Home address: 207 Stardust Ln

2021 Taxable Value: $858,531

Recent Sales Price: $575,000 – Over-taxed by 49%

While most Texas home owners pay extra property taxes, there are several simple steps you can take to limit your tax bill. Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and that are protested. Unequal appraisal appeals compare the level of assessment of your house to comparable houses, typically on a per square foot basis. Property tax appeals are often won with a smile and a bit of data.

Some homeowners believe “you can’t fight city hall.” But property owners win 60 to 80% of property tax appeals. Appraisal districts use mass appraisal to value property, basically a math model. Overall results are OK. However, many homes are too high or low. Appraisal districts are willing to settle property tax appeals because they realize their values are not precise. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car. Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.