Home address: 1317 Beauregard

2021 Tax Assessment: $226,310

Recent Sales Price: $165,000 – Over-taxed by 37%

Half or more of Texas home owners are paying more than their fair share of property taxes. Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and that are protested. Unequal appraisal is a powerful tool to reduce property taxes, but many homeowners are not aware of it and don’t use it. 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.

Owners are sometimes reluctant to protest property taxes due to a concern their value might be raised.  This can’t and does not happen.  Since 2019, neither the appraisal district or the appraisal review board can increase a property tax assessment during a protest. It is impossible for 2,272 Texas appraisal district appraisers to track physical condition and value for over 20 million properties. One reason appraisal districts are motivated to settle protests is to maintain goodwill with the community. Appraisal property taxes, yard work and HVAC check-ups are just a few of the responsibilities for homeowners.