Last call for property value protests
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Wednesday is the deadline in many North Texas counties to file a protest to your home's 2024 appraised value.
Why it matters: Because Texas doesn't have a state income tax, property taxes help fill the gap by funding public programs such as schools, road repairs and law enforcement.
- They're also a dreaded expense for property owners. Median property taxes in Texas rose 26% between 2019 and 2023.
State of play: The Dallas, Denton and Collin appraisal districts say Wednesday is the deadline to submit a protest or 30 days since a notice of appraisal was mailed, whichever date is later.
- The Tarrant Appraisal District, which experienced web outages because of a cyberattack this year, extended the deadline to May 24.
Zoom in: The Denton Central Appraisal District estimates 100,000 property owners will challenge their valuations by Wednesday's deadline, per KERA.
Between the lines: If you're planning to stay in your home, it helps to keep the property appraisal as low as possible — because appraisals determine taxes.
- And if you're planning to sell soon, you may want that value to be as high as possible.
How it works: Most counties let you file a protest online or a physical form sent to the appraisal review board.
- The board can either schedule a hearing or resolve the protest without one.
- Property owners can provide supporting documents such as a bank appraisal, repair estimates and photos with their protest.
- Appraisal districts certify their valuations by the summer. County tax assessor-collector offices send property tax bills in the fall and collect the money.
The bottom line: Make sure any relevant exemptions are listed on your notice, and double check all of the other information.
- Some homeowners hire a company to protest their property value on their behalf. The company keeps a cut of the tax savings if it's able to lower the value.
- If you have an in-person hearing, bring hard copies of your evidence.