Texas Property Tax Protest Guide (2026): Deadlines, Evidence, Online Filing & Hearings
Texas property owners have the legal right to protest their property tax appraisal every year and for many homeowners, doing so can result in meaningful tax savings.
This guide explains how the Texas property tax protest process works from start to finish, including:
- Protest deadlines
- How to file online
- What evidence actually works
- Informal reviews vs ARB hearings
- When hiring a property tax consultant makes sense
Whether you plan to file yourself or want professional representation, this page gives you the full picture.
Who Can Protest Property Taxes in Texas?
If you own property in Texas, residential, commercial, or land, you are eligible to protest the appraised value every year.
You can protest if:
- Your market value is too high
- Your property is appraised unequally compared to similar properties
- There are condition issues not reflected in the appraisal
You do not need a lawyer or consultant to file but preparation matters.
Texas Property Tax Protest Deadline
In most Texas counties, the protest deadline is:
May 15
OR
30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed
(whichever is later)
Missing this deadline may permanently waive your right to protest for the year.
Why filing early matters
- Preserves negotiation leverage
- Reduces portal and document errors
- Allows time to gather proper evidence
- Avoids last-minute hearing congestion
How to File a Property Tax Protest in Texas
Texas appraisal districts allow several filing methods, but online filing is preferred in most counties.
Option 1: File Online (Most Common)
- Use the online portal listed on your Notice of Appraised Value
- Enter your property ID and passcode
- Select protest reason(s)
- Submit before the deadline
Option 2: File by Mail
- Complete the official protest form
- Mail it to your county appraisal district
- Must be postmarked by the deadline
Option 3: File In Person
- Available in some counties
- Risky near deadline periods
Filing preserves your right to protest: evidence determines whether you win.
What Happens After You File a Texas Property Tax Protest?
Once filed, the process generally follows this sequence:
- Confirmation of protest
- Evidence exchange
- Informal review (optional)
- ARB hearing (if unresolved)
- Final determination
Many cases resolve during the informal review stage when strong evidence is presented.
Informal Review vs ARB Hearing in Texas
Informal Review
- Negotiation with appraisal staff
- Less formal
- Often results in reductions with proper data
ARB Hearing
- Formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board
- Evidence must be submitted correctly
- Appraisal district defends its valuation
You may represent yourself or appoint a representative.
Evidence That Wins Texas Property Tax Protests
Successful protests rely on data, not opinion.
The most effective evidence includes:
Comparable Sales
- Recent sales near your property
- Similar square footage, age, and condition
- Adjusted for differences
Unequal Appraisal
- Proof your property is assessed higher than similar homes
- One of the strongest legal arguments in Texas
Property Condition Issues
- Structural problems
- Deferred maintenance
- Photos and estimates strengthen claims
Most unsuccessful DIY protests fail due to weak or missing evidence.
Common Texas Property Tax Protest Mistakes
- Missing the filing deadline
- Submitting no evidence
- Using irrelevant or outdated comps
- Accepting the first offer without review
- Assuming protests are “not worth it”
In reality, appraisal districts often rely on mass valuation models that overstate individual properties.
Can You Protest Property Taxes Every Year in Texas?
Yes. Texas law allows property owners to protest annually, even if:
- Your value didn’t increase
- You protested last year
- You previously received a reduction
Annual review is often the best long-term tax strategy.
When to Hire a Texas Property Tax Consultant
Hiring a consultant makes sense if:
- You lack access to strong comparable sales
- You want unequal appraisal analysis
- You don’t want to attend hearings
- You want to maximize reduction potential
What a consultant provides
- Evidence preparation
- Negotiation experience
- Hearing representation
- Time savings
- Risk-free fee structures
How Ballard Property Tax Protest Helps Texas Homeowners
Ballard Property Tax Protest represents homeowners across Texas counties.
Our approach:
- No upfront fees
- You only pay if we reduce your value
- County-specific strategies
- Annual review and representation
Get expert help with your Texas property tax protest. No reduction, no fee.
County-Specific Property Tax Protest Guides
Ballard Property Tax Protest currently represents homeowners across the following Texas counties. Each county has its own appraisal district, filing portal, and procedures, which is why county-specific guidance matters.
North Texas
Central Texas
South & Southeast Texas
- Harris County
- Fort Bend County
- Galveston County
- Bexar County
- Brazoria County
- Ellis County
Each county guide covers local deadlines, online filing instructions, evidence standards, and what to expect during informal reviews and ARB hearings.
Texas Property Tax Protest FAQ
Can protesting increase my property taxes?
No. Your value cannot be increased solely because you filed a protest.
Do I need to attend the hearing?
No. You may appoint a representative.
How long does the process take?
Most protests resolve within weeks to a few months.
Is filing online safe?
Yes. Online filing is secure and preferred.
Ready to Protest Your Texas Property Taxes?
Whether you want to file yourself or have professionals handle the process end-to-end, acting before the deadline is critical.
👉 Start your Texas property tax protest today.
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