Protest Your Property Taxes in 2026 (for 2025): A Homeowner’s Guide for North Texas!
If you’re a homeowner in Tarrant, Denton, or Dallas County, chances are your property tax notice made you do a double take. You’re not alone and here’s the good news: you don’t have to automatically accept the county’s value.
Protesting your property taxes is a normal, low-risk process that can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars over time. In many cases, it takes less than 30 minutes, and there’s no penalty for trying.
This guide breaks down why protesting matters, how the process works, and what actually helps you win, so you can move forward with confidence.
Why Protesting Your Property Taxes Matters
Many homeowners assume the county’s appraised value is final but that’s not the case.
Appraised value ≠ market value. Counties often value homes higher than what they would realistically sell for.
Lower value = lower taxes. A successful protest directly reduces your tax bill.
It compounds over time. A lower value this year can help protect future years.
There’s no penalty to try. Protesting will not increase your value.
If you don’t protest, you’re automatically accepting the county’s number.
How the Property Tax Protest Process Works (Simple Overview)
Receive your Notice of Appraised Value (usually April–May).
File a protest by the deadline (typically May 15 or 30 days from the notice).
Submit evidence—this is where comparable sales (comps) matter most.
Attend an informal meeting or ARB hearing (often virtual).
Receive a decision. Many cases settle before a formal hearing.
Most protests are quick, factual, and handled online.
What Evidence Actually Wins a Protest
Strong protests are based on data, not emotions. The most effective evidence includes:
Recent comparable sales showing your home would sell for less than the county’s value
Homes of similar size, age, and style
Sales in the same neighborhood or nearby area
Properties sold close to January 1, 2025
Adjustments for condition, such as dated finishes, needed repairs, or lot differences
Using Zillow or online estimates alone is usually not enough. Sold data is key!
County-by-County Tips
Tarrant County
Website: TAD.org
File protests online using eFile
Very comp-driven county
Informal meetings often resolve the protest
What to emphasize:
Sold prices lower than your appraised value
Condition issues compared to newer homes
Denton County
Website: https://www.dentoncad.com/
File protests through iFile
More adjustment-focused
May ask for explanations of differences
What to emphasize:
Adjustments (updates, square footage, lot size)
Repairs or deferred maintenance
Dallas County
Website: DallasCAD.org
File protests through uFile
More market-value focused
Can be tougher and may require detailed evidence
What to emphasize:
Recent comparable sales below the appraised value
Condition issues (dated finishes, repairs needed)
Size, lot, or location differences
What to Say During Your Protest (Sample Script)
“Based on recent comparable sales in my neighborhood, my home’s market value as of January 1, 2025, is lower than the appraised value. The attached comps support a more accurate value of $____.”
Keep it factual, clear, and simple.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Relying only on Zillow or online estimates
Making emotional arguments (“taxes are too high”)
Missing the filing deadline
Not attending the hearing (automatic loss)
Don’t Forget Your Homestead Exemption
If this is your primary residence, make sure your Homestead Exemption is on file.
Deadline: April 30, 2026
This exemption can significantly reduce your taxable value
It can also help cap future increases
You may also qualify for additional exemptions (over-65, disabled, veteran, etc.).
Need Help With Comparable Sales?
Finding the right comparable sales is often the hardest part of protesting and it’s also the most important. Strong comps can make all the difference.
If you’d like help, we’re happy to provide custom comparable sales tailored to your home so you can submit your protest with confidence.
đź“© Reach out today to request your comps or ask questions. We’re here to help make the process easy.
This information is educational guidance and not legal or tax advice.
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