Can You Protest Property Taxes Every Year in Texas?
Yes, Texas property owners can protest their property taxes every year. There is no limit to how many times you can file a protest, and protesting annually is recommended because property values change yearly, and consistent protests protect your savings over time.
Texas law gives every property owner the right to challenge their assessed value each tax year. This isn't a one-time opportunity - it's an annual right you should exercise.
Why You Should Protest Every Year
Property Values Change Annually
Texas appraisal districts reassess every property each January 1st. Even if you won a reduction last year, your value may increase this year based on:
- Rising real estate market conditions
- Neighborhood sales activity
- County-wide valuation adjustments
- Changes to your property
Protesting annually ensures your assessed value stays accurate and fair.
The 10% Homestead Cap Benefit
Texas law limits how much your homestead's assessed value can increase: no more than 10% per year (plus the value of any improvements).
Here's why this matters for annual protests:
- If you lower your value this year, that lower amount becomes your new baseline
- Future increases are capped at 10% of that lower baseline
- Each successful protest compounds savings for years to come
Example: If your home is assessed at $400,000 and you reduce it to $360,000, next year's maximum assessment is $396,000 (10% of $360,000) instead of $440,000.
Lock in Savings Before Age 65
Once you turn 65, your school district taxes are frozen at that year's level. If you're approaching 65:
- Protest aggressively to minimize your assessed value now
- Your frozen school tax amount will be based on that lower value
- The savings continue every year you own the home
This makes annual protests especially valuable for homeowners in their late 50s and early 60s.
Most Protests Succeed
According to Texas Comptroller data, over 80% of property tax protests result in a reduction. The odds are in your favor.
Even in challenging years, most homeowners who protest see some reduction. The appraisal districts use mass valuation models that frequently overstate individual property values - your protest corrects these errors.
There's No Downside to Protesting
Filing a property tax protest carries virtually no risk:
- Your value cannot increase because you protested
- There are no fees to file a protest
- You can withdraw at any time if you change your mind
- Even an unsuccessful protest has no negative consequences
The worst outcome is your value stays the same. The best outcome is significant tax savings.
What If My Value Didn't Increase This Year?
You can still protest. Common reasons to protest even without an increase:
- Unequal appraisal: Similar homes are assessed lower than yours
- Property condition: Your home has issues not reflected in the value
- Market data: Recent sales suggest your value is too high
- Previous under-protest: You may have room for additional reductions
The appraisal district's job is to assess all properties fairly. If yours is assessed higher than comparable properties, you have grounds to protest regardless of whether your value increased.
How to Protest Annually Without the Hassle
Many homeowners skip annual protests because the process takes time:
- Researching comparable sales
- Gathering evidence
- Attending hearings during work hours
- Understanding appraisal district procedures
This is where professional representation helps. At Ballard Property Tax Protest:
- We monitor your property annually and file protests on your behalf
- We gather evidence from MLS data and county records
- We attend all hearings so you don't have to
- You only pay if we reduce your value - no reduction, no fee
Sign up once and we handle your protest every year automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how many years I can protest?
No. You can protest every single year you own property in Texas. There is no lifetime limit or waiting period between protests.
Will protesting every year flag my property?
No. Appraisal districts process hundreds of thousands of protests annually. Protesting does not mark your property for special attention or future increases.
What if I protested last year and lost?
You can still protest this year. Each tax year is independent. New sales data, market conditions, or evidence may support a reduction this year even if last year's protest was unsuccessful.
Can I protest if I just bought my home?
Yes. Your purchase price may be below the assessed value, giving you strong evidence for a reduction. You can protest immediately after closing.
Do I need to protest in person?
No. You can file online, authorize a representative to attend hearings on your behalf, or participate in telephone/video hearings in many counties.
Start Your Annual Protest Today
Don't leave money on the table. Texas homeowners who protest consistently pay less in property taxes over time than those who don't.
Sign up for your Texas property tax protest - no reduction, no fee.