Property Tax Appeal:
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How to Lower Property Taxes in Texas: The definitive Guide for 2026

By Harsha N Hegde

Learn how to save on property tax with this quick video

https://youtu.be/0SfvzFxCMys

Why Are Property Taxes So High in Texas?

Texas has no state income tax, so local governments rely heavily on property taxes. Texas ranks among the highest in the U.S. for property taxes. Since property taxes are ad valorem, they rise with real estate market values. But homeowners should never pay more than their fair share. Here’s how to lower property taxes in Texas in 2025.

Step 1: Claim Your Texas Property Tax Exemptions

Exemptions directly reduce your taxable value. Don’t miss these:

  • Homestead exemption – $140,000 off school district value.
  • Over-65 or disabled exemption – extra $60,000 off school district taxes, plus at least $3,000 from other taxing units.
  • Veterans exemptions – available for disabled vets, surviving spouses, and first responders.
  • Renewable energy exemption – for solar/wind devices.

File exemptions for free with your county appraisal district. More importantly, stay clear of homestead exemption scams and deceptions

Step 2: Verify Your Property Description

Log in to your county appraisal district site and check:

  • Building and land square footage
  • Bedrooms, bathrooms, garage count
  • Porch, canopy, and other features

Any mistake (e.g. extra bathroom recorded or incorrect square footage etc.) inflates your appraised value and consequently your tax bill. Correcting appraisal records is one of the fastest ways to lower property tax.

Step 3: Document Repair Costs

Repairs reduce market value.

  • Take photos of damage (roof leaks, cracked foundation).
  • Get 3 contractor bids.
  • Submit with your protest.

Appraisers can and do lower values for homes needing repairs.

Step 4: Gather Comparable Sales (Sales Comps)

Texas is a non-disclosure state, meaning appraisal districts don’t see actual sales prices. But realtors (via MLS) do.

  • Use sales from Jan 1–Mar 31 of protest year.
  • Aim for homes sold within 90 days of Jan 1.
  • Adjust for size, age, and features.

If your comps’ median sales price is below your appraised value, you have strong grounds for a reduction.

Step 5: Use Equity Comparables (Unequal Appraisal)

Texas law requires taxation to be equal and uniform. If your property is assessed higher than similar homes nearby, you can protest under unequal appraisal. SquareDeal helps you find equity comps automatically. Check your savings →

Step 6: File Your Protest Before May 15

Why Protesting Works (Even With a Cap)

Many think protesting is useless if their capped appraisal value is below market value. Wrong!

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to protest property taxes in Texas?

Protests are due May 15 or 30 days after your appraisal notice, whichever is later. If May 15 falls on a weekend/holiday, the next business day applies.

Do seniors over 65 pay property taxes in Texas?

Yes, but school district taxes are frozen at age 65 under the senior freeze. Other taxes may still apply, but the school portion cannot increase.

Is it worth protesting if I have a capped value?

Yes. Lowering your market value today keeps your capped value lower in future years.

Who do I file my protest with?

Your county appraisal district (CAD). Most offer online filing.

What happens at an ARB hearing?

If not settled online, you’ll appear before the Appraisal Review Board to present your evidence.

Summary

To lower your Texas property taxes in 2025:

  1. Claim all eligible exemptions.
  2. Verify appraisal records.
  3. Document repairs.
  4. Gather sales & equity comps.
  5. File a protest before May 15.

About the Author

Harsha N Hegde is the founder of squaredeal.tax, a DIY platform that helps Texas homeowners protest unfair property tax assessments using comps-based evidence and practical guidance.

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Disclaimer

Articles presented here are for general information and education only. It is provided as a courtesy to the general public. SQD Taxtech LLC does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are those of the authors or persons quoted as of the date of the article with no obligation to update or notify of inaccuracy or change. This article may not be reproduced, distributed or further published by any person without the written consent of SQD Taxtech LLC. Please cite source when quoting.

SQD Taxtech LLC, its managed affiliates and subsidiaries, as a matter of policy, do not give tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice. Rules in the areas of law, tax, and accounting are subject to change and open to varying interpretations. You should consult with your other advisors on the tax, accounting and legal implications of actions you may take based on any strategies presented, taking into account your own particular circumstances.