The time for protesting your Texas property taxes is right around the corner! If you are preparing to protest, you need to be ready! Below, SWBC’s Property Tax experts have provided a few last-minute ...
8 Last Minute Tips for Protesting Your Property Taxes
The time for protesting your Texas property taxes is right around the corner! If you are preparing to protest, you need to be ready! Below, SWBC’s Property Tax experts have provided a few last-minute tips to help you protest successfully.
- Don’t Let That Deadline Pass You By!
Stay in the know about your area’s property tax protest deadlines. For San Antonio and Bexar County residents, the deadline is May 15. You do not want to let your date slip by, as that will be a missed opportunity to protest your appraisal.
- Understand Your Appraised Value
The more you understand how your appraisal board determined your property value, the better you can defend your position. The value of Texas homes is assessed through a complex process, which allows for significant room for error. Some overlooked areas by appraisal districts include:
- Changes and growth in your area
- The state of the local market
- Square footage
- Issues with your property
- Restrictions on zoning and land use
- Be Prepared
The better prepared you are to present your case to the board, the more confidently you can approach your protest. Create an outline of items you would like to discuss prior to going before the board.
- Gather As Much Evidence As Possible
The more evidence you gather to support your argument, the more prepared you will be as you face off against the review board. This will enable you to respond confidently to questions or counterarguments with well-supported rebuttals.
- Be As Factual As Possible
It can be easy to allow yourself to get off track, airing your frustrations and grievances about the stress of paying higher property taxes. However, it is crucial to stick to the facts that are relevant to your protest. This can be incredibly helpful in keeping the committee engaged while boosting your success. Identify the key points you wish to make in your protest and work to avoid straying from them.
- Stay In The Know About the Protest Process
Research the protest process from start to finish to feel better prepared at every step. For even more information on how to effectively protest, visit our SWBC’s blog page or follow us on our social media channels!
- Know You Can Argue for More Favorable Appeals
You may be offered a new appraisal before your hearing. If that appraisal seems satisfactory to you, that’s great. However, if it is still too high for what you believe to be accurate, it is important to know that you still possess the right to continue arguing and pursuing a value you deem to be more accurate. You do not have to accept offers from online filing or a one-on-one session held prior to your protest.
- Consider Working with a Professional
If the thought of handling your property tax protest alone seems overwhelming, there is help out there. SWBC’s Tax Advisors have a winning record and years of experience helping our valued clients through their property tax protests. From gathering the necessary evidence to representing your protest in front of the appeals board, we are here for you. Contact us today to get started!
Gary Rivas
Gary Rivas is a Texas licensed Senior Property Tax Consultant experienced in providing Industrial, Commercial, and Residential property tax reduction advisory services for real and personal property in Texas and multiple states across the country. He has 38 years of experience in the Property Tax Profession with 34 years as a Property Tax Consultant, and 41 years as a licensed Texas Real Estate Agent.
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