Every spring, thousands of Texas homeowners receive their property appraisal notices — and many are shocked by how much their home's value has jumped. If you're feeling that way, you're not alone — and you have the right to protest and possibly reduce your tax bill.
Whether you're a homeowner, veteran, senior, or disabled, there are tools and exemptions available that could save you thousands each year.
📈 Why Protest Your Texas Property Taxes?
The value on your appraisal notice isn’t just a number — it directly impacts how much property tax you pay. Even if your home hasn’t changed, rising market values often mean higher tax bills.
Challenging your assessed value ensures that you’re only paying your fair share, and it gives you a chance to present real market data that may not have been considered.
📅 Important 2025 Protest Deadlines:
-
Protest Deadline:
May 15, 2025, or 30 days after your notice of appraised value is mailed — whichever is later. -
Homestead Exemption Filing Deadline:
April 30, 2025
🧾 How to File a Property Tax Protest in Texas
-
Review Your Appraisal Notice:
Check the market value, assessed value, exemptions listed, and any property description errors. -
File a Protest:
Submit your protest form (Form 50-132) online through your County Appraisal District's website or by mail. Look for an account login like "Online Protest Portal" or "uFile." -
Select Your Reason(s):
Common grounds include “Value is over market” or “Value is unequal compared to similar properties.” -
Prepare Evidence:
Collect recent comparable home sales, property photos, repair estimates, or anything that shows your home is worth less than assessed. -
Attend the Hearing(s):
You’ll be scheduled for an informal meeting first (most cases are settled here), followed by a formal ARB (Appraisal Review Board) hearing if needed.
🏡 Property Tax Exemptions You May Qualify For
Texas offers several exemptions that reduce the taxable value of your property. Be sure to file these if you qualify — they can have a long-term impact on your bill.
✅ Common Exemptions:
-
Homestead Exemption:
Lowers the taxable value of your primary residence by $100,000 for school taxes and additional amounts from counties, cities, and special districts.
▸ Must own and occupy the home as of January 1. -
Over 65 or Disabled Exemption:
Additional exemptions (often $10,000–$50,000) and a tax freeze on school taxes. -
100% Disabled Veteran Exemption:
May eliminate property taxes entirely if qualifications are met. -
Surviving Spouse of Military or First Responder:
May qualify for 100% exemption or partial depending on circumstances.
📌 How to Apply for Exemptions:
-
Submit Form 50-114 (Residence Homestead Exemption Application) to your County Appraisal District.
-
Include a copy of your Texas driver’s license or ID showing the same address.
-
Most forms can now be filed online through your CAD's website.
💬 Need Comparable Sales or Help Filing?
As a Texas real estate expert, I help clients understand true market values every day. I’d be happy to run free comps for your home so you can protest confidently — no strings attached.
If you’re not sure if you’ve filed for your Homestead Exemption or want to see if you're eligible for others, just ask.
📞 Let’s Make Sure You’re Not Overpaying
Feel free to reach out — I’d love to help you run a comparative market analysis (CMA) to look at sold properties that may impact your property taxes.
Warmly,
Tiffanie Curtis
Realtor, Owner
UCRE | TX Home & Ranches Real Estate
📞 682-294-1077
🌐 TexasHomeAndRanches.com