Home address: 5129 Kessler Rd

2021 Taxable Value: $130,829

Recent Sales Price: $80,000 – Over-taxed by 64%

While most Texas homeowners pay extra property taxes, there are several simple steps you can take to limit your tax bill. Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and that are protested. Check the unequal appraisal box on the protest form, or your unequal appraisal appeal will be ignored. 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.

Owners are sometimes reluctant to protest property taxes due to a concern their value might be raised.  This can’t and does not happen.  Since 2019, neither the appraisal district or the appraisal review board can increase a property tax assessment during a protest. Mass appraisal models make it impossible for appraisal districts to accurately value most houses. One reason appraisal districts are motivated to settle protests is to maintain goodwill with the community. Property taxes are the largest tax most Texans face.  But it is a stealth tax hidden in the mortgage payment, disguising the size of property taxes paid.