
How Property Tax Appeal/Protest Works
We receive your protest paperwork and begin working to assess the value of your home. Once we have a good value, we compare it against what the tax appraisal office has listed the value of your home to be.
Next, we await the informal protest process and negotiate the fair market value with the tax appraiser. Generally, most negotiations will end at this stage and we will have a successful outcome. If we do not feel that the negotiations are fair, we will contact you at this point and determine whether you would like us to go through a formal protest. If you choose to go through the formal process, we will attend the formal protest on your behalf.
Recent Success
Over the last few years, we’ve completed hundreds of protests and have a 95% success rate in reducing the appraised value of the properties. Those that we were able to reduce ranged anywhere from a 2% reduction to a 30% reduction.
- One property had been increasing in value for multiple years and our client decided to protest. We were able to take their property from $418,950 down to $386,587 in market value. An 8% reduction or $32,363 reduction in market value.
- Another property was assessed much higher than the purchase price for the home in the same year. So we were able to reduce the market value from $453,160 down to $325,000 – the purchase price.
- Another property went from $190,880 to $170,000 due to the condition of the home.
How Property Taxes Are Calculated
Generally, the appraisers look at fair market value to determine what your property taxes will be. Therefore, the comparative listings in your neighborhood are an important factor to consider. Once the fair market value of your property is determined, then each taxing authority calculates their property taxes at their scheduled rate by multiplying their percentage against the fair market value of your home.
Lower Your Residential Property Taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you definitely can protest your property taxes yourself. However, hiring a law firm to do this will ensure that all the correct steps are taken without having to take time out of your busy life. We will prepare the appropriate evidence, including comps for your home, attend your informal hearing, as well as your formal hearing. This all takes time and your time is valuable. Hiring us will let you enjoy your life.
Why Hardesty Law Office?
The Hardesty Law Office has experience in representing clients in a wide range of areas, property tax protests being one of them. We believe in a client-centered approach where the client is getting great services for a great value. We do the heavy lifting to help you reduce your property taxes so that you can enjoy your life and family.
Helpful Information
WHAT CAN YOU PROVIDE TO US?
If you choose to send us additional information, please make sure your property address is clearly listed in the subject line of any email or on a cover sheet to any mailed documents.
- Photos of your property that may show a less than desirable condition your property is in.
- Examples include: Foundation, Roof, Electrical, Plumbing, etc.
- Any estimates from contractors to correct your less desirable conditions
- Environmental factors that may affect your home’s value
- Examples include: Noise Problems, Nearby Commercial Properties, High Traffic Areas etc.
Land issues - Examples include: Drainage Issues, Oddly Shaped Lots, Grading Issues, Flood Zones, Zoning Issues etc.
- Examples include: Noise Problems, Nearby Commercial Properties, High Traffic Areas etc.
- Building permits pulled in the last 5 years.
- Unfinished construction
- Examples include: Incomplete Remodel, Unfinished Rooms, Unfinished Spaces, Partially Completed Rooms, Partially Completed Projects
- If your home is currently listed for sale, your listing information.
- If you have recently purchased your home, your closing statement.
- If your home is an older home, any items that are out of date or need remodeling. This is especially helpful if new homes are being built
or homes that are being sold have been remodeled and yours is older and hasn’t been remodeled. - Anything else you feel would help show the appraisal district that your home is lower in value than appraised.
Helpful Links
Texas Comptroller’s Office
http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/
Local Central Appraisal Districts
Dallas: http://www.dallascad.org/
Ellis: http://www.elliscad.com/
Johnson: http://www.johnsoncad.com/
Tarrant: http://www.tad.org/
Residential
Getting Started
Commercial
Getting Started
Give us a call
Call 469-336-5227
Mail Your Completed Form to Us with Your Payment
Hardesty Law Office
107 S 4th St.
Midlothian, TX 76065