Property Tax Protest Guide | Sherra Cameron, REALTOR®

Sherra Cameron

REALTOR® | DFW Metroplex

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Homeowner Resource

'Tis the Season to Protest Your Property Taxes

Your county appraisal does not have to be the final word. Here is everything you need to know to push back — and potentially save money every year.

I get this question every spring: "Should I protest my taxes?" My honest answer is yes — and I do it myself every single year. I have won at least a slight reduction almost every year I have protested. Over time, those savings add up in a meaningful way. This guide walks you through exactly how the process works so you can approach it with confidence.

— Sherra Cameron, REALTOR® | Your DFW Real Estate Advisor

Understand What You Are Protesting

This is the single most important thing to know before you begin. You are not protesting your tax rate. You are protesting the assessed value your county appraisal district has assigned to your property. Your tax bill is simply that value multiplied by the local tax rate.

The strategy: Your goal is to demonstrate that your home's assessed value is higher than what it should be — either because of needed repairs, outdated features, or comparable sales data that support a lower figure.

Texas law gives every property owner the right to protest. You can file online, by mail (postmarked by the deadline), or by drop-off depending on your county.

Know Your Deadline

Most counties require you to file your protest within 30 days of the date your appraisal notice was mailed. Some have fixed dates. Check your notice and file early — this process rewards those who act quickly and with preparation.

County	Typical Deadline	Appraisal District
Collin County	May 15 or 30 days from mailing	collincad.org
Dallas County	May 15 or 30 days from mailing	dallascad.org
Denton County	30 days from mailing date	dentoncad.com
Ellis County	May 15 or 30 days from mailing	elliscad.com
Tarrant County	May 15 or 30 days from mailing	tad.org

* Deadlines may vary year to year. Always verify with your county's appraisal district website.

Build Your Case with Evidence

The appraisal district does not see the inside of your home. That works in your favor. Appraisers often assume homes have been updated — if yours has not, that is valuable evidence. Below are the types of documentation that carry the most weight at a hearing.

📸

Photos of Needed Repairs

Document every room, focusing on floors, ceilings, walls, windows, and anything visibly dated or in disrepair.

🏠

Roof or Exterior Issues

A roof that needs replacement, wood rot, exterior cracks, or a damaged fence — photograph and get a contractor estimate.

🔧

Foundation or Structural Concerns

Cracks in walls or floors, foundation settlement, or structural problems supported by an inspection or quote.

🏊

Pool or Amenity Condition

A pool that needs resurfacing or equipment replacement can meaningfully reduce assessed value with proper documentation.

🍳

Outdated Kitchen or Bathrooms

Original countertops, cabinets, and fixtures that have not been updated can reduce value compared to renovated comps.

📋

Contractor Repair Estimates

Written quotes from licensed contractors are more persuasive than photos alone. Get estimates in writing before your hearing.

Pro tip: If you have $30,000 in total repairs, be selective about what you present. Some boards cap the credit per repair category. Prioritize your highest-value items and present them strategically.

Using Comparable Sales

Comparable sales (comps) can support a lower value if homes similar to yours sold for less than your assessed value. A word of caution: the DFW market has seen strong appreciation in recent years, which has made comps less effective for most homeowners. They can still be useful, but repair-based evidence is often a more reliable strategy in this market.

I can pull comparable sales for you if you want to explore this route. Reach out and we can discuss what the data looks like for your specific neighborhood before you file.

Purchased your home last year? If the county has assigned a value above your purchase price, you have a strong argument. Submit a copy of your appraisal and/or closing disclosure along with any repair evidence. This is one of the most straightforward and effective protest strategies available.

The Hearing Process

Most counties begin with an informal review. If that does not result in a satisfactory reduction, you can escalate to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board. Here is what to expect:

File Your Protest

Submit online, by mail, or in person before your county's deadline. Include all evidence at the time of filing or bring it to your hearing.

Informal Review

Most counties will contact you by phone or email with an initial offer. You may accept or decline and move to a formal hearing.

Formal Hearing (if needed)

You will present your case to the Appraisal Review Board. You typically have only 3 minutes to speak — prepare a written summary in advance and stay focused on value, not taxes.

Receive the Decision

The board issues a ruling. If you disagree, you can pursue further appeal options, though most homeowners find resolution at the informal or formal hearing stage.

Hearing Day Tips

📝

Prepare a written summary. With only a few minutes to speak, a clear one-page summary ensures you cover every point efficiently.

🎯

Stay on topic. The issue is value, not fairness or tax rates. Keep your presentation focused on what lowers the property's market value.

😌

Keep emotions in check. Present facts calmly and professionally. Board members respond better to evidence than frustration.

🏡

Check your homestead exemption. If you have not filed for a homestead exemption on your primary residence, do so — it caps annual value increases at 10%.

Want Professional Help? I Personally Recommend This Service.

If you would rather have experienced professionals handle the protest on your behalf, there is an online service I have used personally for several years with excellent results.

propertytax.io

A professional property tax protest service that handles the entire process for you. They are paid only if they successfully reduce your tax bill — meaning there is no cost to you if they do not win. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and uses a proven approach to building an effective case.

I receive no referral fee or compensation from this service. I recommend it solely because I have had a consistently positive experience using it myself.

Visit propertytax.io

Helpful References

The following resources provide additional detail on the protest process and your rights as a Texas property owner.

Have Questions About Your Home's Value?

I am happy to pull comparable sales, review your situation, or simply talk through the process. Reach out anytime — this is exactly the kind of conversation I am here for.

Contact Sherra

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