This is the most impactful financial action you can take as a DFW homeowner. Protest your property taxes every single year.
The opportunity:
- DFW property values have appreciated rapidly. Appraisal districts follow that appreciation.
- YOU have the right to protest the appraised value. Source: Texas Tax Code Chapter 41.
- Average successful protest saves $300-600/year in DFW.
- You can protest EVERY YEAR. There is no limit.
DIY protest (free, 30 minutes):
- File protest online before May 15:
- Dallas County: dallascad.org
- Tarrant County: tad.org
- Collin County: collincad.org
- Denton County: dentoncad.com
- Gather comparable sales from Zillow/Realtor.com showing lower values.
- Document any property condition issues (foundation, roof, etc.).
- Attend the informal hearing (phone or in-person).
- Accept the reduction or proceed to ARB formal hearing.
Hiring a company (if you don't want to DIY):
- Ownwell — handles everything, charges ~1/3 of savings. No savings = no fee. Source: ownwell.com
- Five Stone Tax Advisers — DFW-based. Similar model. Source: fivestonetax.com
- O'Connor & Associates — large property tax firm. Source: cutmytaxes.com
Success stats:
- Dallas County: approximately 70% of protests result in a reduction. Source: DCAD annual report.
- Average reduction: $20,000-30,000 in appraised value.
- On a $400K home, a $25K reduction saves ~$525/year.
Compound savings:
- If you save $500/year for 10 years on a home you own: $5,000 saved.
- If you invest that $500/year at 8% return: $7,800 after 10 years.
Sources:
- Texas Tax Code Chapter 41
- County appraisal district websites
- DCAD and TAD annual reports
Protest. Every. Year. Set a calendar reminder for May 1.