Home address: 1800 Cr 156

2021 Taxable Value: $500,312

Recent Sales Price: $500,312 – Over-taxed by 27%

Texas property owners can avoid paying excess property taxes by taking several basic steps. Protest market value, get a few comparable sales as evidence and you are very likely to reduce your property taxes. Unequal appraisal appeals compare the level of assessment of your house to comparable houses, typically on a per square foot basis. Appraisal districts are generally very receptive to settling tax appeals at the informal hearing.

Some homeowners believe “you can’t fight city hall.” But property owners win 60 to 80% of property tax appeals. One reason it is difficult for appraisal districts to correctly value homes is they are not homogenous. Some have been remodeled and some haven’t. One reason appraisal districts are motivated to settle protests is to maintain goodwill with the community. Property taxes are the largest tax most Texans face. But it is a stealth tax hidden in the mortgage payment, disguising the size of property taxes paid.