Free Tool
Texas Property Tax Protest Calculator
Estimate how much you could save by protesting your property tax appraisal. Enter your appraised value and what you believe your home is worth.
Protest Deadline
May 15
File by May 15 (or 30 days after your notice was mailed, whichever is later)
Your Property Details
From your tax notice
The value you'd argue in a protest
Proposed Reduction
$60,000
15.0% of appraised value · 2.18% effective rate
Estimated Savings
Annual Tax Savings
$1,308
$109.00 / month
Current Tax
$8,720
/year
After Protest
$7,412
/year
Cumulative Savings (with 10% cap compounding)
| Timeframe | Total Saved |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $1,308 |
| 3 years | $4,329 |
| 5 years | $7,985 |
| 10 years | $20,846 |
With a homestead exemption, the 10% appraisal cap means a reduction lowers your base for future caps — savings compound over time.
Typical Protest Reduction
Most successful protests achieve a 10-15% reduction in appraised value.
Your proposed reduction: 15.0% — right in the typical range
Texas Property Tax Protest Timeline
The protest process follows a predictable schedule each year. Here is what to expect.
January - April: Appraisal Notices Mailed
Your county appraisal district mails a Notice of Appraised Value, usually between late March and mid-April. This notice shows your property's proposed market value for the year. Review it carefully and compare to recent comparable sales in your area.
By May 15: File Your Protest
You must file a written protest by May 15 (or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later). Most counties allow you to file online through their appraisal district website. The form is simple — you just need to check the reason for your protest and sign.
May - July: Informal Hearing
After filing, you will be scheduled for an informal hearing with an appraiser. This is a one-on-one meeting (often by phone or video) where you present your evidence. Many protests are settled at this stage — the appraiser may agree to lower your value if you have strong comparable sales.
June - September: ARB Hearing
If the informal hearing does not resolve your protest, you proceed to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This is a formal panel hearing where both you and the appraisal district present evidence. The ARB makes a binding determination. You will receive a written order of determination.
After ARB: Further Appeals (Optional)
If you disagree with the ARB decision, you have 60 days to file an appeal in district court or opt for binding arbitration (for properties under $5 million). Binding arbitration costs $550 and is often faster than going to court. Most homeowners resolve their protests at the informal or ARB stage.
How to Build a Strong Protest Case
A well-prepared protest significantly increases your chances of a reduction. Focus on these key areas.
Gather Comparable Sales (Comps)
Find 3-5 recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your appraised value. Look for homes with similar square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size, and age. Your county appraisal district website is a great free source for this data.
Document Property Condition Issues
Take photos of any deferred maintenance, damage, or condition issues that would lower your home's value. Foundation cracks, roof damage, outdated kitchens, or needed repairs all support a lower valuation. Get contractor estimates for major repairs if possible.
Take Photos and Organize Evidence
Photograph anything that negatively affects your home's value — interior and exterior. Organize your evidence in a folder with printouts of comp sales, photos, repair estimates, and your own written summary. A clean, organized presentation makes a strong impression at hearings.
Check for Unequal Appraisal
Look up similar homes on your street or neighborhood on your appraisal district's website. If comparable homes are appraised at lower per-square-foot values than yours, you have a strong "unequal appraisal" argument. This is one of the most effective protest strategies in Texas.
File Your Protest Online
Most Texas counties allow you to file a protest directly on their appraisal district website.
Why You Should Protest Your Texas Property Taxes
Texas has no state income tax, which means property taxes are among the highest in the nation — averaging around 2.1% of a home's assessed value. For a $400,000 home, that is roughly $8,400 per year. Protesting your appraisal is one of the most effective ways to lower your tax burden, and the process is free. Alternatively, if you are tired of dealing with property taxes altogether, you can find apartments in Texas where the landlord handles the tax bill.
Each year, your county appraisal district determines the market value of your property. If that value is higher than what your home would actually sell for — or higher than comparable homes in your area — you have the right to protest. The process is straightforward and doesn't require a lawyer.
The impact of a successful protest extends beyond a single year. If you have a homestead exemption, Texas law caps your annual appraisal increase at 10%. By lowering your appraised value through a protest, you also lower the base from which the 10% cap is calculated. This means your savings compound year over year, making even a modest reduction worth thousands of dollars over time. Many homeowners in Dallas and Fort Worth protest annually as a routine part of managing their housing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to protest my Texas property tax appraisal? +
How does the property tax protest process work in Texas? +
Should I hire a property tax protest agent or do it myself? +
What is the success rate for property tax protests in Texas? +
How does the 10% homestead appraisal cap affect my protest? +
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax protest? +
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and is for informational purposes. Actual savings depend on your specific circumstances, the outcome of your protest, and rates set by local taxing entities. The 10% appraisal cap compounding is a simplified model — actual cap calculations depend on improvement values and other factors. Always verify with your county appraisal district before making financial decisions. This does not constitute tax or legal advice.
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