Now that tax season is upon us, how are you going to handle your property taxes? Have your property taxes increased from last year? Are you wondering if you should protest or pay up? Whether you choose to protest your taxes yourself or hire someone, we recommend you do it every year. May 31st is the deadline to protest this year.
When hiring someone to protest for you, find a law firm that will only charge you if they lower your taxes. We’ve had good experiences with O’Connor & Associates in the past. But, there are several quality law firms in Houston who specialize in property taxes. If you would like an introduction to O’Connor & Associates please let us know.
Protest Process
If you think the market value of your property is incorrect, the appraisal district encourages you to file a protest.
There are two programs – iFile and iSettle – that we have in place to help streamline any appeal you choose to make. You can use both of these programs from the comfort of your home or your office.
Using iFile and iSettle can eliminate the need for you to come to the district office at 13013 Northwest Freeway. This will be especially useful this year while construction on 290 has increased traffic congestion on the highway and service roads around HCAD’s building.
Receipt of your protest will be immediately verified by email. Your data, along with other market information, will be reviewed by an appraiser, and you will be notified by email of a decision on your iSettle protest.
As soon as HCAD notifies you of our decision, you will have immediate online access to all of the information, including the comparable sales, used in considering your appeal. You can use that information to decide whether to accept or reject HCAD’s decision. If you are not satisfied, you’ll be scheduled to make your case at a formal Appraisal Review Board hearing.
If you are looking to purchase a home and want to know what the property taxes look like in the neighborhoods you are interested in, check out this property tax tool here.