Property Tax Protest Success Rates in Texas

Texas property tax protests succeed 60-80% of the time, with informal hearings showing even higher success rates of 70-90%. Here are the key statistics:

Overall success rate: 60-80% of protests result in a reduction
Informal hearing success: 70-90% (where most protests settle)
ARB hearing success: 55-70% (for cases that go to formal hearing)
Average savings: $600-$2,250 per year depending on home value
Protest rate: Only 17-24% of Texas homeowners protest annually

If you've been wondering whether protesting your property taxes is worth the effort, the statistics strongly suggest yes.

Texas Property Tax Protest Success Rates by County

Success rates vary by county and whether the protest is resolved at the informal stage or proceeds to an ARB hearing.

Dallas County — 84% informal, 67% ARB
Harris County — 75-85% informal, 60-70% ARB
Bexar County — ~90% informal (most settle here), 65-75% ARB
Tarrant County — 70-80% informal, 60-70% ARB
Travis County — 70-80% informal, 55-65% ARB
Collin County — 75-85% informal, 60-70% ARB

Note: Success rates fluctuate annually based on market conditions and appraisal accuracy. Data compiled from county reports and Texas Comptroller surveys.

What Do These Success Rates Mean?

Informal Hearings: Higher Success Rates

Most protests are resolved at the informal hearing stage, where you (or your representative) meet with an appraisal district staff member to negotiate. Success rates at this stage typically range from 70-90% because:

Appraisers have authority to make value adjustments
Settlement is faster and cheaper for the district
Strong evidence often leads to agreement

ARB Hearings: Still Favorable Odds

If the informal hearing doesn't resolve your protest, you proceed to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Success rates at ARB hearings are lower (typically 55-70%) because:

Only contested cases reach ARB (easier cases already settled)
ARB panels follow stricter evidentiary standards
The appraisal district defends their position more vigorously

Even at ARB, your odds of success are better than a coin flip.

How Much Do Successful Protests Save?

The dollar savings from a successful protest depend on your property value and local tax rates.

Average Savings Examples

$300,000 home — $30,000 reduction (10%) saves $600-$900/year
$400,000 home — $40,000 reduction (10%) saves $800-$1,200/year
$500,000 home — $50,000 reduction (10%) saves $1,000-$1,500/year
$750,000 home — $75,000 reduction (10%) saves $1,500-$2,250/year

Based on average Texas tax rate of 2-3%. Your actual savings depend on local tax rates.

Aggregate Savings Data

The numbers add up across Texas:

Dallas County 2024: Informal protests saved property owners $349 million; ARB protests saved $579 million
Bexar County 2024: Approximately 497,000 homeowners didn't protest - collectively leaving an estimated $134 million in savings on the table (averaging $269 per household)

What Affects Property Tax Protest Success Rates?

Factors That Increase Success

Strong comparable sales evidence: Recent sales of similar homes below your assessed value
Unequal appraisal data: Proof that similar properties are assessed lower
Property condition issues: Documented problems that reduce value
Professional representation: Experience navigating the system
Thorough preparation: Organized evidence and clear arguments

Factors That Decrease Success

Rising market conditions: When all values are increasing, reductions are harder
Recent purchase at or above assessed value: Your purchase price validates the assessment
Lack of evidence: Opinions without supporting data
Unique properties: Fewer comparables available
Significant improvements: New additions justify higher values

Why Don't More People Protest?

Despite favorable success rates, only 17-24% of Texas properties are protested each year. Common reasons include:

Don't know they can: Many homeowners are unaware of their right to protest
Think it's too complicated: The process seems overwhelming
Assume they won't win: Believe the appraisal district always wins
Can't take time off work: Hearings are typically during business hours
Don't know what evidence to use: Unsure how to build a case

The data shows these concerns are largely unfounded. Most protests succeed, and professional representation removes most barriers.

How to Improve Your Chances of Success

1. Gather Strong Evidence

Focus on:

Comparable sales: 3-5 recent sales of similar homes at lower prices
Unequal appraisal: Assessed values of similar properties
Property issues: Photos and repair estimates for condition problems

2. File on Time

The protest deadline is May 15 (or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later). Missing the deadline waives your right to protest for the year.

3. Attend the Informal Hearing

This is where most reductions happen. Be prepared, be professional, and be willing to negotiate.

4. Consider Professional Help

Property tax consultants like Ballard Property Tax Protest:

Know what evidence works in each county
Have access to comprehensive sales data
Handle all hearings on your behalf
Only charge if they reduce your value

Historical Success Rate Trends

Property tax protest success rates have remained consistently high over time:

2024 — 60-80% success rate
2023 — 65-80% success rate
2022 — 70-85% success rate
2021 — 65-80% success rate
2020 — 70-75% success rate (pandemic year)

Even in challenging years, the majority of protests result in at least some reduction.

The Cost of Not Protesting

Every year you don't protest, you may be overpaying property taxes. Consider:

Cumulative losses: $500/year in potential savings = $5,000 over 10 years
Homestead cap impact: Missed reductions raise your baseline for future years
Pre-65 tax freeze: If approaching 65, every reduction now locks in permanent savings

The question isn't whether protesting works - the data shows it does. The question is whether you'll take advantage of your right to protest.

Protest Your Property Taxes Today

With success rates ranging from 60-90% depending on stage and county, the odds are in your favor. At Ballard Property Tax Protest:

We handle everything: Filing, evidence, hearings
You don't pay unless we win: No reduction, no fee
We know local success factors: County-specific strategies

Start your Texas property tax protest and join the majority who successfully reduce their property taxes.

Property Tax Protest Success Rates in Texas (2026 Data)