Rob Hartley
Founder, AppealDesk · February 25, 2026
How to Appeal Property Taxes in Texas: Complete 2026 Guide
Texas property owners have May 15 (or 30 days after notice) to appeal their property tax assessment. Success rates range from 50-60%, with average reductions of 8-20% for winning appeals.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire Texas property tax appeal process, from gathering evidence to presenting your case to the Appraisal Review Board.
⏰ Critical Texas Appeal Deadlines
Filing window: May 15 (or 30 days after notice)
Notice arrives: Typically April-May
⚠️ Missing the deadline means waiting another year and paying higher taxes. Mark your calendar now!
Step-by-Step Texas Appeal Process
Review Your Assessment Notice
Your assessment notice shows your property's taxable value. Look for the "assessed value" or "market value" – this is what you're appealing. Compare it to recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood.
Gather Compelling Evidence
The Appraisal Review Board wants to see hard data, not opinions. Focus on:
- •Comparable sales: 3-5 similar properties that sold for less than your assessed value
- •Property condition: Photos and repair estimates documenting any issues
- •Assessment errors: Wrong square footage, features, or lot size
- •Market analysis: Evidence of declining values in your area
File Your Appeal Application
Submit your appeal to the Appraisal Review Board before the deadline. Most Texas counties now offer online filing, but some still require paper forms. Include all your evidence with the initial filing when possible.
Prepare Your Presentation
If your appeal goes to a hearing, you'll typically have 5-15 minutes to present. Organize your evidence clearly, practice your key points, and prepare to answer questions about your property value.
Attend Your Hearing
Present your evidence professionally and stick to facts about market value. The board members are usually reasonable people – they just need solid evidence to justify a reduction.
Don't Have Time to Build Your Case?
AppealDesk creates professional evidence packets specifically for Texas property tax appeals. We analyze your property, find the best comparables, and build a compelling case – all for a flat $49 fee.
Start Your Texas AppealWhat Makes a Winning Appeal in Texas
Texas appeal boards are looking for objective evidence that your property is overvalued. The strongest cases combine multiple types of evidence:
✓ Strong Evidence
- • Recent comparable sales (within 6-12 months)
- • Professional appraisals
- • Clear documentation of errors
- • Photos of property condition issues
- • Contractor repair estimates
✗ Weak Arguments
- • "My taxes are too high"
- • Old or distant comparable sales
- • Zillow estimates alone
- • General market opinions
- • Emotional appeals
Common Texas Appeal Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Missing the deadline
Texas has strict filing deadlines with no extensions. Set multiple reminders!
❌ Using weak comparables
Properties must be truly similar – same neighborhood, size, age, and condition
❌ Being unprepared
Board members ask questions. Know your evidence inside and out
❌ Getting emotional
Stay professional and factual. The board responds to data, not frustration
❌ Giving up after denial
Many successful appeals happen at the state level after local denial
💰 The Cost of Waiting
Every year you don't appeal is money left on the table. The average Texas homeowner who successfully appeals saves $400-$1,200 per year. Over 10 years, that's $4,000-$12,000!
Check Your Property NowYour Texas Property Tax Appeal Action Plan
Follow this timeline to maximize your chances of success:
Today
Check your assessment and calculate potential savings
This Week
Research comparable sales and gather initial evidence
Next Week
Complete and file your appeal application
Before Hearing
Organize evidence and practice your presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Texas appeal process take?▼
Most Texas property tax appeals are resolved within 60-120 days of filing. Initial reviews may happen within 30 days, while formal hearings typically occur 60-90 days after filing. Complex cases can take longer.
Can I appeal my Texas property taxes every year?▼
Yes! You have the right to appeal annually if you believe your property is overassessed. Many successful appellants file every year to maintain their reduced assessments. Each year requires new evidence based on current market conditions.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal in Texas?▼
No, you don't need legal representation for residential property appeals. The process is designed for property owners to navigate themselves. However, having professional evidence and a well-organized presentation significantly improves your chances.
What if I miss the Texas appeal deadline?▼
Unfortunately, missing the deadline usually means waiting until next year. Some Texas counties may allow late filing for "good cause" (like medical emergencies), but this is rare and requires documentation. It's best to file early!
How much can I realistically save?▼
Successful Texas appeals typically achieve 8-20% reductions in assessed value. For a $400,000 home, that's $32,000-$80,000 less in taxable value, saving you $400-$1,000+ annually depending on your local tax rate.
Ready to Appeal Your Texas Property Taxes?
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