Think Your Property Taxes Are Too High? Here’s What You Need to Know About Protesting in 2025

So, you just opened your property tax notice and nearly spit out your coffee. Trust me — you’re not the only one. Every spring, homeowners across Texas get those little envelopes that somehow manage to be both confusing and expensive.

If your home’s value suddenly skyrocketed on paper and you’re thinking, “No way my house is worth that,” it might be time to file a protest. Here’s a quick breakdown of when, why, and how to challenge your property tax appraisal this year.

Why You Should Consider Protesting:

The county bases your taxes on what they think your home is worth — not what it would actually sell for. And they don’t always get it right.

You might want to protest if:

• Your value jumped way more than your neighbors’
• Your house has issues that weren’t considered (foundation cracks or that 1990s kitchen, these could actually help you for once!)
• You just bought your home and paid less than the county’s value
• They listed things you don’t actually have (like an extra bedroom or pool — wouldn’t that be nice?)

This isn’t about being difficult — it’s about making sure you’re paying your fair share, not more.

When to Protest:

• In most areas of Texas, you have until May 15th, 2025 — or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever comes later. Either way, don’t wait too long. These deadlines sneak up fast.

How to File a Protest:

1. Look Over Your Notice
   1. Check the assessed value and ask yourself: would my house really sell for that today?
2. Do Some Research
   1. Look at what similar homes in your area have sold for recently. If you want help with this — message me. I’ll send over some comparable sales (“comps”) to back you up.
3. File the Protest
   1. You can usually do this online through your county appraisal district’s website. It’s not hard, and they’ll guide you through it.
   2. For Tarrant county login to Tarrant County Appraisal District to file.
4. Get Ready to Chat
   1. You might get a chance to settle it through an informal meeting first. If not, you’ll go to a formal hearing. Don’t panic — just bring your evidence, stay calm, and speak your truth.

Final Thoughts:

Protesting your taxes might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need a lawyer, and you don’t need to be a real estate expert — though it definitely helps to have one in your corner.

I’m always happy to help you run comps or answer questions. Even if you don’t protest this year, knowing your options puts the power back in your hands.

You worked hard for your home — you shouldn’t overpay for it.