Property tax appeals · checked 31 October 2026

What to say at a property tax appeal hearing

Say one thing: what your home was worth on the valuation date, and the evidence that proves it. Boards change values, not tax bills, so every sentence should point at the number. "My taxes went up too much" is the one argument that never works.

Want the answer for your own case? Use the tool, then read on for the details.

Check if my home is over-assessed

The short script

The number. "The notice values my home at $X. I'm asking for $Y."
The reason, in one line. Pick the one that fits: similar homes sold for less; similar homes are assessed lower; or the record about my home is wrong.
The proof. Walk through three to five comparable homes, or the error and the document that shows it. Hand over copies.
The ask again. "Based on these, a fair value is $Y."

Keep it calm and short. The Texas Comptroller puts it plainly: "It is up to you to have what you need to prove your case. You cannot go to the hearing and just say the appraisal district is wrong."

The reasons that win

Overvaluation. Your home couldn't sell for the value on the notice. Best evidence: recent sales of similar homes nearby, or your own recent purchase price. Cook County's Assessor says to appeal if the estimated market value is "significantly more than what you believe your home could sell for", and that a gap under about 10% is unlikely to change much.
Unequal assessment. Similar homes on your street are assessed lower than yours, even if your value is near market. Texas lets you protest "equal and uniform appraisal" with a median-level calculation; in Cook County this is the uniformity argument. See how to find comparable properties.
Wrong facts on your record. Wrong square footage, an extra bathroom you don't have, a garage that isn't there, a finished basement that's unfinished. These are the easiest wins: bring the survey, plan, listing or photos.
Condition. Foundation problems, a failing roof, damage. Bring photos and repair estimates or receipts.
Missing exemptions. Not a value argument, but often worth more. Check exemptions you may be missing.

What not to say

That your taxes are too high, or went up more than your neighbour's bill. Tax rates are set by the school district, city and county, not by the board you're in front of.
That you can't afford it. Ask separately about senior, disability or hardship relief.
Anything about the assessor personally. It won't help and it uses your time.
Comparables that aren't comparable: a different neighbourhood, size or style, or sales long before the valuation date.

Evidence to bring

The Texas Comptroller's list is a good checklist for anywhere: photographs of your property and your comparables, repair receipts or estimates, sale documents, affidavits, surveys, drawings and deed records. Bring copies for each board member and the assessor's representative.

In Texas, the appraisal district must tell you at least 14 days before the hearing that you can ask for copies of the evidence it will use. Ask for it: knowing their comparables lets you answer them.

Should you appeal at all?

Appeal if your record has an error, or if you can show the value is well above what the house would sell for. If the facts are right and the value is within about 10% of what you think it's worth, Cook County's Assessor says an appeal is unlikely to change much. A first appeal is usually free to file, but check your own county's rules and deadline on your notice.

Check if my home is over-assessed

Sources: Texas Comptroller, Appraisal Protests and Appeals; Cook County Assessor's Office, Overview of how appeals work. Read 31 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.