February 20, 2025

Your property’s assessed value determines how much tax you owe, but what if that number is way off?

Notice of Assessed Values are being sent out now, so we figured it is a great time to update and re-run our March 2024 article on protesting your property taxes.

If your home or business property was assessed at a higher value than expected, you might be facing an unnecessarily large tax bill. The good news? You have the right to challenge it. Whether you are a homeowner or a dental practice owner, understanding how property tax assessments work and knowing how to fight an unfair valuation can help you keep more money in your pocket.

Even if your assessment seems fair, it’s always worth protesting. Many property owners successfully negotiate a lower value, which means real savings over time. Mistakes, outdated evaluations, and overlooked market trends can lead to overpaying. Protesting your tax assessment gives you a chance to correct this and potentially lower your tax bill.

Work with a Professional

Handling a property tax protest on your own can be a headache, especially if you own commercial property. Residential properties are easier to assess, but commercial buildings (like dental offices) come with more complicated valuations.

This is where hiring a property tax expert can help. These professionals know the ins and outs of the system, including how to argue for lower assessments based on market trends, property conditions, and industry-specific modifications. Plus, many work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they save you money.

Companies like Texas ProTax, O’Connor & Associates Texas Tax Protest have solid track records in helping property owners lower their tax bills. Instead of spending hours trying to figure out tax codes, it’s often worth working with a professional. They’ll know how to make the best case for a lower assessment, which can mean serious savings.

The Homestead Exemption: Your Built-In Protection

If you own a home, a homestead exemption is one of the best ways to keep your property taxes in check. It caps how much your assessed value can go up each year and lowers your taxable amount. But even if you have this exemption, it’s still smart to protest your assessment annually to make sure your tax base doesn’t keep creeping up.

If you own the building where you run your dental practice, your tax situation gets even trickier. Commercial properties are taxed differently than homes, and they often have higher assessments.

How to Protest Your Assessment

1. Review Your Assessment Every Year: Compare your property’s assessed value to market trends and similar properties.

2. Consult a Professional Early: Reach out to a tax protest expert before the protest deadline.

3. Gather Your Paperwork: Keep records of your purchase price, past appraisals, and comparable properties to support your case.

4. File Before the Deadline: Many areas, including Texas, have a May 15th deadline for property tax protests. Don’t wait until the last minute!

The best way to keep your property taxes in check is to be proactive. As soon as you get your appraisal notice, review it, and decide if a protest makes sense. Whether you own a home or a dental practice, challenging your assessment with the help of a pro can mean significant savings.

Not sure where to start? Contact us today!