Deadline Approaches for Property Tax Protests in North Texas

Homeowners in North Texas have roughly a week to challenge their property tax assessments, with the deadline for Fort Worth set for May 15.

In recent years, a surge in home values has left many property owners feeling frustrated. However, this year’s response appears to have cooled off, possibly due to minor decreases in certain areas.

Tax consultant Chandler Crouch noted that despite the shifts in values, his firm is still preparing to submit tens of thousands of protests.

“This year, we’re looking at just over 40,000 people who will be protesting,” he mentioned.

Crouch, who manages numerous property tax protests each year in Tarrant County, indicated that the usual outcry against soaring prices hasn’t been as prevalent as before.

He attributed part of this decline to small drops in real estate prices in areas like Collin County.

“Yes, property values are down a bit in Collin County. So we aren’t seeing the panic we experienced in past years when notices showed property values skyrocketing,” Crouch explained.

Nonetheless, he emphasized that homeowners shouldn’t just assume their appraisals are accurate or that they reflect the lowest possible values. He advises filing a protest, regardless of whether the property’s value has increased, decreased, or remained stable.

According to him, it all begins with a straightforward initial step.

“Most people go online to fill out a simple form on the appraisal district’s site, or they can take a Notice of Value, flip it over, fill it out, and send it in,” Crouch said.

After the protest is filed, homeowners should gather evidence to back their claims for a lower appraisal.

“Once that’s done, we need to start researching and collecting evidence to negotiate a reduction. That’s step two,” he added.

This evidence can include recent home sales in the neighborhood or photos showing any structural problems that might affect the property’s value.

“It’s your right to protest, and I think everyone should take that step to ensure they’re not overpaying,” Crouch advised.

Last year, around 60% of property owners in Dallas protested their appraisals. Some issues can be resolved online, while others may require appearing in person.