How to File the Tax Protest in San Antonio & Bexar County

Misconceptions About the Tax Protest

Texans are fully aware that property taxes have been skyrocketing due to recent increases in property values. However, most don’t realize that anyone can offset property taxes by filing the tax protest. In addition, many are unaware that Filing a Tax Protest Won’t Hurt Your Property’s Selling Price because there's a difference between market value and appraised value. When you do decide to sell, Alamo Leases can connect you with real estate brokers and appraisers who can evaluate your property at a competitive price.

There’s also a Difference Between the Tax Protest and the Residence Homestead Exemption, but both are super easy ways to lower your property tax bill. Since property taxes are usually paid in advance, you will see any savings as a surplus in your escrow account if the county reduces your appraised value.

Subscribe to Alamo Leases Premium for a step-by-step example of how we obtain free evidence and how we remotely handle the process ourselves—saving us nearly $1,000 in property taxes each year. We can also refer owners with larger real estate holdings to property tax professionals that can defend your case with strong evidence.

What is the Tax Protest?

The tax protest in Bexar County allows owners to disagree with the appraised value of their property. Each year, the Bexar County Appraisal District assesses the value of your property, and this value is used to calculate the taxes you owe. If you think your property has been overvalued, you have the right to file a tax protest to request a lower appraised or assessed value.

Steps to File a Property Tax Protest in Bexar County

1. Review Your Property Appraisal Notice

Each year, the Bexar County Appraisal District mails out a Notice of Appraised Value to owners. If you think the appraisal is too high, you can protest it for free. It's important to understand Why You Need to File the Tax Protest Every Year because you will eventually see the immense financial impact it can have over time.

2. Gather Evidence

At Alamo Leases, we can connect you with professionals that offer certified proof versus just submitting a few photos. By going through a professional, it’s more likely that your evidence will be taken seriously by Bexar County Appraisal District.

Examples of evidence may include:

• Photos: Take pictures of your property, especially if there are any damages that may lower its value.

  
  

• Comparable Sales Data: Find recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood. If your property is valued higher than these properties, you should include this data.

  
  

• Appraisal Reports: If your property was recently appraised lower by a professional, use this report as evidence.

3. File Your Protest

To file your property tax protest, you have several options:

• Online Filing: The easiest way to file your protest is through the Bexar County Appraisal District’s online portal. Alamo Leases Premium shows subscribers exactly how we remotely handle the process ourselves.

  
  

• Mail or In-Person: You can also file your protest by mailing the completed protest form to the Bexar County Appraisal District or delivering it in person.

  
  

4. Accept or Decline the Settlement Offer

After filing your protest, you will receive a settlement offer from BCAD displaying the new appraised value that they have decided on. You will receive the settlement offer in your online account and will be notified via email.

5. Attend the Formal Hearing (if necessary)

If you’re not satisfied with the settlement offer, you can request a formal hearing before the Bexar County Appraisal Review Board. During the formal hearing, you’ll present your case, and the ARB will make a final decision on your property’s value. Alamo Leases can refer owners to property tax professionals to represent them in informal hearings and build a stronger case.

6. Review the ARB Decision

After the formal hearing, the ARB will issue a decision regarding your property’s value. If the decision results in a lower value, your property tax bill will be adjusted accordingly. If you disagree with the ARB’s decision, you have the option to take further legal action.

Understand the Bexar County Tax Protest Deadline

The deadline to file a property tax protest in Bexar County is usually May 15th or 30 days after the date on your notice of appraised value, whichever is later. Missing this deadline can forfeit your right to protest, so it’s crucial to act promptly.

Conclusion

If you need assistance navigating the Bexar County tax protest process, subscribe to Alamo Leases Premium for a step-by-step example of how we obtain free evidence and how we remotely handle the process ourselves—saving us nearly $1,000 in property taxes every year.

We can also refer owners with substantial real estate assets to property tax professionals that can back up your informal hearing with certified evidence and even defend this evidence in a formal hearing if necessary. By taking action, you can ensure that your property taxes are fair and accurate, providing savings during periods of high property values.