AppealDesk vs Five Stone Tax Advisers: Which Is Right for You?
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict
AppealDesk is the better choice for transparent $49 pricing, nationwide coverage, and understanding your own protest. Five Stone is better if you're in Texas and want a full tax advisory firm that legally represents you — especially if you have both property tax and income tax needs.
Best for budget-conscious DIY
AppealDesk — Homeowners anywhere who want affordable, transparent DIY evidence
Best for hands-off service
Five Stone Tax Advisers — Texas property owners who want full legal representation from a multi-service tax firm
Rob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AppealDesk | Five Stone Tax Advisers |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $49 flat fee | Contingency (percentage not publicly listed) |
| Pricing model | Pay once, keep 100% of savings | Contingency — no savings, no fee |
| Coverage | All 50 states, 3,100+ counties | Texas only |
| Service type | DIY with professional evidence packet | Full-service legal representation |
| What you receive | Evidence packet, filing guide, cover letter | They handle filing, protest, and ARB hearing |
| Turnaround | Instant (minutes after purchase) | Follows county protest calendar |
| Property types | Residential | Residential and commercial |
| Additional services | Property tax evidence only | Income tax, tax planning, consulting |
| Assessment ratio analysis | Included | Part of internal analysis |
| Who does the filing | You (with step-by-step instructions) | They legally represent you |
Pricing & Total Cost
AppealDesk charges a flat $49 regardless of your savings. Five Stone Tax Advisers uses contingency pricing, but their specific rates aren't prominently published on their website — you need to contact them. Reddit community discussions suggest Five Stone's fees may be higher than some competitors like Ownwell or Home Tax Shield, but users report the higher fee is justified by better results. On a typical Texas property tax reduction of $2,000-3,000, even a modest 25% contingency fee equals $500-750 versus AppealDesk's $49.
Coverage & Availability
Five Stone Tax Advisers operates exclusively in Texas. They serve commercial properties in all Texas counties and have a particularly strong residential presence in the Austin metro area. AppealDesk covers all 50 states and over 3,100 counties, including every Texas county. For Texas homeowners — especially in Austin — both services are available. For homeowners anywhere else, AppealDesk is the option.
Full Tax Advisory vs Evidence Service
Five Stone is more than a property tax protest company — they're a full tax advisory firm offering income tax preparation, tax planning, and consulting alongside property tax protests. If you need a comprehensive tax partner, Five Stone provides multiple services under one roof. AppealDesk focuses solely on property tax appeal evidence. This focus means you get specialized, AI-powered comparable sales analysis at a fraction of the cost, but without the broader tax advisory relationship.
The Filing Experience
With Five Stone, you register your property and they take over completely. Their team researches your property, builds your case, and legally represents you at the appraisal district. You receive results without lifting a finger. With AppealDesk, you receive your evidence packet in minutes and file the protest yourself — typically 10-15 minutes through your county appraisal district's online portal. If an informal hearing is needed, you attend with your evidence and talking-point scripts. Five Stone's legal representation means they can argue your case with the authority of a licensed professional.
Community Performance
Five Stone has earned a strong reputation in Austin-area communities. Reddit discussions rank them among the top performers for property tax protests in Austin condo complexes, with users noting their results justify higher fees compared to competitors like Ownwell or Home Tax Shield. This performance-focused reputation suggests Five Stone invests more effort per case, which may explain their pricing. For homeowners who prioritize results over cost, Five Stone's track record in competitive Austin markets is compelling.
Who Should Choose Five Stone Instead
Choose Five Stone Tax Advisers if you're in Texas — particularly Austin — and want a full-service tax advisory firm that legally represents you at protests. They're especially strong for homeowners who also need income tax services, creating a one-firm relationship for all tax needs. Their higher fees appear to correlate with stronger results in competitive markets. If you have a higher-value property where the difference between a good and great protest can mean thousands of dollars, Five Stone's premium approach may be worth the contingency fee.
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Five Stone Tax Advisers — Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- +Full-service tax advisory firm — handles property tax, income tax, and tax planning under one roof
- +Legal representation at protests — they legally represent you before the appraisal district
- +Strong Austin-area reputation — ranked top performer for protests in multiple Austin condo complexes
- +Serves both residential and commercial properties across all Texas counties
Weaknesses
- –Texas only — no coverage in any other state
- –Contingency percentage not prominently published — requires contacting the firm
- –Higher fees than some competitors (per Reddit community comparisons)
- –No DIY or educational component — you don't learn the protest process
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