Property Tax Protest FAQ

How much can I realistically save?

It varies by county and neighborhood. In DFW, a $20,000–$50,000 reduction in appraised value is common for a well-supported protest. With an effective tax rate of ~2.0–2.5%, that's $400–$1,250/year in savings. TaxProtest.net estimates your potential reduction before you pay.

What is the difference between §41.41 and §41.43?

§41.41 is the market value argument — you claim your home is worth less than its appraised value, typically using recent sales as evidence. §41.43 is the unequal appraisal argument — you claim your home is appraised at a higher $/sqft than similar properties in your neighborhood, using appraisal data (not sale prices). Because Texas is a non-disclosure state, §41.43 is easier to prove and is the primary argument TaxProtest.net builds.

Do I have to attend in person?

For informal hearings: No. All four major DFW counties allow phone hearings for informal proceedings. For formal ARB hearings: typically yes, though some counties offer Zoom options. Most protests are resolved at the informal stage without any in-person appearance.

What is a neighborhood code / nbhd code?

Appraisal districts group properties into 'neighborhood codes' (sometimes called appraisal zones or market areas) for mass appraisal purposes. Comps from the same neighborhood code carry the most weight because the CAD calibrates values within these zones. TaxProtest.net prioritizes same-neighborhood-code comps.

Can I protest a property I rent out or don't live in?

Yes. Any property owner can protest, regardless of whether it's a primary residence. However, the homestead exemption (which caps annual value increases at 10%) only applies to primary residences. Investment and rental properties can have larger year-over-year increases and are often worth protesting.

What if the appraiser makes an offer below my target — should I accept?

It depends. If the offer is within 5–10% of your target value, accepting informally saves you weeks of waiting for an ARB hearing date. If the offer is significantly above your target and you have strong evidence, declining and requesting a formal hearing is reasonable. Once you sign an informal settlement, it's final for the year.

What happens if I reject the informal offer and go to ARB?

Your case is assigned to a 3-member ARB panel. You present the same evidence at a formal hearing, typically 30–45 minutes. The panel deliberates and issues a written determination within a few weeks. ARB panels are more formal but still manageable for self-represented homeowners with a good evidence packet.

Will my tax rate change if my appraised value goes down?

Not directly. Tax rates are set by your local taxing entities (school district, city, county) separately from the appraisal process. Reducing your appraised value reduces your tax bill proportionally — but the rate itself is not affected by your individual protest.

Can I protest if I just bought the house?

Yes, but with a caveat. If the county's appraised value is less than or equal to your purchase price, a §41.43 unequal appraisal argument is still available if comparable properties are appraised lower than yours. A recent sale at a higher price can actually strengthen the county's case for a high appraisal, but the unequal appraisal argument is independent of sale price.

How does TaxProtest.net work?

You enter your address. We look up your property in the county's public appraisal database, identify comparable properties in your neighborhood using the same data the county uses, calculate the median $/sqft of those comps, and build a professional PDF evidence packet formatted for your county's ARB requirements. You pay $59, download the PDF, and upload it yourself when you file your protest online.

Why $59 flat instead of a percentage?

Most 'protest services' take 30–50% of your first-year savings. On a $1,500/year savings, that's $450–$750 going to them every year. We charge a flat $59 once. You keep every dollar you save — this year and every year after.

What counties do you cover?

Currently: Collin County (CCAD), Dallas County (DCAD), and Tarrant County (TAD). Denton County is not yet available due to limited public data access — we're working on it.