look up your assessment.
Go to your county’s appraisal district website (Travis, Williamson, Hays, etc.) and search your address. Compare the “market value” listed to what you believe your home would actually sell for today.
2. If the number feels off — protest it.
You can do this yourself (more on that below), or you can hire a professional to help.
3. File your protest manually — not online.
It’s tempting to use the online e-file portal. But here's the truth most people don’t realize: manual protests give you more flexibility and better results.
You can submit a paper form or go in person. It may take a little more time, but it can be worth it.
💡 DIY Protest Tips That Actually Work
If you decide to protest your taxes yourself, here are three things that can tip the odds in your favor:
-
Avoid e-filing. Manual protests give you room to make your case.
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Use Texas Tax Code 41.43(a) — this focuses on market value, which is easier to support with comps.
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File closer to the deadline. Weirdly, doing it later in the protest window can sometimes help.
Need comps or help figuring out your home’s value? [Contact us here] — we’re happy to send a quick check for free.
🧾 What About the Homestead Exemption?
If you haven’t already filed a homestead exemption, this is the year to do it. It gives you a tax break just for living in the home you own — and in some cases, you can apply retroactively and get money back.
You only have to file once, unless your ownership changes.
File here:
🧠 Not Sure Where to Start? These Pros Can Help:
If you’d rather hand it off, here are three local firms that have helped many of our clients:
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Five Stone Tax
📧 PropertyTax@FiveStoneTax.com | 📞 512.833.5829 -
Texas ProTax
📧 info@texasprotax.com | 📞 512.339.6671 -
Discount Property Taxes
📧 info@discountpropertytaxes.com | 📞 512.467.9852
They typically take a small percentage of the savings if they win — no upfront cost.
✋ Before You Dismiss It...
This isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about making sure you’re not quietly overpaying year after year. If your assessment is accurate, great — peace of mind is valuable too. But if it’s not, you deserve to correct it.
Most homeowners never protest. But those who do? Many walk away with real savings — sometimes in the hundreds or thousands.
If you want a second set of eyes on your property’s value, we’re here. No pressure. Just reach out.
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