Residential vs. Commercial Property Tax Protests in Texas: What Homeowners Need to Know

Texas property taxes can be a financial burden, and for many homeowners, their residential property tax protest is the best opportunity to lower their annual tax bill. While both residential and commercial property tax protests follow similar processes, there are key differences that homeowners should be aware of.

At Ballard Property Tax Protest, we specialize in helping homeowners successfully challenge their property tax assessments, ensuring they pay only their fair share. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between residential and commercial property tax protests, with a focus on homeowners looking to reduce their property tax bills.

Understanding Texas Property Tax Protests

Each year, Texas counties assess the value of properties to determine tax obligations. If you believe your home’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to file a property tax protest.

Key Differences Between Residential & Commercial Property Tax Protests

• Property Type:
  • Residential: Single-family homes, townhouses, condos
  • Commercial: Office buildings, retail centers, warehouses
• Common Issues:
  • Residential: Overvaluation, incorrect property details, lack of updates on property condition
  • Commercial: Market fluctuations, rental income analysis, economic conditions
• Evidence Needed:
  • Residential: Comparable home sales, property condition photos, appraisal district errors
  • Commercial: Income statements, market analysis, professional appraisals
• Who Can Protest?
  • Residential: Homeowners
  • Commercial: Property owners, commercial real estate firms, business owners
• Protest Complexity:
  • Residential: Straightforward
  • Commercial: More complex, often requiring attorneys or tax consultants

Why Homeowners Should Protest Their Property Taxes

1. Save Money on Your Annual Tax Bill

Texas does not have a state income tax, so local governments rely heavily on property taxes to fund schools, roads, and public services. Unfortunately, many homeowners overpay because their home’s value is inflated by the county appraisal district.

By protesting your residential property tax, you could lower your taxable value and reduce your tax burden for the year.

2. Home Values Can Be Overestimated

Appraisal districts use mass appraisal techniques to determine home values, meaning they may not account for your property’s individual condition, repairs needed, or unique characteristics.

If your home’s assessment is too high compared to similar homes in your area, you may have a strong case for a reduction.

3. It’s Free to File a Protest

Filing a Texas property tax protest is free for homeowners. Many assume the process is complicated or expensive, but all it takes is gathering the right evidence and submitting your protest by the deadline.

How to Protest Your Residential Property Taxes in Texas

Step 1: Review Your Property Tax Appraisal

• Check for errors in your home’s details (square footage, lot size, improvements).
• Compare the assessed value to recent home sales in your neighborhood.
• Look for signs that your home’s condition was not considered (damages, needed repairs).

Step 2: File Your Protest Before the Deadline

• The property tax protest deadline in Texas is May 15th or 30 days after you receive your appraisal notice, whichever comes later.
• Homeowners must submit a Notice of Protest to their county appraisal district online, by mail, or in person.

Step 3: Gather Evidence to Support Your Case

• Comparable Sales: Research recent home sales (similar size, location, condition).
• Photographic Evidence: Take pictures of defects, damages, or needed repairs that impact your home’s value.
• Repair Estimates: If your home requires significant repairs, obtain written contractor estimates to show how these costs affect your home’s value.

Step 4: Attend the Informal Review

• Many counties allow homeowners to meet with an appraiser before a formal hearing.
• This is a chance to negotiate a lower valuation without attending a formal hearing.

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

• If your informal meeting is unsuccessful, you’ll have a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
• You’ll present your evidence, and the board will make a decision about your property’s assessed value.

Step 6: Consider Further Appeals If Necessary

• If you’re not satisfied with the ARB’s decision, you can appeal through binding arbitration or state district court.
• A professional property tax consultant can help guide you through this process.

Why Homeowners Should Hire a Property Tax Consultant

While many homeowners protest on their own, hiring a professional property tax consultant can increase the chances of a successful appeal and a larger reduction in taxable value.

Benefits of Working with Ballard Property Tax Protest

✅ Expert Knowledge – We understand how Texas appraisal districts calculate home values and use that knowledge to fight for lower taxes.
✅ Strong Evidence Collection – We gather market data, comparable sales, and professional analysis to build a winning case.
✅ No Upfront Costs – Many homeowners worry about fees, but our services are designed to ensure you only pay if we save you money.
✅ Stress-Free Process – We handle everything from filing to hearings, so you don’t have to worry about the details.

Start Your Residential Property Tax Protest Today!

If you’re a homeowner in Texas, don’t wait until it’s too late to file your protest. Working with Ballard Property Tax Protest ensures that you get the best possible chance of reducing your property tax bill.

📞 Call us today to schedule a free consultation and let us handle your protest from start to finish!

👉 Visit Ballard Property Tax Protest Here