Tax Protest

In Texas, the property tax system runs on an annual cycle in four stages; appraising the taxable property, reviewing and equalizing the appraised values, adopting the tax rates, and collecting the taxes.

Property appraisal begins on January 1. Factors such as who owns a property on January 1, what the property is used for, and market conditions existing at that time determine what its value is and who is responsible for paying the taxes.

An appraisal district in each county is responsible for making those determinations. Between January 1 and April 30, the appraisal district also processes applications for tax exemptions, productivity valuation, and other forms of tax relief.

The second stage begins May 31 when an appraisal review board begins preparing to hear protests from property owners who have filed a tax protest and believe their taxable values are incorrect. If the homeowner filed a tax protest within the time frame given to the homeowner, the homeowner will have the opportunity to appear at the appraisal district to present their facts. You will know when leaving your hearing what the outcome is, and whether your taxable value has been amended.

In the third stage, around August or September, the elected officials of the taxing units adopt tax rates that will generate enough revenue for operations in the coming year.

The final stage, tax collection, usually starts October 1 as tax bills are mailed to property owners.

Taxpayers have until January 31 of the following year to pay their taxes. On February 1, unpaid taxes become delinquent and penalty and interest charges are added to the tax bill.

Please contact us if you have any questions or if we can be of service to you!