Here's some guidance for protesting your property taxes.
I've included a few resources in order to navigate the Harris County and Fort Bend County tax protest procedure. You can submit your protest online or in writing.
When you protest your taxes it's essential to provide supporting evidence. The best supporting evidence are comparable properties that sold in 2023 which were similar to yours.
Other evidence to support a tax protest include corrections to any mistakes that do not help your cause such as too much square footage or anything that over-values your house. Gather photographs and statements from contractors if your property has hidden defects, such as a cracked foundation, or needs major repairs. All of this is helpful to your case.
You also want to be sure that you are receiving all possible exemptions. You can confirm your exemptions online. Exemptions include:
- Homestead exemption
- Homeowners with disabilities exemption
- Over-65 exemption
- Disabled veteran
- Survivor exemption
Exemptions remove part of the value of your property from taxation and lower your taxes.
Here's some additional and more specific information to help with your county.
For Harris County:
Here's their frequently answered questions:
https://www.hctax.net/Property/protest
Here's the link to their online protest portal called 'iFile'.
For Fort Bend County:
Here's their tax protest frequently asked questions:
https://www.fbcad.org/online-protest-faq/
Here's their online guide.
https://www.fbcad.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022OnlineAppealsGuide.pdf
Here's where you begin your protest online.
https://www.fbcad.org/appeals/
*If you are a past or future client of Kris Colquette you can request comps by clicking here.
Let me know if you have any questions and when you are ready to sell or buy a home please reach out to me!
