Property Tax Protests

 

By now you should have received your tax assessment from the tax appraisal district.  Because of the increase in real estate values in the Austin area, people are surprised by how much their appraisal for tax purposes has gone up.  This is very important as the higher value could result in a much higher property tax bill later this year.

 

If you think the tax appraisal is too high, you can protest the appraisal with your taxing authority.

 

Please keep in mind there is a deadline to protest.  In most counties the deadline is mid-May, but if you plan to protest you should check your county’s timelines as soon as possible.

 

Here are links to the county’s websites:

 

Travis County: Travis County Tax Protest

Williamson County: Williamson County Tax Protest

Hays County:  Hays County Tax Protest

 

The counties have so many resources on their websites that are worth reviewing.  They explain the process and provide the forms you will need to fill out for the protest.

 

Many of my clients ask for a referral for a company and can do this.  Here are a few that my clients have used in the past.

 

 

Five Stone Tax Protest

 

Texas Pro Tax

 

It is worth a call to these consultants because they will be able to help you decide if you should protest and usually there is no fee unless they are successful.  Please inquire with them as to their fees and how they work.  There are many other companies that do this so please do your due diligence to find one you feel most comfortable with.

 

If you are concerned about property taxes in Texas support Prop 2.  For more information click on the link below to learn what this proposition can do for homeowners in Texas.

 

Texans For Prop 2- Property Tax Relief

 

As always please consider me a resource for your real estate questions I am happy to help!

 

Judith Bundschuh, CPA

Realtor