Watchtower Protest is now Ballard Property Tax Protest. The same great, personalized service you expect.

General Info

Articles and resources about general info for Texas homeowners.

Texas Ag Exemption Explained: How Agricultural Appraisal Lowers Your Property Taxes
General Info

Texas Ag Exemption Explained: How Agricultural Appraisal Lowers Your Property Taxes

A Texas ag exemption can cut your tax bill by thousands, but losing it triggers rollback taxes. Learn how 1-d-1 appraisal works and how to apply.

February 12, 2026

Read more
Texas Property Tax Code: Key Sections Every Homeowner Should Know
General Info

Texas Property Tax Code: Key Sections Every Homeowner Should Know

The Texas Property Tax Code governs appraisals, exemptions, and protests. Here are the key sections every homeowner should know.

February 10, 2026

Read more
The Complete History of Texas Property Taxes: 1836 to Today
General Info

The Complete History of Texas Property Taxes: 1836 to Today

Explore Texas property tax history from 1836 to today. Learn how Peveto reforms, school finance battles, and Proposition 4 shaped the modern system.

February 9, 2026

Read more
Are Property Taxes Included in Your Mortgage in Texas?
General Info

Are Property Taxes Included in Your Mortgage in Texas?

Property taxes are usually included in your Texas mortgage via escrow. Learn how escrow works and how protesting can lower your monthly payment.

February 7, 2026

Read more
Texas Property Tax Relief: Every Program and Option Available to Homeowners
General Info

Texas Property Tax Relief: Every Program and Option Available to Homeowners

Every Texas property tax relief option explained: homestead exemptions, senior freezes, deferrals, and protest rights. Complete guide for homeowners.

February 5, 2026

Read more
How Texas Property Taxes Work: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
General Info

How Texas Property Taxes Work: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Learn how Texas property taxes work, from appraisal to payment. Understand who taxes you, how values are set, and your rights as a homeowner.

February 3, 2026

Read more
When Are Property Taxes Due in Texas? (2026 Calendar)
General Info

When Are Property Taxes Due in Texas? (2026 Calendar)

Texas property tax bills arrive in October and are due January 31. See the full 2026 calendar with protest deadlines and payment dates.

January 30, 2026

Read more
Texas Property Tax Protest Success Rates 2026
General Info

Texas Property Tax Protest Success Rates 2026

See Texas property tax protest success rates by county. Learn how often protests succeed, average savings, and what affects your chances of winning.

January 25, 2026

Read more
Areas for Improvement for Texas Property Taxes
General Info

Areas for Improvement for Texas Property Taxes

The Texas property tax system is in need of reform, especially as it relates to the appraisal process. Learn More.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Benefits of Filing a Texas Property Tax Protest
General Info

Benefits of Filing a Texas Property Tax Protest

A successful Texas property tax protest lowers your bill this year, reduces future increases through the 10% cap, and can improve your home's resale appeal.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Do Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Texas? Disabled & Veteran Exemptions Explained
General Info

Do Veterans Pay Property Taxes in Texas? Disabled & Veteran Exemptions Explained

Texas disabled veterans with a 100% VA rating pay zero property taxes. Learn about every disabled and veteran exemption, the school tax freeze, and how to apply.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Which Home Improvements Raise Property Taxes in Texas?
General Info

Which Home Improvements Raise Property Taxes in Texas?

Pools, ADUs, additions, and remodels can raise Texas property taxes. Learn which projects trigger reassessment and how appraisers find out.

March 31, 2025

Read more
How Texas CAMA Property Tax Appraisals Work
General Info

How Texas CAMA Property Tax Appraisals Work

Discover how Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal techniques could wrongly calculate your home's Texas property taxes

March 31, 2025

Read more
Property Tax Protests and Home Resale Value
General Info

Property Tax Protests and Home Resale Value

Find out how securing a lower tax assessed value during a Texas property tax protest can boost your home's resale price.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Texas Property Tax Laws: What the Constitution Says
General Info

Texas Property Tax Laws: What the Constitution Says

Texas property tax laws explained — what the Constitution requires for fair taxation, homestead exemptions, senior freezes, and your right to protest.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Should You Protest Texas Property Taxes Yearly?
General Info

Should You Protest Texas Property Taxes Yearly?

Yes, Texas homeowners can protest property taxes every year. Learn why annual protests are recommended and how they protect your tax savings long-term.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Texas Property Tax Changes 2026: New Laws, Exemptions & Savings
General Info

Texas Property Tax Changes 2026: New Laws, Exemptions & Savings

Texas property tax changes for 2026: $140,000 homestead exemption, ARB protest reforms, senior exemption increase to $60,000, and $1,762+ in savings.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Texas Property Tax Protest Deadlines
General Info

Texas Property Tax Protest Deadlines

Missed the Texas property tax protest deadline? Learn your remaining options including late protests for clerical errors and substantial overvaluations.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Texas Property Tax Protests After the Deadline
General Info

Texas Property Tax Protests After the Deadline

Determine all your options for securing lower bills for this year even if you already missed your local Texas property tax protest deadline.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Texas Senate Bill Proposal: Impact on Property Taxes
General Info

Texas Senate Bill Proposal: Impact on Property Taxes

Learn how Texas Senate Bill 4 proposes increasing the homestead exemption to $140,000, potentially saving homeowners hundreds annually on property taxes.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Where Do Texas Property Taxes Go?
General Info

Where Do Texas Property Taxes Go?

Learn what your Texas property taxes fund, from schools to roads, and discover how to protest if you believe your tax bill is too high.

March 31, 2025

Read more
Texas Tax Assessor Home Visits: Your Rights
General Info

Texas Tax Assessor Home Visits: Your Rights

You're not required to let a Texas tax assessor inside your home. But should you? Learn when it could lower your taxes.

January 19, 2025

Read more
Texas Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors 65+
General Info

Texas Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors 65+

Texas seniors 65+ qualify for $200,000 in exemptions plus a school tax freeze. Learn how to apply for your over-65 exemption step by step.

January 19, 2025

Read more

Ready to Lower Your Property Taxes?

Let our expert team handle your property tax protest. No upfront fees - you only pay if we save you money.

GET STARTED