Home address: 1402 Cates Street

2021 Taxable Value: $183,510

Recent Sales Price: $130,000   – Over-taxed by 41%

Most home owners who do not appeal annually pay excess property taxes. Market value property tax appeals save home owners an average of $500, according to Texas Comptroller Glen Hager, for 2019. Unequal appraisal appeals are valid when the assessment is below market value. 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. 

Property owners are sometimes reluctant to protest their property taxes because the believe the appeal process is difficult.  It is not difficult and 60 to 80% of owners who appeal are successful. Appraisal districts use the cost approach to value houses.  It is generally considered the least reliable method of appraisal. 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. 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.