Protest High-Rocketing Property Taxes

property tax

By Dinesh Shah, MBA, PE

HOUSTON: Why other 90 % home owners do not appeal?  1. They do not know the appeal process. 2. They think the process is overpowering. 3. They are uncertain about the successful outcome after the appeal. 4. They think it is a waste of time. 5. They think their property assessed value is below market value, so no need to appeal. 6. They do not understand they can appeal on unequal appraisal for their property in the same subdivision or area. 7. Some believes that by reducing the assessed value will reduce the selling price. 8. They do not know that it is an annual process, and they should file an appeal every year.

Where to file an appeal? You can file an appeal on line or in person to the appraisal district office in the county where the property is exist.

How to appeal? You should always appeal on both market value and unequal appraisal, based on condition, desirability and utility for the property. In general, you can appeal in two steps – informal hearing and formal Arbitration Review Board (ARB) hearing. In addition, you can also appeal by legal judicial process.

You must know the facts – 1. You can appeal though your taxes are lower than last year or assessed for less than market value. 2. For Homestead Property, tax increases are capped at 10% per year. But the appraisal district can increase your assessed value 10% plus the market value of any improvements. 3. The value cannot be increased at the informal hearing, where most accounts are settled. The assessed value rarely increases at the ARB. 4. The appraisal district will not take revenge, if you or your agent protest for you even every year. 5. If the district has wrong square feet area of your property, and if you request, they will come and measure the property again. 6. Taxes payments dates – Taxing units usually mail their tax bills in October. In general, January 31 is the deadline for paying property taxes. Taxes that are unpaid on February 1 are delinquent, so penalty and interest charges are added to the original amount. 7. Do not consider your tax assessed value to be indicative of your true market value. The property value changes each year depending upon the market and the comparable sales during the calendar year. 8. Exemptions – There are several exemptions available. It is not an automatic. You have to apply for the applicable exemptions. Qualifying and receiving an exemption is an easy process but there are certain time frames that must be followed in order for you to receive it. Type of exemptions – Homestead, Optional 65 or older, disabled veteran exemptions and religious or charitable organization.

How can we help you? To save your time and hassle, let us help you. You pay nothing in advance or nothing later, unless we save you money in taxes. We have a team of licensed consultants, property tax professionals, and experts with over twenty five years of diversified experience and knowledge in property valuation, engineering, architectural, construction, legal and business administration. We specialize in residential, commercial, business personal property, and vacant land. We can help you in all counties of State of Texas, but focusing to all counties of Greater Houston Area.

For further questions or filing the protest early before May 31, deadlines, please feel free to contact Property Tax Protest Professionals @ 281-242-8464.