Home address: 1125 N Center

2021 Taxable Value: $108,000

Recent Sales Price: $58,000 – Over-taxed by 86%

Texas property owners can avoid paying excess property taxes by taking several basic steps. Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and that are protested. Unequal appraisal appeals compare the level of assessment of your house to comparable houses, typically on a per square foot basis. 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 a high chance of success. Appraisal districts use mass appraisal to value property, basically a math model.  Overall results are OK.  However, many homes are too high or low. Most tax protests are settled at the informal level so appraisers can return to measuring and valuing new construction. Property owners have a duty and responsibility to appraisal property taxes annually.  It is not prudent or reasonable to rely on the appraisal district’s estimate.