Frequently Asked
Questions

How do Texas property tax protests work?

When is the Texas property tax protest deadline?

Under the Texas Property Tax Code, the standard deadline to file a protest is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed — whichever is later. For 2026, file as early as possible once you receive your notice. Late protests are generally not accepted.

How do I file a property tax protest in Texas?

Can I protest my property taxes myself without hiring someone?

Yes. Texas law allows any property owner to protest their own appraised value without hiring an attorney, consultant, or protest company. Many homeowners successfully represent themselves at ARB hearings using comparable property data and organized evidence. Self-representation is especially practical when you have clear comparable data supporting your case.

Is it worth protesting property taxes in Texas?

It depends on the data. If your property is appraised higher than comparable homes or above current market value, a protest can lead to a meaningful reduction. Even a small percentage reduction compounds into real savings over years of ownership. The free preview on this site lets you see whether the evidence supports a case before you spend anything.

Can I protest my property taxes every year?

Yes. Texas law allows you to file a protest every year when you receive your Notice of Appraised Value. There is no limit on how many years in a row you can protest. Many homeowners protest annually as a matter of course, since appraisal districts reassess values each year.

What happens if I miss the protest deadline?

If you miss the standard deadline (May 15 or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later), you generally lose the right to protest for that tax year. Some exceptions exist for late filings — such as if you never received a notice — but these are limited. Filing early once you receive your notice is strongly recommended.

How long does the protest process take in Texas?

The timeline varies by county. After filing, most informal hearings are scheduled within 2-6 weeks. If you proceed to a formal ARB hearing, it may take an additional few weeks. In large counties like Harris or Dallas, the process can stretch into summer or early fall. Resolutions at the informal stage are typically faster.

What is a market value protest (§ 41.41)?

A market value protest argues that the appraisal district set your property's value higher than what it could actually sell for in the current market. This requires evidence of recent comparable sales — properties similar to yours that sold for less than your appraised value. The sales must be relevant to the assessment date (typically January 1 of the tax year).

What is an unequal appraisal protest (§ 41.43)?

Should I file both market value and unequal appraisal arguments?

In many cases, yes. Filing both arguments gives the ARB two independent bases for reducing your value. Even if one argument is weaker, the other may be sufficient. Our analysis evaluates and scores both arguments separately so you can see which is stronger and whether filing both makes sense for your property.

Which protest argument is usually stronger?

It varies by property. Unequal appraisal tends to be effective when similar homes in your neighborhood are assessed at lower rates per square foot. Market value is effective when recent sales clearly show homes selling below your appraised value. Our analysis scores both on a 0-100 scale and recommends which to lead with.

What is the difference between market value and assessed value in Texas?

What is an appraisal cap and does it affect my protest?

Texas homesteaded properties have a 10% annual appraisal cap, meaning the assessed value cannot increase more than 10% per year (regardless of market conditions). This cap applies to the assessed value used for taxation, not the appraised value. A successful protest reduces the appraised value, which may also affect the capped assessed value. The cap resets if you buy, sell, or make major improvements to the property.

What are comparable properties for a tax protest?

Comparable properties (comps) are similar homes used as evidence in your protest. For unequal appraisal, comps are nearby properties with similar characteristics (size, age, construction) whose assessed values are compared to yours. For market value, comps are recent sales of similar properties. Valid comps should be in a similar location, have similar square footage, and be of comparable age and condition.

Where does the comparable property data come from?

Our analysis uses publicly available Texas county appraisal district records and comparable sales data via the ATTOM national property database. For unequal appraisal, we pull assessed values from the appraisal district. For market value, we use verified recent sales. This is the same underlying data the appraisal districts use to set valuations.

How many comparables do I need for a protest?

There is no strict minimum, but more relevant comparables strengthen your case. Our analysis typically uses 5-15 comparable properties for each argument. The ARB will evaluate the quality of your comparables — similar size, age, condition, and location — not just the quantity.

How do I find comparable properties to use in my protest?

What happens at an ARB hearing in Texas?

How should I prepare for my ARB hearing?

What if I disagree with the ARB decision?

If the ARB rules against you, you have options. You can appeal to binding arbitration (for properties under $5 million) or file with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). You may also file in district court. Each option has different deadlines and requirements — consult the Texas Property Tax Assistance Division (PTAD) for guidance.

What does TaxProtestTexas.com do?

TaxProtestTexas.com is an automated self-service analysis tool. It pulls your property data from county appraisal district records, compares it to similar properties, runs an independent market value estimate, and generates a structured PDF packet you can bring to your ARB hearing. It evaluates both market value (§ 41.41) and unequal appraisal (§ 41.43) arguments.

Is this a property tax consulting service?

No. This is an automated analytical tool, not a consulting, legal, or filing service. We do not review your data manually, represent you at hearings, file paperwork on your behalf, or provide legal advice. The analysis and packet are tools for your own use.

How accurate is the analysis?

Our analysis uses publicly available appraisal district data and verified sales records from the ATTOM national property database. The data is updated regularly and reflects the most recent available records. However, comparable data is based on public records and may not reflect every market nuance or property condition. The analysis is an analytical aid — not a guarantee of any particular outcome.

Which Texas counties are supported?

All Texas counties are supported. Our data covers the full state through the ATTOM property database, which aggregates records from county appraisal districts statewide.

Why should I use this instead of a protest company?

Protest companies handle your entire case — filing, negotiation, and representation — and typically charge 25-40% of any tax reduction as a contingency fee. This tool is different: it gives you comparable data and analysis so you can present your own case. It's a good fit if you're comfortable speaking at a hearing yourself.

What do I get for $35?

The full analysis includes: an independent market value estimate via automated valuation model, recent comparable sales data, unequal appraisal analysis with per-square-foot comparisons, evidence strength scoring (0-100) for each argument, an automated analysis summary with recommended requested value, and a downloadable PDF protest packet with filing guidance — all delivered instantly.

What is Form 50-132 and how do I file it?