Property tax protest guide for DFW: Save $500+ per year

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):

1. File protest online before May 15:
   • Dallas County: dallascad.org
   • Tarrant County: tad.org
   • Collin County: collincad.org
   • Denton County: dentoncad.com
2. Gather comparable sales from Zillow/Realtor.com showing lower values.
3. Document any property condition issues (foundation, roof, etc.).
4. Attend the informal hearing (phone or in-person).
5. 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.