Home address: 304 Oakwood Dr

2021 Taxable Value: $228,111     

Recent Sales Price: $137,000 – Over-taxed by 67%

Half or more of Texas homeowners are paying more than their fair share of property taxes. Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and that are protested. Unequal appraisal appeals are valid when the assessment is below market value. It is difficult to persuade property owners to protest their property taxes.  But 60 to 80% of those who do are successful. 

Property owners are sometimes reluctant to protest their property taxes because they believe the appeal process is difficult.  It is not difficult and 60 to 80% of owners who appeal are successful. It is difficult for appraisal districts to accurately value houses due to limited staff. Appraisal districts are receptive to settling property tax protests for houses at the informal level because it has only a nominal impact on the total tax base. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car.  Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.