Step-by-Step Guide: How to File a Property Tax Protest in Galveston County

Introduction

If you believe your property in Galveston County has been overvalued, you have the right to protest your property tax assessment. Many homeowners successfully reduce their tax bills each year by challenging their appraisal through the Galveston Central Appraisal District (GCAD). This step-by-step guide will walk you through the protest process and provide tips for a successful appeal.

Step 1: Review Your Appraisal Notice

Each year, GCAD sends out appraisal notices, typically in April. This notice contains your property’s assessed value, which determines your tax bill. Carefully review this assessment to check for any discrepancies, such as:

• Significant increases from the previous year
• Incorrect property details (square footage, condition, etc.)
• Overvaluation compared to similar properties in your neighborhood

If anything looks inaccurate, you may have grounds for a protest.

Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence

To strengthen your case, you’ll need to collect relevant evidence showing that your home’s assessed value is too high. Useful documents include:

• Recent Sales Comparisons: Gather records of similar homes in your area that sold for less than your assessed value.
• Independent Appraisal Reports: A professional appraisal can provide strong evidence of your home’s true market value.
• Photographic Evidence: If your property has structural issues, damage, or outdated features, take photos to support your claim.
• Comparable Property Assessments: Check the GCAD website to see if similar properties in your neighborhood are assessed lower than yours.

Step 3: File Your Protest

You can submit your protest to GCAD in one of the following ways:

1. Online: The fastest and easiest way is through the GCAD website (GalvestonCAD.org).
2. Mail: Fill out the protest form included in your appraisal notice and send it to GCAD’s office.
3. In Person: Visit GCAD’s office to file your protest in person.

Deadline to file: May 15, 2025, or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later.

Step 4: Attend an Informal Meeting with GCAD

Before a formal hearing, you’ll have the option to discuss your case with a GCAD appraiser. This meeting allows you to present your evidence and potentially reach an agreement on a lower assessment without needing a formal hearing.

If you and the appraiser agree on a revised value, the protest process ends here.

Step 5: Present Your Case to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB)

If you’re unable to reach an agreement informally, you can proceed to a hearing with the ARB, an independent panel that reviews property tax disputes. During the hearing:

• You’ll have 5-10 minutes to present your evidence.
• GCAD will present their justification for the assessment.
• The ARB will make a final decision based on the evidence.

If the decision isn’t in your favor, you can appeal to the district court or request binding arbitration.

Step 6: Finalize Your Tax Savings

If your protest is successful, GCAD will adjust your property’s assessed value, and your tax bill will be reduced accordingly. Keep a copy of the final determination for your records, and plan to review your assessment again next year.

Key Deadlines for 2025 Property Tax Protests

• Appraisal Notices Sent: April 2025
• Protest Deadline: May 15, 2025
• Informal Review Period: April – May 2025
• ARB Hearings: June – July 2025

Need Help with Your Protest?

At Ballard Property Tax Protest, we have the experience and expertise to help homeowners successfully lower their tax bills. We handle the entire protest process on your behalf, maximizing your chances of a successful appeal.

Don’t pay more than you have to—contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you save on property taxes.

Final Thoughts

Filing a property tax protest in Galveston County is a straightforward process that can lead to significant savings. By staying informed, gathering strong evidence, and taking action before the deadline, you can ensure you’re not overpaying on property taxes.