Home address: 102 W Cates Street

2021 Taxable Value: $114,120

Recent Sales Price: $90,000  – Over-taxed by 27%

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 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. Mass appraisal models make it impossible for appraisal districts to accurately value most houses. 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. Appraisal property taxes, yard work and HVAC check-ups are just a few of the responsibilities for homeowners.