Resource Guide

How to Read Your Texas Property Tax Appraisal Notice

Every spring, Texas appraisal districts mail a Notice of Appraised Value. That single page drives your tax bill for the year. Here’s what to look at — and what to do if the number looks wrong.

1. Market value vs. appraised value

Market value is what the district believes your property would sell for. Appraised value is the value they use after applying caps or limitations (for example, the 10% homestead cap on many owner-occupied homes).

Your taxes are based on taxable value after exemptions — not always the big market number at the top. Still, if market value is inflated, everything downstream is too high.

2. Check the property details

Before you argue value, confirm the basics are correct:

• Square footage (living area)
• Lot size
• Year built and condition
• Number of bedrooms / bathrooms
• Pool, garage, or other extras you don’t have

Factual errors are often easier to fix than a pure market-value dispute.

3. Exemptions listed on the notice

Look for homestead, over-65, disabled, or disabled-veteran exemptions. If you qualify and nothing is listed, apply with your appraisal district as soon as possible. Missing exemptions can cost more than a modest value reduction.

4. The protest deadline

In most counties you must file by May 15, or by the 30th day after the notice was delivered — whichever is later. The deadline is usually printed on the notice. Missing it generally means waiting until next year.

Read more: Texas property tax protest deadlines.

5. Year-over-year jump

Compare this year’s value to last year’s. A large unexplained increase — especially when nearby sales are flat or down — is a common reason to protest. Bring recent comparable sales (similar homes, close by, closed recently) if you go to a hearing.

6. What to do if it looks high

1. Note the deadline on your notice
2. Check property details and exemptions
3. Pull a few nearby sold comps
4. File a protest online or by form before the deadline
5. Or have a professional review it and handle filing and the hearing

Counties we help

Bexar (San Antonio) · Dallas · Tarrant · Collin · Denton

Homestead exemption guide · Protest deadlines