Home address: 1613 16Th St

2021 Taxable Value: $54,265

Recent Sales Price: $27,000 – Over-taxed by 101%

Half or more of Texas homeowners are paying more than their fair share of property taxes.  Appraisal districts are flexible on market value appeals given the large number of houses they value and that are protested. Unequal appraisal appeals compare the level of assessment of your house to comparable houses, typically on a per square foot basis. The Texas Comptroller reports 80% of 2019 property tax appeals by home owners were successful.

Some homeowners believe “you can’t fight city hall.”  But property owners win 60 to 80% of property tax appeals. One reason it is difficult for appraisal districts to correctly value homes is they are not homogenous.  Some have been remodeled and some haven’t. Appraisal districts usually settle appeals at the informal hearing since it costs less and takes fewer resources. Property owners have a duty and responsibility to appraisal property taxes annually.  It is not prudent or reasonable to rely on the appraisal district’s estimate.