Ever feel like your property tax bill is higher than everyone else’s on your street or in your building? This may be due to unequal property tax valuation, and participating in a property tax protest might be in order.
Unequal property tax valuation could be affecting you, and it’s not just luck or special treatment; it could be time for a property tax protest.
Many property owners across Texas are paying more than their fair share of taxes due to unequal property tax valuation. Meanwhile, their neighbors may be saving hundreds or thousands simply because they took the right steps to protest. Conducting a property tax protest can lead to significant savings.
At TexasPVP, we help both homeowners and commercial property owners understand how property taxes work and how to fight back when values aren’t fair. A property tax protest is a powerful tool in this process.
Here’s why your neighbors might be paying less and what you can do about it.
1. They Protested Their Appraisal
The most common reason someone pays less in property taxes is because they filed a protest and you didn’t.
Texas gives every property owner the right to challenge their appraised value each year. That value determines your tax bill. If you don’t file a protest, you’re essentially agreeing to whatever number the appraisal district puts on your property.
Many of your neighbors may have:
- Questioned the accuracy of their appraisal
- Submitted evidence showing their property is worth less
- Won a reduction that applies to future years
Action step: Always review your Notice of Appraised Value carefully and consider filing a protest against any unequal property tax valuation.
2. Their Property Was Undervalued to Begin With
Appraisal districts use mass appraisal systems, which means they estimate property values based on models, not on individual inspections.
Sometimes, this works in a property owner’s favor. Their property might be:
- In worse condition than assumed
- Smaller or less updated than comparable homes
- Overlooked during market increases
If you didn’t get that same advantage, your value might be inflated by comparison.
TexasPVP helps identify overvaluations like these and prepares evidence to challenge them effectively.
3. They Had Professional Help
Another reason neighbors save more? They didn’t go it alone.
Property owners who work with consultants like TexasPVP often get better results. We know:
- What kinds of evidence are most effective
- How to compare your property to others nearby
- How to present your case to appraisal review boards
- When to escalate to a formal hearing if needed
Protesting your taxes isn’t just about submitting a form; it’s about making a persuasive case. And that’s where expert help makes a difference.
4. They Took Advantage of Exemptions
Some neighbors may qualify for tax exemptions that reduce their taxable value. Property tax protest experts often help identify these opportunities. These include:
- Homestead exemptions
- Over-65 or disabled exemptions
- Agricultural or open-space valuations
- Business personal property depreciation
These exemptions reduce what you owe, sometimes significantly. If you haven’t applied for all the exemptions you’re eligible for, you may be paying more than necessary.
TexasPVP can help review your property to see what options are available.
5. They Paid Attention to the Deadline
The protest deadline in Texas typically falls around May 15 each year. Miss it, and you lose your chance to appeal for that tax year.
Some neighbors may have protested early, submitted strong evidence, and locked in a lower value before you even opened your notice.
If you missed the window, you’ll have to wait another year and pay the higher amount in the meantime.
That’s why TexasPVP encourages early action each season. The sooner you start, the better your chances of success.
Don’t Let Your Neighbors Be the Only Ones Saving
If your neighbors are paying less, don’t assume their properties are magically worth less. A property tax protest might have been their secret, especially if they addressed unequal property tax valuation. In many cases, they simply took steps you haven’t yet.
TexasPVP helps property owners across Texas challenge unfair valuations, prepare strong appeal cases, and make sure they’re not overpaying.
Let us help you level the playing field and lower your next property tax bill.
