Can I File a Collin County Property Tax Protest Online?

Each year, Collin County homeowners are required to pay property taxes on the value of their houses. Since there is no statewide property tax, these taxes are essential to funding local schools and other public services. 

However, many Texans don’t know that they have the right to appeal the amount of property taxes they are assessed. If you think your property tax bill is too high, keep reading. We’ll explain everything you need to know about how to file a property tax protest online in Collin County.

What is a Property Tax Protest?

A property tax protest is the formal process by which a real estate owner can challenge the appraised value of their home. This system provides homeowners with an opportunity to ensure that they are not being overcharged and that they only pay their fair share in property taxes. 

In Collin County, protests are decided by the Collin County Appraisal Review Board, which is a panel of citizens that is responsible for hearing all formal protests and making a final determination on the value of each property. 

How to File a Property Tax Protest in Collin County

You can file a property tax protest online using the Collin Central Appraisal District's (CAD’s) e-Services Portal. You can also submit your protest by mail or deliver it by hand. However, you cannot file via fax or e-mail.

While the appraisal district has protest forms available on its website, you are not required to use them. As long as you submit a written notice of protest that identifies the property and its owner, and states that you disagree with the Collin CAD’s decision, your protest will be legally valid. 

The deadline to file a protest is either May 31 or 30 days from the date your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is the latest. The Collin CAD is only required to send a Notice of Appraised Value if your home’s assessed value increases by over $1,000, so it is important to keep the May 31 deadline in mind in case you do not receive a notice. 

What Happens When I File a Collin County Property Tax Protest?

Once you file your protest, you can schedule an informal meeting with the Collin CAD to discuss your home’s assessed value, and many cases are resolved at this stage. 

However, if you can’t reach an agreement with the Appraisal District, your protest will progress to a formal hearing. When a Collin County property owner files a tax protest, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will send them written notice by mail of the time, date, and location of their formal hearing. 

At the hearing, the Collin County Appraisal Review Board will hear arguments and review evidence from both the property owner and the Collin CAD appraiser. After considering each side’s point of view, the ARB will set a final appraisal value for the property in question.

How Watchtower Protest Can Help

Fortunately, Texas law allows homeowners to have legal representation throughout the various stages of a property tax protest. If you choose to partner with the experienced team at Watchtower Protest, we will handle every step of the process for you — from ensuring your protest is filed correctly and on time to presenting evidence and making arguments at your hearing.

Best of all, there is no cost to you unless we get your home’s appraisal value reduced. So, why not sign up today using our convenient online portal? 

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