Home address: 2409 Skyline Dr

2021 Tax Assessment: $253,770

Recent Sales Price: $195,000 – Over-taxed by 30%

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 a large number of houses they value and that are protested. An 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.

Many owners do not protest because they do not understand the process. Most would appeal if they know how easy it is and the high chance of success. Appraisal districts use the mass appraisal to value property, basically a math model. Overall results are OK. However, many homes are too high or low. 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. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car. Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.