5 Property Tax Protest Mistakes Texas Owners Make Every Year
Every spring, Texas property owners receive assessment notices that determine their tax liability for the coming year. Many accept these figures without question. Others file protests but make critical errors that undermine their cases. Understanding these common mistakes can mean the difference between paying fair taxes and overpaying by thousands. Mistake 1: Missing the Deadline The May 15, 2026 deadline arrives faster than most property owners anticipate. Texas law provides no extensions and no exceptions. Property owners who miss this date, or 30 days from the notice date if later, forfeit their right to challenge that year's assessment entirely. Given that assessment errors compound year over year, a single missed deadline can cost significantly more than one year's overpayment. Mistake 2: Bringing the Wrong Evidence Appraisal Review Boards evaluate market value, not tax burden fairness. Appearing before a panel to argue that taxes seem too high accomplishes nothing. Succe...