Most Texans can expect a rude awakening in early April: their property’s tax appraisal. If you live in the greater Austin area, it’s safe to say your new appraised value will be even more devastating than most. There’s definitely a price to pay for having a zip code in America’s Most Livable City.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to take your property’s appraised value lying down. You can protest the appraisal in two ways: hire a firm to file it for you (typically, they only get paid if they succeed in lowing the value and saving you $). Or you can protest the increase on your own.
I recommend hiring a firm. Historically, you have a better chance of winning your appeal by obtaining professionals who know the ins and outs of property tax appeals. It’s less stressful; also, most companies won’t charge you if they can’t get your appraisal lowered.
If you want to protest your property appraisal on your own, the Austin-American Statesman offers a wonderful, interactive article that takes you through the process step-by-step.
Just remember: the deadline for filing your Notice of Protest for Austin and its surrounding counties is May 15.
Contact me to learn more.