Why Filing the Tax Protest Won’t Hurt Your Property’s Selling Price

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The Difference Between Market Value and Appraised Value

Unfortunately, many owners wrongly assume that filing a tax protest will reduce their property value when they decide to sell, but there's a difference between market value and appraised value when it comes to taxes. Market value is just the price that a property is selling for while appraised value is the amount that a property will be taxed on.

In other words, market value is what someone is willing to pay for your property. So, as long as your home is priced fairly to comparable listings, then buyers will be interested. This is another great reason why you should learn How to File the Tax Protest in San Antonio and Bexar County—because it won’t have any impact on the selling price of your property. When you do decide to sell, Alamo Leases can connect you with real estate agents and appraisers who can evaluate your property at a competitive price.

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 Appraised Value?

Appraised value is the value assigned to your property annually by the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) for the purpose of calculating your property taxes. It’s important to note that appraised value is used solely for taxation purposes. This means that your property taxes are based on the appraised value, not the market value. This is where the tax protest comes into play and why you need to file the tax protest every year.

What is Market Value?

Market value is the price a property would likely sell for on the open market. It’s determined by supply and demand dynamics in your local real estate market. Market value reflects what a buyer is willing to pay for a property and what a seller is willing to accept. Some factors influencing market value include location, condition, amenities, and recent sales of similar properties in the area.

The Key Differences: Market Value versus Appraised Value

1. Purpose:

   
   

   • Market Value: Reflects the price a property could sell for in the open market.

   • Appraised Value: Determines the amount that property taxes are based on.

     
     

2. Determination:

   
   

   • Market Value: Influenced by market conditions, buyer demand, and the sales prices of similar properties.

   • Appraised Value: Calculated by the Bexar County Appraisal District based on property assessments.

     
     

3. Impact on Property Taxes:

   
   

   • Market Value: Does not directly affect your property taxes.

   • Appraised Value: Directly influences the amount of property taxes you owe.

     
     

How to Lookup Your Property’s Appraised Value Online

If you are interested in the appraised value of your property, you can use the Bexar County Appraisal District online property search tool. Simply enter your property address in the search bar, and you'll be able to view your home’s appraised value over the past few years. This tool is especially useful for homeowners who want to track changes in their property's appraised value and compare it with the current market value.

Estimate How Much Money the Tax Protest Can Save You to better understand the immense financial impact that it can have over time. Filing a tax protest in Bexar County is a powerful tool to reduce your property tax bill without affecting your property’s market value. Don’t let misconceptions hold you back—take action today to ensure your property is fairly assessed and your tax burden is minimized.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Property Taxes

Understanding the difference between market value and appraised value is essential for any property owner. For more tips and guidance on filing a tax protest in Bexar County, consider subscribing to Alamo Leases Premium. We provide resources, examples, and referrals to help you navigate the process and save on your property taxes.