Texas taxpayers are often uncertain how to prepare for their property tax protest hearing. This posting provides basic tips.

1. File a protest on both market value and unequal appraisal.
2. Request the "House Bill 201" or 41.461 package. This is the appraisal district's evidence for the hearing.

The House Bill 201 (Texas Property Tax Code 41.461) package provides an excellent opportunity to obtain evidence to prepare for the hearing, learn what information the appraisal district has, and limit their ability to present other information. By law (Texas Property Tax Code 41.67d) the appraisal district is not allowed to present any evidence not in the House Bill 201 package.

3. Review the appraisal district's description of your property. They refer to it as a "record card".
4. Review the appraisal district's comparable sales data in the House Bill 201 package.
5. Select several sales which are similar to your home and support a lower value.

In many cases, the appraisal district's House Bill 201 package will contain comparable sale information which supports a reduction. You don't need 10 or 20 sales to support a reduction. In most case, 2 or 3 sales which are comparable to your home (which support a reduction) are adequate.

6. Review the appraisal district's evidence on unequal appraisal.
7. Research assessment comparables

You should be able to research assessment comparables on the internet. If not, you can obtain the information at the appraisal district's office. Focus on properties which are similar with regard to location, size, age and condition. Five to 10 assessment comparables should be adequate.

8. Gather information regarding deferred maintenance or repairs needed for your house.
9. Determine whether market value or unequal appraisal is your best option for protesting.
10. Prepare a summary of your analysis and make 4 copies (in addition to the original).

Suggested comments - What else have you found helpful in preparing for your property tax protest?

 

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