Protesting your property taxes can feel intimidating, but the process is manageable when you know the steps, the deadlines, and the type of evidence appraisal districts look for. Below are the most common questions we hear from homeowners—written in plain language—so you can decide whether protesting is worth it and how to prepare.

How do I get started?

• Find your appraised value. Your appraisal district will send a Notice of Appraised Value by mail, and it’s usually also available on your appraisal district’s website.
• Compare your value to similar homes. Look for recent sales of homes with similar square footage, lot size, features, location, and condition. The Loken Group can help with a market analysis—just reach out.
• Decide whether your assessed value looks too high. If it does, start collecting evidence to support your opinion of value (see the next FAQ for what to bring).
• File your protest by the deadline. In many Texas counties, the deadline is May 15 (or 30 days after your notice was delivered—whichever is later). You can typically file online, by mail, or in person at the appraisal district.
• Watch for your hearing notice. After you file, the appraisal district will send a date and time for an informal hearing with an appraiser.

What information or documentation do I need to protest?

The strongest protests are supported by clear, specific evidence. Think of it as building a simple “protest packet” that shows (a) the value you believe is reasonable and (b) why your home should be valued lower than the district’s estimate. You don’t need all of this information for the initial filing, but you should have as much as possible for your hearing.

• Notice of Appraised Value: Bring the notice you received (or a screenshot/printout from the appraisal district website).
• Comparable sales (“comps”) to support your claim: Recent sales of similar homes in your area, with addresses, sale dates, and sale prices.
• Repair estimates / condition issue support: Contractor bids, invoices, or written estimates that help quantify needed repairs or deferred maintenance.
• Photos: Clear photos of condition issues (and any factors that negatively impact your home compared to nearby properties).
• Previous appraisal (if you have it): Prior year values or prior supporting documentation can be helpful for context.
• Closing statement (if applicable): If you purchased recently, your closing statement can help support what the market was willing to pay.
• Exemption documents: Any paperwork that supports exemptions you’re claiming (for example, homestead, over-65, disabled veteran, etc.).

Practical tip: Organize your documents in the same order as the list above, and be ready to upload them as a single PDF if your county uses an online portal.

Tip: Come prepared with a single “opinion of value” number you’re requesting and a 1–2 sentence explanation for why your evidence supports it. A simple, organized packet is often more effective than a large stack of documents.

Do I need to hire a professional?

No—you can absolutely protest on your own. If you’d like support, professionals can help you prepare evidence and strategy. The Loken Group can provide market reports and comparable sales (“comps”) for FREE. If you choose to hire a tax protest company or attorney, look for reputable providers and be cautious of scams.

• Fee structure: Many reputable companies charge a percentage of your first-year tax savings (often ~25–50%), rather than a flat fee.
• Transparency: Make sure you understand what they will file, whether they attend hearings, and what happens if there are no savings.
• Track record: Look for local experience and clear communication.

How much does it cost to protest?

It’s free to file a property tax protest yourself. If you hire a professional (such as a tax protest company or attorney), they typically charge 25–50% of your first-year tax savings, depending on the provider and the complexity of the case.

My appraisal went down. Should I still protest?

Maybe. A lower appraisal is good news, but the key question is whether the appraised value is still higher than what your home would likely sell for today.

• Comps support a lower value: Recent, similar home sales in your neighborhood suggest a lower market value than the appraisal.
• Condition issues: Foundation concerns, roof damage not covered by insurance, deferred maintenance, or major functional obsolescence can support a reduction.
• Outdated compared to peers: If nearby homes have significant updates and yours does not, that difference can matter.

What’s the difference between an informal hearing and a formal ARB hearing?

In most counties, you’ll usually have an informal meeting first, and if you don’t reach an agreement you can proceed to a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

• Informal hearing (with an appraiser): Typically a shorter discussion where you present your evidence and try to negotiate a value. Many cases are resolved here.
• Formal ARB hearing: A structured hearing in front of a panel. You (and the district) present evidence; the panel makes a determination if you can’t agree.
• Evidence matters in both: Organized comps, photos, and repair estimates usually carry the most weight.
• You can often request the district’s evidence packet: Many appraisal districts provide (or must provide) the evidence they plan to use—review it for errors or weak comps.

What types of exemptions could lower my property taxes?

Exemptions don’t usually change your market value, but they reduce your taxable value—and your tax bill. In Texas, common exemptions include:

• Homestead. If this is your primary residence, make sure you’ve filed. It caps how much your home’s taxable value can increase each year.
• Age 65 or Older or Disabled. Qualified homeowners may receive an additional $60,000 homestead exemption.
• Disabled Veteran or Surviving Spouse of a Disabled Veteran. May qualify for a partial—or even full—property tax exemption.
• Surviving Spouses of First Responders or Certain Veterans. A full exemption may be available if you qualify.
• Agricultural and Timber (Ag). Strict requirements apply, but qualifying can significantly lower taxes: Click here to learn more
• Solar and Wind-Powered Energy Device. You may qualify for a tax exemption if you’ve installed eligible renewable energy equipment.
• Historic or Archeological Site. Some properties may qualify for local tax relief tied to preservation costs (varies by city): Click here to see each Texas cities’ requirements

For a full list and current rules, visit the Texas Comptroller’s website.

Reminder: Exemptions are typically filed separately from a value protest. Check your county appraisal district’s exemption requirements and deadlines, and keep a copy of what you submit.

Need help pulling comps or deciding whether to protest?

If you’d like guidance—or you want us to run comparable sales for your home—call or email us. We’re happy to provide comps and a market snapshot so you can go into your protest with clear, data-backed support.

This FAQ is for general informational purposes and is not legal or tax advice. Protest procedures and deadlines can vary by county and property type—confirm details with your local appraisal district.