Home address: 12915 Centaurus Ct

2021 Taxable Value: $120,790

Recent Sales Price: $65,000 – Over-taxed by 86%

Half or more of Texas home owners are paying more than their fair share of property taxes. Market value property tax appeals save home owners an average of $500, according to Texas Comptroller Glen Hager, for 2019. Property owners can appeal both market value and unequal appraisal. It is difficult to persuade property owners to protest their property taxes. But 60 to 80% of those who do are successful.

Property owners are sometimes reluctant to protest their property taxes because the believe the appeal process is difficult. It is not difficult and 60 to 80% of owners who appeal are successful. Appraisal districts use the cost approach to value houses. It is generally considered the least reliable method of appraisal. Most tax protests are settled at the informal level so appraisers can return to measuring and valuing new construction. Protesting your property taxes annually is analogous to regularly changing the oil in your car. Preventative maintenance avoids serious problems.