Texas has no state income tax. But property taxes are some of the highest in the country. The average DFW homeowner pays $6,000-$12,000 per year. Most don't know they can protest every single year — and most who protest get a reduction.
The numbers:
- 60-70% of Texas homeowners who protest get a reduction. Source: Texas Comptroller
- Average reduction is 10-15% of assessed value
- On a $400K home, that's $800-$1,200 saved per year
Timeline for 2026:
- Appraisal notices mailed: April 1-15
- Deadline to file protest: May 15 (or 30 days after notice, whichever is later)
- Informal hearings: May-June
- Formal ARB hearings: June-August
How to protest (step by step):
- File online at your county appraisal district website (DCAD for Dallas, TAD for Tarrant, CCAD for Collin, DCAD for Denton)
- Check the box for "unequal appraisal" AND "market value is too high"
- Gather evidence: recent sales of comparable homes (same size, age, neighborhood), photos of any issues with your home
- Attend the informal hearing — most reductions happen here
- If not satisfied, escalate to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB)
Pro tips:
- Use the appraisal district's OWN data to find lower comps
- Your neighbor's lower appraisal is valid evidence
- Foundation issues, roof damage, and neighborhood factors all lower value
- Companies like Ownwell or Five Stone Tax Advisors will do it for you for 25-35% of savings (worth it if you hate paperwork)
Source: Texas Tax Code Chapter 41, county appraisal district procedures, Texas Comptroller data on protest success rates
First-time protester tip: the informal hearing is NOT adversarial. The appraiser wants to settle. Go in with your comps printed out and be reasonable. Most cases settle in 10 minutes.