Protest Property Tax Appraisal in Texas 2022

How to Protest Property Tax Appraisal in Texas in 2022

As a homeowner in Texas you have the right to protest the evaluation of your property with your county’s appraisal district. Although it requires some organization, research, and paperwork, many Texas homeowners consider it well worth the effort.

In 2022 taking the steps to protest the increase of your property tax appraisal may be particularly important. Advocating for the affordability of property taxes in your neighborhood can impact your cost of living now and in the future.

Let’s take a look at the questions that Texas homeowners are asking about protesting their property tax appraisal in 2022:

Why Protest Property Tax Appraisal in 2022?

Record setting increases in home prices are driving up the value of homes in Texas. The low inventory of homes on the market is creating competition that is driving up the sales prices.

For current homeowners this increases the value of their home on the market… which can in-turn increase the local property taxes. In 2022 homeowners are seeking protection from high increases in property taxes, by protesting the appraisal of their property value.

When Should I Protest My Property Tax Appraisal?

Texas county appraisal districts generally send out updated property appraisals during the months of April, May, and June each year. This updated amount shows the change in property value and the estimated tax amount due by December 31st.

Each county has different time-lines for when you must submit an official protest of your appraisal. Generally, you must submit a protest within 30 days from the day you received the letter.

We recommend that you check the official due date for your county’s appraisal protest process. Find the website for your Texas county appraisal district here: https://taad.org/resources/texas-cad-websites/

How to Protest Your Property Tax Appraisal in 2022

In Texas, the appraisal districts individually accept and process protests according to the county regulations. Your first step in learning how to protest your property tax appraisal will begin by visiting the website of the appraisal district for your county.

The process for filling an official protest for your property taxes generally requires:

1. Submitting a form stating your reason for the protest online, in person, or by mail before the county deadline.
2. Gathering any documentation that supports your case for protesting the appraised value in question. You can search for homes in your neighborhood that are similar in square footage, built within 1-2 years or your home, and have a lower value: on the county appraisal districts website.
3. Taking photos of damages or conditions of your home that support your case for a lower valuation.
4. Scheduling a call, video conference, or in-person appearance, if requested by the appraisal review board. *Remember that the argument for your protest should focus on correcting the value of the property, not the amount of tax increase.

Where to Protest Property Tax Appraisal in Texas

You should start by reading the information on your county’s appraisal district website. There you will find the specific information you need to know how and where to submit a protest of your property tax appraisal.

How can the property tax appraisal impact my mortgage payment?

While the principal and interest portion of your mortgage payment on a fixed rate mortgage, doesn’t change, the taxes and homeowners insurance costs can change.

Most Texas homeowners choose to include an escrow account with their mortgage. The amount collected each month in the escrow account is applied to the annual costs of homeowners insurance, HOA dues (if applicable), and state property taxes.

When the appraised value of your home is raised by the county appraisal district, the bank servicing your mortgage is notified. Then the bank servicing your loan will give you the option of contributing a lump sum or increased monthly payments for the remainder of the year, to make up the difference between higher tax amount.

Does the value determined by the county appraisal district impact the sales price of my home?

No, your appraised tax value does not impact the market value of your home. If you plan to sell your home in the future, the appraised tax value doesn’t impact the price that potential buyers will offer for your home.

The value of your home can be evaluated in two different ways:

• Appraised Tax Value – is the value determined by the county appraisal district for state property tax purposes.
• Fair Market Value – is determined by a licensed appraiser during the mortgage process to ensure that the home purchase price is comparable to similar homes recently sold in the neighborhood.

In fact, Texas homeowners can take advantage of the growth in market value of their homes with a home equity cash out refinance. Accessing the equity in your home can help you pay off higher interest debt, pay for home improvements, or to use cash in other ways.

The market conditions in 2022 are unique for Texas homeowners. Making the effort to protest your property tax value with the county appraisal district can help steady your costs as a homeowner.

We are here to help you understand your best financial options when it comes to your mortgage. Reach out to our team of mortgage experts with your mortgage questions.