Did you know that reducing property taxes is a lot easier than you think?
There are only 4 simple steps standing between you and lowering your property taxes to 50 to 80% of market value. It’s a shame that only 7% of property owners appeal their unfair values annually because that means that over 90% of property owners are overpaying the government! Wouldn’t you agree that you can spend your money better than the government can?
Here are 4 simple actions to take to help your appeal be as successful as possible.
Step One: Appeal your property taxes EVERY YEAR. This is important because the process can be arbitrary. If you fight to lower your taxes every year you have a greater chance of significantly reducing your taxes.
Step Two: Appeal to the highest level that is financially feasible. O’Connor & Associates files about two-thirds of the binding arbitration cases in the state of Texas and we also coordinate a large number of judicial appeals. By being as aggressive as possible and appealing to the highest level practical we’re able to lower tens of thousands of clients property taxes.
Step Three: Check the appraisal district‘s description of your property, and make sure it’s accurate, or at least that it doesn’t overstate the size or quality of your property. If it understates it, leave it alone.
Step Four: Be aware that if you file a building permit it is most likely going to affect your property tax valuation. If a permit is filed as part of doing construction, it will probably affect your property taxes.
Bonus tip: Provide pictures, bids, and a property survey annually, to the extent practical. These are a great help in helping you, or us if you are a property tax client, to reduce your property taxes. Information provided even one or two, or 10 years ago, just really isn’t considered. It probably should be, but the reality is that’s how it works. If there’s deferred maintenance, pictures, and bids, and the property survey, annually can play an important role in reducing your property taxes.
You can easily save yourself hundreds or thousands by taking an hour of your day to appeal your property value. Be sure to file by the new May 15th deadline in order to do so. You can easily see if your property is being fairly assessed at the Fairness Checker, it’s free and easy to use.
ENROLL TODAY In the Property Tax Protection Program™
Your property taxes will be aggressively protested every year by the #1 property tax firm in the country. If your taxes are not reduced you PAY NOTHING, and a portion of the tax savings is the only fee you pay when your taxes are reduced! Many FREE benefits come with enrollment.
Dear Sir,
My property tax is over the top. This year we will have to pay $4,100 on a 2, 047 square foot home , built in 1977. Our taxes rise $300 every year. It’s becoming a burden and prevents us from updating and doing repairs! Please offer some help. Thank you. Stan Lee
Hi Stan! We would love to be able to help! Give our customer service team a call at 713-290-9700 and they will be able to get you all set up!
I missed my deadline and have been working to get house cleared for construction. Is there still time to protest my taxes.
Hi Charles! If the deadline on your printed notice as already passed, than yes you most likely will not be able to protest this year. Some counties will allow you to protest late for a fee, or under certain circumstances, so you might want to call them directly and see what your options are now that your deadline has passed.
My house was built in 1970 or 71, my daughter in law lives in it, I believe it is 1400 sq ft, it does not have a garage. My taxes have gone so high, they have raised the value of it, there is no way that I could get that price for my house!
Are you protesting Judy!?
It’s amazing how prominent people in the community have a different rate applied to them.. I’ve used this with success .. school board members… city councilmen..etc.. just a tip I’ve picked up in the last 16 years of protesting..
If they live in your or area its worth comparing.. I use them as a comp against my property
Thats a great idea David!
Ive used Oconnor for years and they do a great job… doing nothing will not save you a dime
Thanks Jim for sharing your experience with us! We appreciate you!
Republicans hate to raise taxes, it is bad for their brand, they raise your property values instead.
I left a voicemail askng for information about your fees. After reading the terms and agreement, please disregard my request as I think the fees are too high. Though I think the service is great. However, for 50%, I will do the work myself even though I do not want to. But I appreciate your help in offering to help for the fee. Nevertheless, again, I believe the fee is way too much. So there is no need to call or send me information.
Thank you,
John Mannino
Hi John! Please call our customer service team to make sure that everything was canceled out. Our office hours are from 8-5 M-F and the phone number is 713-290-9700. We appreciate the input on our fee structure, but keep in mind that we only invoice if we are able to get a reduction. Thank you.
I have a slew of people that are interested in lowering their property taxes. I was looking on the career tab but didn’t see a opening for what I’m proposing. I currently knock doors for a living selling Prodigy Smart Home systems in many of your markets. I’m reaching out to see if we could work something out in regards to getting more business for you. This would be done by getting teams together in different markets to increase customer awareness in your company. Please email me if this an idea you’d be interested in. Thanks for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
All I did is built a tool shed and as a result my undeveloped, unmaintained 1.6 acre with a utility easement, appraised valuation has shot up 30% from last year! The tool shed was built over 3 years ago. A 70 mile wind velocity storm blew off half of the metal roofing. It is strewn about the weeds and tall grass. As a retiree, whenever I am able to escape from my city home, I go there to reflect. I am scheduled to protest to the county ARB soon. Qt: Do I also owe the taxes on the swat of land dedicated to the utility outfit? There is an ingress/egress shared easement on the opposite side of the land. My vacant property is surrounded by rural residences. Their properties are nowhere similar to mine? I expect a canned adverse decision. Even though my finances are limited, I may have to appeal.