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There are generally two ways that Texas homeowners can reduce their property taxes, through tax exemptions or protesting their property's assessed value. Tax Code Section 25.18 states that all appraisal districts must complete appraisals on every property in their district at least every three years.

The Harris County Appraisal District offers a portal on its website called iFile to submit a protest digitally. You'll need the account number and iFile number from the notice to set up an account and file the protest.

The protest form can be submitted online using the Bexar Appraisal District's eFile system. Other options available include sending the form by email to protest@bcad.org, by fax to 210-242-2454 or mail: P.O. Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283.

Automated Protest (Available in Most Counties) To conduct an automated protest, you'll need to have your property tax notice or bill available. Then, simply visit your county appraisal district website. If you already have an online account with your appraisal district, log in.

The usual deadline for filing a protest is May 15th or the 30th day after the notice of value was delivered to the property owner, whichever is later.

File your notice of protest by May 15 or no later than 30 days after the appraisal district mailed a notice of appraised value to you, whichever date is later. Note that it is 30 days after mailing the notice, not its receipt.

In fact, property taxes are only raised about once in every 10,000 Appraisal Review Board hearings. That is less than 1% of the time! While there's little risk your property taxes will increase, we do not advise you protest yourself.

In fact, property taxes are only raised about once in every 10,000 Appraisal Review Board hearings. That is less than 1% of the time! While there's little risk your property taxes will increase, we do not advise you protest yourself. In 2010, of those who filed their own protest, only 22% achieved a value reduction.

The protest form can be submitted online using the Bexar Appraisal District's eFile system. Other options available include sending the form by email to protest@bcad.org, by fax to 210-242-2454 or mail: P.O. Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283.

Property Tax and Appraisals The Texas Tax Code, Section 33.06, allows taxpayers 65 years of age or older to defer their property taxes until their estates are settled after death.