It’s Property Tax Season: Here’s What Texas Homeowners Need to Know About Protesting Their Appraisal
As we head into spring, it’s not just wildflowers and warmer weather popping up—so are your property tax appraisal notices. Across Texas, County Appraisal Districts (CADs) are sending out new property valuations, which are used to calculate your annual property taxes.
If you've opened your mail and were surprised (or shocked) by the new value of your home, you're not alone—and you have the right to protest it.
💰 Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Property Valuation
Each year, your local CAD assigns a market value to your property. This is the value they believe your home would sell for as of January 1 of that year. That number then helps determine your property tax bill.
But here's the thing: CAD valuations aren’t always accurate.
In many cases, your home may have been overvalued, and you could be paying more in property taxes than you should. That’s where the protest process comes in.
📝 How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Texas
The good news? Protesting your property valuation is a straightforward and FREE process, and most counties now allow you to do it entirely online.
✅ Here’s what to do:
- Review your Notice of Appraised Value
– This is the letter from the CAD listing your new property value.
- Compare it to the actual market value
– Look at recent comparable home sales in your area. If your CAD value is significantly higher, you have a strong case to protest.
- Gather your evidence
– This can include:
- Recent sale comps
- Photos of your home (especially if repairs are needed)
- A real estate agent’s market analysis
- Submit your protest by the deadline
– Deadlines vary by county but usually fall in May. You can file online through your CAD’s website.
Pro tip: Be sure to include specific, factual evidence. The more prepared you are, the more likely your protest will be successful.
💬 Need Help? I’m Here for You
As a licensed Texas real estate broker, I’m happy to help homeowners review their valuations, find comparable sales, or even just walk through the online protest process.
Many homeowners don’t realize how much they can save simply by speaking up. Whether you’re in Buda, Kyle, or the greater Austin area, feel free to reach out with any questions—this is part of what I do for my clients and community.
🕒 Don’t Miss the Deadline
Property tax protest deadlines sneak up fast! Even if you’re unsure whether your value is too high, it’s better to file a protest and review the evidence than to let it slide and overpay for the year.
It’s your home—and your money. Let’s make sure you’re not paying more than you should.
About Karlyn Ellis
Karlyn Ellis is a seasoned real estate broker with over 20 years of experience, proudly serving Buda, Texas, and surrounding areas. As the co-founder of Prosper Properties, Karlyn is dedicated to providing exceptional service and expert guidance, ensuring every client’s real estate journey is rewarding and stress-free.
With a passion for helping families find their perfect homes and a commitment to being the best Realtor in Central Texas, Karlyn combines extensive industry knowledge with a personalized approach. Whether you’re buying, selling, or navigating property taxes, Karlyn is your trusted local expert.
📞 Have questions about your appraisal or need help protesting your valuation? Let’s talk!
🌐 prosperproperties.com