Challenging Inaccurate Property Tax Assessments in Texas
In Texas, property taxes make up a very large portion of the budget of local governments. Accordingly, property taxes represent a significant cost for most businesses. Oftentimes, business owners just accept the local government's assessment of these taxes, when there are potentially significant savings that might be had by challenging the government's position.
The Wilson Firm represents commercial property owners in real estate valuation litigation. When handling property tax matters, our firm's goal is to make sure that our clients obtain a fair and equitable allocation and assessment of their property tax burden.
In addition to ensuring that the client receives an accurate and equitable valuation of their property, our firm works with and provides sound, strategic advice to tax consultants in order to assist them with the complexities of the Texas Property Tax Code.
How to Protest Your Texas Property Tax Appraisal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Texas property owners have the right to challenge appraisals if they believe the assessed value is too high, unequal to similar properties, or contains errors in the property description. The process begins with filing a protest with your local Central Appraisal District (CAD), followed by a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) if unresolved. For 2025, the standard protest deadline is May 15, or 30 days from the date of your Notice of Appraised Value if received after April 15. No prepayment of taxes is required to protest, and successful challenges can yield refunds for overpaid amounts from prior years.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Protest
- Review Your Notice: Examine the CAD's Notice of Appraised Value (mailed by May 1) for accuracy in square footage, condition, or market data. Common errors include outdated comparables or ignoring market downturns.
- Gather Evidence: Build a strong case with independent appraisals, recent comparable sales (comps) from similar properties, photos of defects, repair estimates, or income/expense statements for income-producing properties. Tools like the Texas Comptroller's Property Tax Assistance Division resources can help identify unequal appraisals.
- File the Protest: Submit Form 50-132 online, by mail, or in person to your CAD—include a sworn statement of grounds. Some districts offer informal settlements before ARB hearings.
- ARB Hearing: If no informal resolution, attend the hearing (typically July-August) to present evidence; the ARB decides within weeks. You can request a postponement for good cause.
- Appeal Further: If dissatisfied, appeal to the state district court in the county where the property is located (within 60 days of ARB decision) or bind arbitration for properties under $5 million.
In 2025, counties like Bexar have expanded streamlined protest processes to include business properties, reducing paperwork and allowing virtual hearings to ease the burden on commercial owners. Avoid pitfalls like missing deadlines or submitting weak evidence—our attorneys ensure compliance and maximize reductions, often achieving 20-50% value decreases.
Strategic Property Tax Planning and Exemption Guidance
Our attorneys also provide assistance to clients with property tax planning related to any future or anticipated development. This includes negotiating and reviewing property tax abatement agreements with governmental taxing authorities, reviewing any developmental restrictions designed to minimize the impact of property taxes, and advising clients on maintaining property tax exemptions.
Industries and Property Types We Represent
The firm handles property tax matters related to:
- Industrial manufacturers
- All classes of office buildings
- Hotels and apartment developments
- Shopping centers and retail spaces
- Undeveloped land
We also represent clients in disputes involving personal property used in daily operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard deadline is May 15, 2025, but if your Notice of Appraised Value arrives after April 15, you have 30 days from the notice date to file.
No, Texas law allows protests without prepayment, and if successful, you'll receive a refund for any overpayment.
Strong evidence includes independent appraisals, comparable sales data, photos of property defects, and income/expense analyses—especially for commercial properties.
Yes, within 60 days, you can file in state district court or opt for binding arbitration if your property's value is under $5 million.
Yes, districts like Bexar County have extended streamlined procedures to commercial properties, including simplified filings and virtual options to reduce administrative burdens.
Why Choose The Wilson Firm?
At The Wilson Firm, we provide personalized, strategic representation tailored to each client’s needs. Whether you’re facing a tax dispute, or seeking proactive tax planning, transactional guidance, or estate planning, our attorneys work closely with you to understand the facts, assess the risks, and pursue the most favorable resolution possible.
We manage the legal complexities so you can focus on moving forward. From communications with tax authorities and building strong legal strategies, to structuring business transactions and planning for your family’s future, we are committed to protecting your rights, your interests, and your peace of mind at every stage.
Our experience spans both defensive and proactive planning ensuring that you are prepared and positioned for long-term success.
Contact us today to learn how our experience, discretion, and dedication can help you navigate even the most challenging legal matters with clarity and confidence.
