As a real estate agent, I understand that property taxes can be a significant burden on homeowners. If you believe your property taxes are too high, you may have the option to protest them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to protest your property taxes in North Texas.
Step 1: Understand the Protest Process
The first step in protesting your property taxes is to understand the protest process. In general, you will need to provide evidence to support your claim that your property taxes are too high. The appraisal district will then review your evidence and make a determination about whether your property taxes should be reduced. It is important to note that the process and deadline may vary by county.
Step 2: Gather Evidence to Support Your Protest
You will need to gather evidence that shows that your property is overvalued. This may include recent sales data for comparable properties in your area, recent appraisals, or evidence of any defects or issues with your property. My team and I can provide you with comparable properties, please click this link to fill out our Property Tax Form.
Step 3: File Your Protest
Once you have gathered your evidence, you will need to file your protest. You can do this online or by mail, depending on your county. Here are the links to the protest websites for each of the four counties in North Texas:
- Denton County: https://www.dentoncad.com/Forms/Home.aspx
- Dallas County: https://www.dallascad.org/protest/
- Tarrant County: https://www.tad.org/online-services/e-forms/
- Collin County: https://www.collincad.org/forms/protest
Step 4: Prepare for Your Hearing.
After you file your protest, you will be scheduled for a hearing. This is your opportunity to present your evidence to the appraisal district. Make sure you are prepared by organizing your evidence and practicing your presentation.
Step 5: Attend Your Hearing
On the day of your hearing, be sure to arrive early and dress professionally. Present your evidence clearly and concisely, and be prepared to answer any questions the appraisal district may have.
Step 6: Receive the Appraisal District's Decision
After your hearing, the appraisal district will make a decision about whether to reduce your property taxes. If they agree to reduce your taxes, you will receive a new tax bill. If they do not agree, you may have the option to appeal the decision.
Protesting your property taxes can be a challenging process, but with the right evidence and preparation, it is possible to succeed. By following these steps and utilizing the resources available through your county's appraisal district, you may be able to lower your property taxes and ease the financial burden on your family. And as always, if you need help or have questions, please reach out.
