Home address: 4630 O’Shea Dr

2021 Taxable Value: $144,861

Recent Sales Price: $98,200 – Over-taxed by 48%

Texas property owners can avoid paying excess property taxes by taking several basic steps. Market value property tax appeals save homeowners an average of $500, according to Texas Comptroller Glen Hager, for 2019. Unequal appraisal appeals are valid when the assessment is below market value. Woody Allen said “80% of success is showing up”.  The same is true of property taxes.  If you file an appeal and attend the hearing, your chance of reducing your property taxes is excellent. 

Some property owners do not appeal due to a concern the appraisal district will want to inspect their house.  However, the appraisal district is MUCH too busy during the appeal season to even think about asking to inspect a property.  Assessors do not visit houses because of appeals. It is impossible for 2,272 Texas appraisal district appraisers to track physical condition and value for over 20 million properties. One reason appraisal districts are motivated to settle protests is to maintain goodwill with the community. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car.  Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.