If you own a home in North Texas, this is your reminder to check your property value and take action before May 15.
Each year, counties reassess home values, and if yours came in too high, you could be paying more in property taxes than necessary. The good news is, you have the right to protest it.
Why this matters
Texas has some of the highest property taxes in the country. Even a small reduction in your home’s value can lead to meaningful savings.
Filing a protest is free, low effort, and there is no risk. Your value cannot be increased during the protest process.
Who should pay close attention
This is especially important if you purchased your home in the last 12 months.
Your purchase price is one of the strongest indicators of market value. In simple terms, if your home was worth more, it likely would have sold for more.
How to check your property value
Your property value is determined by your local county appraisal district.
If you live in DFW, here are a few common ones:
Dallas County: https://www.dallascad.org
Tarrant County: https://www.tad.org
Collin County: https://www.collincad.org
Denton County: https://www.dentoncad.com
If you’re unsure which county you’re in, a quick Google search of your county plus “appraisal district” will get you there.
Even if you didn’t receive your Notice of Appraisal in the mail, it’s worth checking online before the deadline.
How to protest
You have two options.
Option 1 is to do it yourself. You can file directly through your county appraisal district website. To support your case, you may need comparable sales in your neighborhood, photos if your home has damage or needs repairs, and any documentation that supports a lower value. Some cases may involve a quick call or hearing, but many are resolved informally.
Option 2 is to have someone do it for you. There are companies that will handle the entire process on your behalf. Most work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no upfront cost and they only get paid if they save you money. It’s a simple set-it-and-forget-it option.
Don’t forget your homestead exemption
If this is your primary residence, make sure you’ve filed for a homestead exemption. This can reduce your taxable value and save you money every year.
Final thought
This is one of those small actions that can make a real financial difference.
If you’ve never protested your value before, this is a great year to start.
And if you want a quick opinion on whether your value looks high, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to take a look.
Dee Walton
[email protected]
