Contest Property Values for Taxes

It is time for the Appraisal District to send out proposed property values for 2019.

If you think your appraised value is too high, (and who does not), I can provide comparable sales data to help you protest your appraisal. The right to protest is one of the most important rights you have as a tax payer.

Let’s first look at specific deadlines you will want to be aware of. Appraised value notices will be mailed out around May 1st. If your property is located in Dallas, Collin, or Denton County, the protest deadline is May 31st or 30 days after notice has been delivered.

Whether you live in Dallas, Collin or Denton counties the protest process will be the same. The protest must be in writing, identify the property owner, the subject property and the specific dissatisfaction with the appraisal.

Your protest can be mailed or delivered and in some counties can be filed online, but must be filed on time. Once the written protest is received, a hearing will be scheduled. The appraisal districts require specific documentation to be brought to the protest hearing by the property owner.

One of the following must be submitted supporting your value:

(1) A signed and dated closing statement showing sales price lower than evaluation (if the sale of the home occurred in 2017, 2018 or 2019);

(2) Proof of physical or economic obsolescence which would require signed and attested repair estimates from contractors, along with photographs; (3) sales of comparable properties with dates, sales prices and photographs (I can provide comparable sales data for you) Most of the time your protest can be resolved with a staff member of the appraisal district in an informal manner. But if your protest cannot be resolved informally, then it will be heard in a formal setting by the ARB (appraisal review board). The ARB is a group of citizens who are authorized to resolve disputes between appraisal districts and taxpayers. The decision reached by the ARB is binding for the current tax year unless you appeal to District Court. Don’t hesitate to call me if I can assist you in any way. If you know of someone who would also appreciate my services, please call me with their name and number. It would be my pleasure to help them too!