Monthly payments for property are already a large and burdensome cost. On top of that, added property taxes are a substantial financial commitment and even more costly if they are calculated wrong. If your property has been overvalued or assessed incorrectly, our Houston property tax appeal attorneys can help reduce your tax liability and protect your financial interests. At Porter Law Firm, our team is dedicated to advocating for your rights so that the law is in your favor. Whether you’re dealing with tax disputes or foreclosure proceedings, we have the experience to help protect your property and explore all available legal options. We understand the importance of what your property and finances mean to you. Contact us today at (713) 621-0700 so that you can get the justice that you deserve.
Why Porter Law Firm is the Public’s Choice for a Houston Property Tax Appeal
With multiple choices for legal representation, we take pride in that our clients continue to choose us. Here are the reasons why our clients continue to choose Porter Law Firm for their Houston property tax appeal representation:
- Knowledge of the Houston Property Market: With over 15 years and thousands of clients, we have built an understanding of the fair market value of properties in Houston that we use to your advantage when determining your taxed amounts.
- Understanding of the Houston Tax Appeal Process: Property tax appeals are unique in that claims run through the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). We understand and have the relationships to make sure you can effectively argue your case.
- Effective Preparation: Unlike other cases, a property tax appeal requires quantitative preparation. We have the skill set to look at historical sales and market data to present your arguments.
- Personalized Representation: We set ourselves apart from large corporate firms that treat you like a number by understanding your claim and tailoring our legal strategy to best serve you.
Right of Protest in a Houston Property Tax Appeal
A Houston property tax appeal follows a strict procedural appellate process according to the Texas Property Tax Code. The right of protest is outlined under Texas Tax Code § 41.41:
“(a) A property owner is entitled to protest before the appraisal review board the following actions: (1) determination of the appraised value of the owner’s property or, in the case of land appraised as provided by Subchapter C, D, E, or H, Chapter 23, determination of its appraised or market value; (2) unequal appraisal of the owner’s property; (3) inclusion of the owner’s property on the appraisal records; (4) denial to the property owner in whole or in part of a partial exemption; (5) determination that the owner’s land does not qualify for appraisal as provided by Subchapter C, D, E, or H, Chapter 23; (6) identification of the taxing units in which the owner’s property is taxable in the case of the appraisal district’s appraisal roll; (7) determination that the property owner is the owner of property; (8) a determination that a change in use of land appraised under Subchapter C, D, E, or H, Chapter 23, has occurred; or (9) any other action of the chief appraiser, appraisal district, or appraisal review board that applies to and adversely affects the property owner.”
If your property’s appraisal seems unfair or inflated, you have the legal right to protest. In some cases, errors in valuation may impact broader property rights, requiring representation from a Houston commercial real estate attorney to navigate complex tax disputes and ensure your financial interests are protected.
Under the statute, Houston property owners can dispute the appraised market value of their property if they believe it has been overvalued. This is the typical basis for reducing property taxes. The basis is often based on unequal appraisal from similar properties in the area. Other methods can include erroneous categorization or land use classification.
Proving Your Claim in a Houston Property Tax Appeal
Proving a Houston property tax appeal is different from other typical appellate claims in that it has a strict, quantitative basis for which the evidence must be backed. At the core of the claim, the evidence must show that the property was overvalued, unequal to similar properties, or denied a legitimate exemption that is protected under the law. The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will hear your claim and look for legitimate evidence when making its determination. This includes:
- Sales Data: The board to sales of similar properties in your area.
- Independent Appraisals: A third-party review of the appraisal method and amount determined that is independent of the official appraisal.
- Property Condition: Photos and contractor statements that demonstrate how much work and the current condition of the property.
- Market Trends: Any quantitative data showing declining property values due to changing circumstances.
- Exemptions: Proof that your property may fall under an exemption as provided in the law.
Providing strong evidence is crucial to a successful property tax appeal. If your property has suffered defects impacting its value, a Houston construction defect attorney can provide expert insights on how structural issues influence market value.
Contact A Houston Property Tax Appeal Lawyer Today
No one enjoys paying property taxes. When you are required to pay much more than expected, the situation is even worse. Don’t just accept an unfair evaluation when you know that there is something wrong. At Porter Law Firm, our property tax appeal lawyers in Houston will guide you through the property tax appeal process and ensure you are not overpaying for a property that is improperly valued. Let us fight for you and be your advocate for justice.
Contact Porter Law Firm today at (713) 621-0700 or fill out the form and find out how we can be of assistance in your appeal.