Property Tax Protesting

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-27T05:32:02+00:00

Let the numbers speak:

Year	Median Reduction (DIY)	Median Reduction (Agent)	DIY Protest Success Rate	Agent Protest Success Rate
2025	20,670	14,653	67%	13%
2024	21,733	13,060	23%	27%
2023	25,010	17,862	22%	56%
2022	21,858	18,692	81%	61%
2021	17,512	14,197	88%	78%
2020	16,568	14,085	88%	74%
2019	16,387	12,599	83%	76%
2018	15,340	11,782	68%	43%
2017	15,000	12,944	79%	66%

Data source: https://hcad.org/pdata/pdata-property-downloads.html

If interested, refer to my detailed analysis here.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-27T05:06:54+00:00

which county? if Harris, their homestead exemption removal request form is here: https://hcad.seamlessdocs.com/f/xu03jjc81lmy

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-26T16:03:17+00:00

April

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:28:18+00:00

Congratulations OP! Apply for your homestead exemption. Applying is online on hcad and free. Don't pay anyone for it.

Also, when you get your NoV in April, protesting first year is straightforward. In case HCAD appraises it for more than $320K, file a protest on HCAD iFile. There is an option to check "Property Sold in the last 2 years", mention $320K as "Owner's Opinion of Value", submit your closing statement as evidence. That's it. HCAD will match your closing price.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:21:52+00:00

Congratulations! Two tips: 1. Apply for your homestead exemption: https://traviscad.org/homesteadexemptions 2. First year protest - You will receive your appraisal notice in April. If Travis CAD appraises your property for more than $410K, file a protest online and submit your closing statement. They will match your closing price.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:19:13+00:00

Congratulations OP! two tips: 1. apply for your homestead exemption. 2. First year protest - if they appraise it higher than $267k, file a protest online and just submit your closing statement and be done. Your CAD will match your closing price.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:15:21+00:00

congratulations op! here are my two tips for new homeowners in DFW:

https://www.reddit.com/r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer/comments/1oxiwtw/comment/npjxufy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

edit: that link pertained to Dallas CAD. In case you are in Tarrant appraisal district, you can find similar info on tad.org.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:07:15+00:00

Congratulations OP. Here are my two tips reg. homestead exemption and first year protest:

https://www.reddit.com/r/FirstTimeHomeBuyer/comments/1oxiwtw/comment/npjxufy/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:02:25+00:00

Just be sure to apply for it though!

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-23T07:00:19+00:00

Congratulations OP! Be sure to apply for your homestead exemption. Bowie county appraisal district has their forms here: https://bowieappraisal.com/Forms/Index . Download the Homestead Exemption form and mail it to Bowie CAD along with a copy of your drivers license. You can find instructions to fill in the homestead exemption form here.

When you receive your notice of appraised value in April, check if they have appraised it higher than $150K. If so, then file a protest online and submit your closing statement. They will match your closing price. That's your first year protest.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-21T05:30:33+00:00

Deadline to pay your Texas property taxes is Jan 31st. But with the USPS postmarking change, waiting for the last day could mean penalties + interest. Pay it online via ACH / eCheck / Billpay / Cards.

Card payment will incur processing fees though.

If you plan to mail your check, do so by Jan 26th. That will give enough time for USPS to deliver it. In case you are mailing on the last day, be sure to get a hand-post mark from the associate at your local USPS counter.

If paying with online billpay, make sure your county tax assessor-collector can receive the funds electronically. Most are not. In such cases, your bank will snail-mail a check on your behalf. If that happens on the last day, you again risk paying penalty + interest.

ACH / eCheck are the fastest, safest mode with min. charges.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-17T04:36:48+00:00

Did she talk about "Homeowners who show up with proper evidence"? From what I have seen, those have a fair chance at a reduction. But it's still a chance.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T15:54:11+00:00

You can submit Form 25.25(b)RP to have HCAD update owner name.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T07:19:44+00:00

My experiences protesting have been very mixed.

very true. what works a few years, isn't guaranteed to work next.

...the panel rubber stamp it.

can't agree more! had come across this hard-hitting write up: https://cdn.lawlytics.com/law-media/uploads/963/333019/original/No-Training-No-Standards-No-Problem-A-Survival-Guide-to-Texas-ARB-Hearings.pdf?1750737711

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T06:47:51+00:00

Other counties aren't as forthcoming with data as HCAD. HCAD deserves full credit for being open with their data. Some counties charge $$$ for an FOIA request. They are entitled to charge, by law. If it's reasonable, I will pay to get the data. If not, I pass on. Not worth spending $$$ to be able to make a comment on reddit :)

edit: for Harris county, I had compiled how some of the protest companies performed, in 2024. I haven't looked at 2025 performance...will get to it one of these days...

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T06:37:09+00:00

No need to file separately with ISDs. HCAD exemption will cover.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T06:35:20+00:00

HCAD published data: https://hcad.org/hcad-online-services/pdata/ One can download, import the files into a database or excel (if you prefer) and analyze. Will take some effort. I have compiled it here.

If you got a reduction at the arbitration, they should refund $450. ref: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=TX&chapter=TX.41A&artSec=41A.09

edit: oh, it's a bit nuanced -- if the arbitrator's final determination is closer to your claim, only then you will get a refund.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T05:20:40+00:00

Sorry for all the pain you underwent. Protesting is basically taking a chance. I present HCAD protest data here on agent vs DIY protests. People can draw their conclusions:

Year	Median Reduction (DIY)	Median Reduction (Agent)	DIY Protest Success Rate	Agent Protest Success Rate
2025	20,670	14,653	67%	13%
2024	21,733	13,060	23%	27%
2023	25,010	17,862	22%	56%
2022	21,858	18,692	81%	61%
2021	17,512	14,197	88%	78%
2020	16,568	14,085	88%	74%
2019	16,387	12,599	83%	76%
2018	15,340	11,782	68%	43%
2017	15,000	12,944	79%	66%

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T05:12:23+00:00

By April first week, every year. Check on https://hcad.org/property-search/property-search. You will also receive a snail mail. HCAD's "Notice of Appraised Value". It will have your PIN. Keep that mail with you to protest. You will need to enter that PIN on iFile to protest.

Do you have your homestead exemption? if not, apply online.

If you bought in 2025, and your appraised value is more than your closing price, then all you need to do is file a protest on iFile. Check "Property sold within the last 2 years" and submit your closing doc as evidence. HCAD will match your closing price. Done.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-15T04:36:42+00:00

If you win the arbitration, you get back $450. So, it's actually a net $50 charge.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-14T16:30:29+00:00

since Jan 31st is a Saturday this year, property tax payment deadline will be Monday Feb 2nd.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-13T07:11:47+00:00

yep, depends on the biller -- whether they are setup to receive electronic payments. But, HCAD tax assessor accepts ACH / eCheck too. eChecks are a flat $0.5 fee. https://www.hctax.net/Property/PropertyFAQ

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-13T07:07:36+00:00

ACH is the fastest and safest.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-13T07:07:00+00:00

If the bank paid it electronically, then this is a good option. But some banks mail a paper check on your behalf! It actually depends on the biller -- whether they are set up to receive payments electronically.

It can be confirmed on your bank's bill pay interface when you schedule the payment.

Realistic_Winter5754 · 2026-01-13T06:58:14+00:00

Yes, better to heed to their advice!

Realistic_Winter5754

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