Home address: 3333 Mapleleaf Ln

2021 Taxable Value: $353,760

Recent Sales Price: $220,000 – Over-taxed by 61%

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 will likely 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.

Property owners are sometimes reluctant to protest their property taxes because they believe the appeal process is difficult.  It is not difficult and 60 to 80% of owners who appeal are successful. Incorrect property data such as grade, effective year built, condition, etc lead to substantial errors in appraisal district values for houses. 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.