This year I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to protest taxes on all my properties and my daughters as well. We all know that the market has plummeted although not as much in Central Texas as other places across the country. I figured it was worth my efforts to try to reduce my tax liabilities so I started by filing a written protest. The counties (Travis and Williamson) sent me adjusted property values that were lower than the original value and appointment dates to come speak with them if I wasn't in agreement.
Last week I went to the informal hearing at Williamson County Appraisal District to protest the taxes on my homestead and my experience was different than the one I had in Travis County. I was told that the improved features in homes was not included in the tax appraisals.Only exterior improvements like pools, decks, etc could increase or decrease the property value. If the homes in the comparatives that the county used had interior upgrades that my home did not, that information could not be used to lower my taxes. Although the county appraiser was willing to use the comparatives from homes that I wanted included in the analysis, the plan was to use 5 homes as compatibles and I had only brought 3 so they chose 2 of their own. The county appraiser didn't agree with me about my reduced value but he did agree to reduce my value even further than offered in the written proposal. I was satisfied so I accepted.
The following day I was back at Williamson County Appraisal District to protest the taxes on my daughters home. I thought I had it made because since her home is right next door to mine, similar size, upgrades, same age and same builder; it made sense that the price per square foot should be the same. The appraiser said "no." Since my daughters house is 75 sq.ft and only 75 sq.ft. smaller, I was told that the price would be higher per square foot.
I went to the formal hearing before the review board to argue my point.
The review board is comprised of three private citizens who have been chosen to hear the protests. I sat at a table opposite the three and next to a representative of the county. I explained my reasoning, the county representative explained hers, the review board determined the value county appraiser has assessed was correct and that was the end of that.
It was worth the effort to get the taxes reduced. They did agree to reduce my daughters taxes further than the original proposal. They just didn't agree to reduce them to the same as mine.
So far I have successfully reduced the taxes on my investment property in Travis County, my home in Williamson County and my daughters home in Williamson County.
Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. Amelia Bullock Realtors. 512.589.7988.
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