Home address: 314 Cypress St

2021 Taxable Value: $ 158,550

Recent Sales Price: $ 82,500 – Over-taxed by 92%

While most Texas homeowners pay extra property taxes, there are several simple steps you can take to limit your tax bill. Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and which 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.

Some homeowners believe “you can’t fight city hall.”  But property owners win 60 to 80% of property tax appeals. One reason it is difficult for appraisal districts to correctly value homes is they are not homogenous.  Some have been remodeled and some haven’t. One reason appraisal districts are motivated to settle protests is to maintain goodwill with the community. 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.