Watchtower Protest is now Ballard Property Tax Protest. The same great, personalized service you expect.

How Texas Property Tax Protests Work

You sign up. We handle everything else. From filing your protest to attending hearings, we do the work so you can save money without the hassle.

No Upfront Fees
We Attend All Hearings
Pay Only If We Save You Money
2026 Protest Deadline: May 15

The Property Tax Protest Process

From sign-up to savings, here's exactly what happens when you work with Ballard Property Tax Protest.

1

Sign Up Online

5 minutes, no payment required

Complete our simple online form with your property address and contact information. You'll authorize us to represent you as your property tax agent with the appraisal district.

  • No credit card or payment information needed
  • We'll confirm your property details within 24 hours
  • You can sign up anytime before the May 15 deadline
2

We File Your Protest

Before the deadline

We submit your property tax protest with your county's appraisal district, challenging the assessed market value of your home. This preserves your right to a hearing.

  • Filed electronically with the appraisal district
  • You'll receive confirmation once filed
  • Deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice
3

We Build Your Case

Data-driven evidence

Our team analyzes recent comparable sales, market trends, and your property's unique characteristics. We compile professional evidence to support a lower valuation.

  • Comparable sales analysis specific to your neighborhood
  • Unequal appraisal review (are similar homes assessed lower?)
  • Property condition factors if applicable
4

We Attend Hearings

You don't have to

As your authorized agent, we represent you at informal hearings with appraisal district staff and, if needed, formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearings. You never need to take time off work.

  • Informal hearing: negotiation with appraisal staff
  • ARB hearing: formal panel if informal is unsuccessful
  • We handle all communication and scheduling
5

You Get Results

Pay only if we save you money

Once your protest is resolved, you'll receive notification of your final assessed value. If we reduced your value, you pay our fee. If not, you pay nothing.

  • Most protests resolve within 2-4 months
  • Fee is 1% of your assessed value reduction
  • No reduction = no fee, guaranteed

Why Protesting Works

Texas appraisal districts use mass appraisal methods that often overvalue individual properties. Professional representation levels the playing field.

Data-Driven Evidence

We use professional market data and comparable sales analysis that appraisal districts respect. Opinion alone doesn't win protests—data does.

Unequal Appraisal Strategy

Even if your market value is accurate, we can argue for reduction if similar homes are assessed lower. Texas law requires equal treatment.

Hearing Experience

We know what arguments work with each county's appraisal district. Experience at informal reviews and ARB hearings makes a difference.

Matthew Ballard - Licensed Texas Property Tax Consultant

Matthew Ballard

Property Tax Consultant

TDLR License #12593

Personal Service, Not a Call Center

When you sign up with Ballard Property Tax Protest, you work with Matthew directly. He personally reviews your property, builds your case, and represents you at hearings. No handoffs to junior staff, no getting lost in a queue.

Based in Dallas and serving homeowners across 18 Texas counties, Matthew understands how each appraisal district operates and what strategies work in your specific area.

Common Questions About the Process

Have questions before signing up? Here are the answers.

What happens after I sign up?

Within 24 hours, we confirm your property details and add you to our system. We file your protest before the May 15 deadline and begin gathering evidence. You'll receive email updates as your case progresses through informal hearings and, if needed, ARB hearings.

Do I need to do anything after signing up?

Not unless you want to. If you have photos of property issues (foundation cracks, roof damage, etc.) or know of recent sales in your neighborhood, you can share them with us. Otherwise, we handle everything.

When is the deadline to sign up?

The protest filing deadline is May 15 (or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later). We recommend signing up by early May to ensure we have time to file and build a strong case.

What does it cost?

Nothing upfront. You only pay if we successfully reduce your assessed value. Our fee is 1% of your assessed value reduction. If your value isn't reduced, our services are completely free.

Do I need to attend any hearings?

No. As your authorized property tax agent, we attend all hearings on your behalf—both informal hearings with appraisal district staff and formal Appraisal Review Board hearings. You can continue your normal schedule.

How long does the process take?

Most protests are resolved within 2-4 months after the filing deadline. Timeline varies by county and caseload. You'll receive updates throughout the process and notification as soon as we have results.

Can my property value go up if I protest?

No. Your assessed value cannot be increased solely because you filed a protest. During informal negotiations, the appraisal district may only offer to keep your value the same or reduce it. There's no risk to filing.

What if I already filed my own protest?

You can still sign up with us. We can take over representation for your existing protest. Contact us with your property details and we'll coordinate with the appraisal district.

Texas Counties We Serve

From Dallas-Fort Worth to Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Ready to Lower Your Texas Property Taxes?

Sign up today and let us handle your property tax protest from start to finish. No upfront fees—you only pay if we reduce your taxes.

Don't miss the May 15, 2026 deadline