With more and more people moving to the Lonestar State, property values have skyrocketed in many municipalities. Higher appraisals mean higher property tax rates. However, there are some things you can do to protest rising costs.
Appeals Process
The state of Texas gives you the right to appeal your appraisal through the Texas Comptroller’s Office. You can dispute your tax appraisal with your district tax office which often requires a court hearing in front of a judge. The judge may want to see comparable property appraisals for your home. A real estate law firm Austin TX deals with property tax protests and can help you navigate the process. Without the right paperwork and evidence to back it up, you could owe the higher amount. That higher appraisal can then affect your appraisal for the following years resulting in higher taxes for years to come.
Property Taxes
So why would you want to appeal your property taxes? The short answer is that you might win the appeal if your home’s appraisal is higher than it should be. Most districts send a notice to homeowners of their estimated property taxes in April or May. Often you have 30 days to file an appeal. Some districts may grant an appeal over the internet, but many require you to file in person. This process can be time-consuming and stressful. Even a lessee required to pay property taxes as part of their rental agreement can appeal the appraisal.
Home Appraisals
With home appraisals continuing to rise, it may not seem worth the effort. However, only you can know for sure whether or not it’s worth the hassle. Consider speaking with a real estate attorney if you are unsure if you would qualify for a reduced appraisal. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to get that information from the Comptroller’s office as they are prohibited from advising about protests or intervening in them.
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