How to Appeal Property Taxes in Texas

Texas has the most active property tax protest culture in the United States. In Harris County alone (Houston), over 500,000 protests are filed annually — nearly half of all properties. The system is designed to handle massive volume, and success rates are high (70%+ statewide).

The process starts when you receive your Notice of Appraised Value from your County Appraisal District (CAD) in April. You must file Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) by May 15 or within 30 days of the notice date, whichever is later.

After filing, the CAD will schedule an informal hearing — this is a one-on-one meeting with an appraiser from the district. Approximately 80% of all protests are resolved at this stage. The appraiser has authority to reduce your value on the spot if your evidence is persuasive.

If the informal hearing doesn't resolve your protest, you proceed to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) — a panel of citizens who hear your case formally. You present evidence, the CAD presents theirs, and the panel decides. This is more structured but still accessible to homeowners without attorneys.

Texas offers a unique advantage: you can argue both "market value" (your home is worth less than appraised) AND "unequal appraisal" (similar homes in your area are appraised lower). Using both arguments simultaneously gives you two chances to win.

Common mistakes Texas homeowners make:

1. Not filing at all — With 70%+ success rates, there's almost no reason NOT to protest in Texas. Even without strong evidence, informal hearings often result in some reduction.

1. Only using the market value argument — Texas allows "unequal appraisal" protests (§41.43(a)(2)). If your neighbor's similar home is appraised $50K lower, that alone can win your case.

1. Accepting the first informal offer — The appraiser's first offer is rarely their best. Counter with your evidence and many will go lower.

1. Not bringing evidence to the informal hearing — Some homeowners show up empty-handed expecting the appraiser to just reduce. Bring printed comps.

1. Missing the May 15 deadline — This is the most common mistake. Mark your calendar in April.

Pro tips for Texas protests:

• File online — most CADs have electronic filing that gives instant confirmation.

• The "unequal appraisal" argument is incredibly powerful. Pull your neighbors' appraised values from the CAD website and if any similar homes are lower, you have a case.

• At the informal hearing, be polite but firm. Say "I have comps showing $X and I'd like my value reduced to $X." If they counter, negotiate.

• If you go to ARB, arrive early. Panels hear 20-30 cases per day and appreciate concise presentations.

• Texas has binding arbitration ($500 deposit, refundable if you win) as an alternative to ARB or court. Good for homes valued $500K-$5M.

• In Texas, your protest cannot result in a value INCREASE. Zero risk.