Benefits of Filing a Texas Property Tax Protest
Texas property taxes are some of the highest in the country, and many homeowners are paying more than they should. If your home's appraised value is too high, filing a property tax protest is the most direct way to lower your bill — this year and in the years ahead.
A protest challenges the assessed value assigned by your county appraisal district. If successful, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) replaces the original value with a lower one, and your tax bill drops accordingly. It's free to file, there's no risk of your value going up, and the benefits compound over time.
Benefit #1: Immediate Tax Savings
The most straightforward benefit is a lower tax bill for the current year. When your appraised value is reduced, the savings apply across every taxing entity — school district, county, city, and any special districts. Because Texas relies on multiple overlapping jurisdictions to fund public services, even a modest reduction in value can translate to meaningful dollar savings.
A successful protest typically reduces appraised values by 5% to 20%. On a $400,000 home with a 2.5% combined tax rate, a 10% reduction saves $1,000 per year.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the process, see: How to File a Texas Property Tax Protest (2026 Guide).
Benefit #2: Lower Future Tax Bills Through the 10% Cap
Under Texas law, the appraised value of a homestead property can increase by no more than 10% per year, regardless of how much the actual market value rises. This is called the homestead appraisal cap.
That cap is calculated from the prior year's appraised value. So when a protest lowers your value today, it also lowers the starting point for next year's cap calculation — and every year after that.
Example: If your home is appraised at $300,000 and you successfully protest it down to $270,000, next year's maximum appraised value is $297,000 (110% of $270,000) instead of $330,000. That $33,000 difference grows every year the cap remains in effect.
For more on how the cap works, see: Understanding Capped Appraisal Value for Texas Taxes.
Benefit #3: Lock in a Lower Senior Tax Freeze
Once you turn 65, your school district taxes are frozen at the dollar amount you owe that year. The freeze can go down but never up. If you're approaching 65, lowering your appraised value through protests now means your freeze locks in at a lower amount — saving you money for as long as you own the home.
For more on the senior freeze and other exemptions, see: Texas Property Tax Exemptions for Seniors 65+.
Benefit #4: Improved Resale Appeal
It may seem counterintuitive — arguing your home is worth less while also wanting it to sell for more — but a lower tax bill makes your property more attractive to buyers. Property taxes are a recurring cost that directly affects monthly housing expenses, especially for buyers using a mortgage with escrow. A home with a lower tax bill is more affordable to own, which can make it more competitive in the market.
For more on this, see: How Property Tax Protests Affect Your Home's Resale Value.
Top Reasons to Protest Your Property Taxes
Not sure whether a protest is worth your time? Here are the most common reasons Texas homeowners file — and win:
Your Appraised Value Jumped Significantly
If your Notice of Appraised Value shows a large increase from last year, the appraisal district may have overcorrected or used comps that don't reflect your home's actual condition and location. A big year-over-year jump is often the easiest case to argue.
Comparable Homes Sold for Less
If similar homes in your neighborhood recently sold for less than your appraised value, you have direct market evidence that the appraisal district's number is too high. This is the most common and effective argument at both informal hearings and the ARB.
Your Home Has Condition Issues
Foundation problems, an aging roof, outdated systems, flood history, or needed repairs all reduce what a buyer would pay for your home. The appraisal district's mass appraisal can't see inside your house — if your home has issues that affect value, you need to bring them to the table.
You're Assessed Higher Than Similar Neighbors
Texas law gives you the right to protest on unequal appraisal grounds. If comparable properties in your area are assessed at a lower value per square foot, you can argue that your assessment should be brought in line — even if your market value is technically accurate.
You Recently Purchased Below Appraised Value
If you bought your home for less than the appraisal district's value, your purchase price is strong evidence of market value. A recent arm's-length transaction is one of the best data points you can present.
You've Never Protested Before
If you've owned your home for years and never filed, your appraised value may have drifted above market value without any check. Filing your first protest can establish a more accurate baseline that benefits you going forward.
Can You Actually Win a Protest?
Yes. According to the Texas Comptroller, nearly three-quarters of property owners who protested in 2020 secured a lower assessed value. In prior years (2016–2019), over 81% of respondents succeeded.
Appraisal districts use mass appraisal techniques that can't account for your home's individual condition, needed repairs, or specific location factors. That's why overvaluations are common — and why protests succeed at such high rates.
For tips on building a strong case, see: Successful Texas Property Tax Protest Strategies.
Let Ballard Property Tax Protest Handle It
Texas law allows property owners to be represented by a professional throughout the entire protest process. The team at Ballard Property Tax Protest handles everything — from filing your paperwork to arguing before the ARB on your behalf.
Our services are 100% risk-free. We only get paid if we successfully lower your property taxes. Sign up today — there's nothing to lose but an inflated tax bill.