Texas Property Tax Protest
A clear, no-fluff guide to protesting your Notice of Appraised Value — and making sure you're not paying taxes on a number your home wouldn't realistically sell for.
⏰ 2026 Deadline
File by May 15, 2026 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later.
Texas property taxes aren't "set in stone"
If you own a home in Texas, you'll get a Notice of Appraised Value in the mail (usually in the spring). Most people glance at the number, sigh, and move on.
But that value isn't final. If it feels high, you can challenge it — and if the value comes down, your tax bill usually comes down too.
What you're doing when you "protest":
Each year, your county assigns a value to your home. That number is used to calculate property taxes. Most protests fall into one of these:
You're essentially saying
"This number doesn't match reality — here's what I'm seeing."
Step-by-step: how to protest in Texas
Your notice includes details (and usually a PIN/ID). You can also search your address directly on your county appraisal site.
- Confirm your listed value + property details
- Check exemptions shown on file
- Look for anything incorrect (size, condition, features)
If you're unsure what to select, most homeowners keep it simple:
- Market value is too high
- Value is unequal compared to similar homes
This preserves the most flexibility when evidence gets reviewed.
You don't need a perfect packet — just a clear case. These tend to be most persuasive:
- 3–6 comparable home sales ("comps")
- Photos of issues (roof, foundation, water intrusion, outdated systems)
- Repair estimates (even rough ones help)
- Notes on value impacts (noise, drainage, layout quirks)
Most counties allow online filing (fastest), plus mail/email/drop-off options.
- File before the deadline even if you're unsure
- You can upload/submit evidence later
- Keep proof of submission if you file by mail/email
Many counties offer an informal process before a formal ARB hearing.
- A lot of cases resolve here
- If you can't agree, you'll get a formal hearing date
- Keep it simple: comps + photos + a reasonable value request
County protest links (quick access)
Go straight to your county's official protest portal.
Have you filed your homestead exemption?
If this is your primary residence and you haven't filed yet, it can lower your taxable value and cap future increases. Takes 10 minutes.
DIY tips (and when to outsource)
You can absolutely do this yourself — and many people do. Here's what makes either way work.
File before the deadline — even if you're not sure yet
Filing keeps your options open. You can always withdraw later.
Ask for the district's evidence
Requesting their comps in advance helps you counter more effectively.
Use photos + repair estimates
Don't need "perfect" estimates — even rough ones can be persuasive.
Use comps that truly match
Similar size, condition, and location matter most.
Pick a reasonable target value
Protests go better when you're grounded, not extreme.
If you'd rather not deal with it yourself, tax protest companies can handle everything for you. Here's what to know:
How it works
Contingency-based pricing
Most companies charge 25-40% of your first-year savings — only if they win. If they don't reduce your value, you pay nothing.
What they do
Full-service protest
- File the protest on your behalf
- Gather comps and evidence
- Attend informal and formal hearings
- Handle all communication with the county
Good fit if
When outsourcing makes sense
- You're short on time or don't want to deal with paperwork
- You have a complex case (multiple properties, unique situations)
- You'd rather pay for convenience vs. learning the process
We don't do protests ourselves — but we're happy to point you to reputable companies if you want a recommendation. Just text us.
Not sure where to start?
Whether you want a quick sanity check or need help figuring out next steps, we're happy to point you in the right direction.
No sales pitch. Just helpful info from people who know Austin real estate.
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FAQs
The deadline is May 15, 2026 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. If you're not sure when yours was mailed, check the date on your notice or call your county appraisal district.
Usually, yes. Many homeowners get reductions — especially if they have evidence like comps, photos of issues, or repair estimates. Even a small reduction in appraised value can lower your tax bill for years.
Yes. Most Texas counties (including Travis, Williamson, Hays, and Bastrop) allow online filing. It's usually the fastest option. You can also file by mail, email, or in person.
The most persuasive evidence includes: 3-6 comparable home sales (similar size, condition, location), photos of issues (roof damage, foundation problems, outdated systems), and repair estimates. Even rough estimates help make your case.
Most counties start with an informal review where you can negotiate directly. Many cases resolve here. If you can't reach an agreement, you'll get a formal hearing date with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Not necessarily. Many homeowners protest successfully on their own. But if you're short on time or have a complex case, protest companies typically charge 25-40% of savings (only if they win).
Yes. The homestead exemption reduces your taxable value (school district exemption is $100,000) and caps annual appraisal increases at 10%. If you haven't filed one yet, that's often the easiest first step.
Last updated: January 2026