Texas Property Tax Consultants, Inc. Helpful Information to Provide Us
1. Closing Statement if property was recently purchased;
2. Photos that show a condition that may reduce value (Examples of these conditions include: foundation, electrical, plumbing, roof, etc.);
3. Contractors estimates to correct inadequate condition;
4. Information about environmental factors that affect value (Examples include: high traffic area, noise problems, near commercial property, etc.);
5. Issues with land (Examples include: oddly shaped lot, drainage, swamp, grading, inability to build, flooding, zoning, etc.);
6. Current listing information if the property is for sale;
7. Out of date/needs remodeling. Especially for older properties this can be helpful if the sales in the area have been updated and remodeled;
8. Any building permits pulled in the last 5 years;
9. Unfinished construction (Examples include: partially complete rooms, intentionally unfinished spaces, incomplete remodeling etc.); or
10. Anything else that logically indicates a lower value or you would like us to include in our presentation to the Appraisal District.
Tips on Protesting
We hope that you will choose to retain our firm to represent you; however we have included some helpful tips to assist you if you decide to protest your property’s assessment yourself.
1. File the protest in a timely manner
This is critical. The exceptions to the May 15th rule are very limited. Contact your Central Appraisal District for more information.
2. Attend an informal hearing and bring evidence.
Most appraisal districts offer property owners the ability to meet with a staff appraiser informally to discuss your property. Quite a few cases can be settled with a simple conversation. However, bring evidence that logically shows why your home should be valued less. Items that are generally helpful include: recent comparable sales, evidence of inadequate condition, appraisal report, or recent closing statement. Be courteous to the staff appraiser and they will often times make you an offer on the spot. If you accept the offer, this means you do not have to come back for your hearing. The earlier you do this, the shorter the lines and wait will be.
3. Use good information in your evidence.
Contact a local real estate professional for comparable sales and take pictures of your property. Generally online sites that tell what your home is worth are not very compelling, unless supported by more information. When assembling evidence use anything that makes your property appear to be worth less. It is critical to be honest though; do not mislead the staff appraiser or formal hearing panel about your property.
Information on the Texas Property Tax System and Your Rights
Texas State Comptroller’s Office: http://comptroller.texas.gov/taxinfo/proptax/
General Information Links / Search for Your Property
Central Appraisal Districts:
Dallas: http://www.dallascad.org/
Tarrant: http://www.tad.org/
Collin: http://www.collincad.org/
Denton: https://www.dentoncad.com/
Rockwall: http://www.rockwallcad.com/
Ellis: http://www.elliscad.com/