8 Reasons to Protest Your Property Taxes

The district values homes in bulk from sales data. If similar homes sold for less around January 1, your value is likely too high.

Evidence: Three to five recent comparable sales, adjusted for differences.

Texas law entitles you to equal and uniform appraisal. You can win this argument even when your value is close to market.

Evidence: Appraised values of comparable nearby homes, adjusted, compared with yours.

A big increase often reflects a neighborhood-wide adjustment rather than a look at your home. It is a signal to check, not proof on its own.

Evidence: Comparable sales and nearby appraised values that don’t support the increase.

Extra square footage, a bathroom you don’t have, a pool that was filled in, or the wrong condition rating all inflate value.

Evidence: A survey, builder plans, a recent appraisal, or photos.

Appraisers rarely see inside your home. Foundation movement, roof damage, drainage problems or dated systems lower what a buyer would pay.

Evidence: Dated photos, contractor repair estimates, inspection reports.

Backing onto a busy road, commercial use, power lines or a flood-prone area reduces value compared with otherwise similar homes.

Evidence: Maps and photos, plus comparable sales of similarly affected homes.

An arm’s-length purchase close to January 1 is direct evidence of market value.

Evidence: Your closing disclosure or settlement statement, and the listing history.

A missing homestead exemption can cost more than an over-appraisal. Check your notice for every exemption you qualify for.

Evidence: An exemption application (Form 50-114 for a homestead), and your ID showing the address.

With a homestead exemption, next year's appraised value generally can't exceed this year's appraised value by more than 10%, plus new improvements (Tax Code §23.23). Lowering this year's value lowers that starting point, so a successful protest can keep paying off.