A Realtor’s Insider Guide to Protesting Taxes in Fort Bend & Harris Counties
How to (Legally) Rebel Against Your 2025 Property Taxes
Opening your property appraisal notice this year probably felt something like opening an electric bill after a brutal Texas summer—painful, shocking, and slightly offensive. Unfortunately, skyrocketing property values in Katy, Fulshear, and Houston mean higher taxes. But here’s the good news: You can (and absolutely should) fight back.
This guide will walk you through the process of protesting your property taxes in Fort Bend and Harris Counties for 2025. Let’s dive in and potentially save you some hard-earned cash.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a property tax expert! I’m a local Realtor who is passionate about adding value beyond the transaction by providing resources to help my clients navigate owning a home. That also means being a resource to potential future clients!
If you need someone to run your home's comps to use when protesting your taxes, I am happy to do so at no cost! Reach out to me at jenny.becker@compass.com or 832.594.1265.
Know Your Property Tax Rights in Harris & Fort Bend County: The Basics Simplified
Why Protest? If you believe your property’s appraised value is inflated or incorrect, a successful protest will lower your tax bill.
How Are Property Taxes Calculated in Harris and Fort Bend Counties? Your property’s appraised value multiplied by the local tax rate determines your annual property tax.
Market vs. Appraised Value: Understanding the difference between these two is crucial.
- Market Value: The county’s estimated price your home would fetch on the open market as of January 1 each year.
- Appraised Value: The value you pay taxes on, after exemptions or caps are applied, such as the homestead cap which limits annual increases to 10%.
When is the deadline to protest in Harris and Fort Bend Counties? May 15, 2025, or 30 days after receiving your appraisal notice (whichever is later).
How do I file a protest? The first step to protesting your property taxes is to file your Property Owner’s Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) by the deadline.
File your notice through one of the preferred ways listed on your appraisal district’s website and follow the provided instructions.
- HERE is the information on filing an appeal with the Fort Bend County Appraisal District (FBCAD)
- HERE is the information on how to file an appeal with the Harris County Appraisal District.
Winning Strategies to Lower Your Tax Bill in Katy, Fulshear, & Houston
With home prices being as high as the appraisal district claims, protesting your taxes in 2025 is going to be an uphill battle. To tilt the odds in your favor, you need to utilize every possible strategy that applies.
But first…
Here’s a reality check: The appraisal district’s employees have never stepped foot inside your home. Yet they're responsible for guessing its "market value." Crazy, right? They base your home's value on pristine comps—houses that were staged, upgraded, and sparkling new for buyers. Now’s your chance to clearly highlight what your home lacks compared to those picture-perfect listings down the street. This is the time to shift your thinking from how much you love your home to what it’s missing compared to those shiny, market-ready homes.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here are some battle-tested strategies to up your chances of lowering your property taxes in Katy, Fulshear, and Houston.
🎥 In this 1-minute video, I’m breaking down the 3 smartest (and most overlooked) ways to protest your property taxes this year.
Strategy #1: Incorrect Appraisal (aka "These comps are terrible!")
Your property’s value inflated? Show comps (recent sales) that prove otherwise.
Rules of the road when analyzing comparable comps:
- Include at least 3 comps sold as close to January 1 as possible.
- Comps must match your home type, neighborhood, and school district.
- Use MLS Full Agent Photos to show differences in property conditions.
- Focus heavily on the comps that mirror the specs of your home as much as possible. Here is a list of the specs to keep in mind when comparing how another home stacks up against yours.
Strategy #2: Unequal Appraisal ("Why me?")
Is your neighbor’s similar house appraised lower? Use this to your advantage.
Here’s Your Step-by-Step Guide:
- Gather Data: Look up the home values of similar homes located close to yours from the property search feature of the Harris or Fort Bend Counties appraisal district’s website. Pick 3-10 homes that most compare to yours.
- Calculate the Median Level of Assessment: Calculate the median price per square foot of these homes. Then, multiply that number by the square footage in your home.
Strategy #3: Your Home’s Imperfections ("My home’s not Pinterest-perfect!")
Pointing out your home’s flaws can lower its market value significantly.
When the appraisal district compares your cozy abode to that dazzling house down the street that just sold, you need to show them that the home they're comparing yours to was superior because of XYZ.
To do this, you need evidence to prove that your home needs the repairs you are claiming, and there needs to be a dollar value associated with each of the defective items.
Mistakes to Avoid (Seriously, Don’t Do These!)
- Missing Deadlines: Late filings are typically not accepted (few exceptions!)
- Skipping the Informal Hearing: This step can lead to a quicker resolution (easier to negotiate here)
- Lack of Evidence: Claims without backing are weak. Come prepared with the proper evidence to support your case. (being prepared shows you're serious and on top of your game)
FAQ: Rapid-Fire Answers to Your Pressing Property Tax Questions in Houston, Katy, & Fulshear
Should I protest if my value decreased? Absolutely, NOT!
What if my property info is incorrect? File to correct inaccuracies, as errors can affect your appraised value. BUT… If the appraisal district shows your property as having fewer bedrooms, bathrooms, or square footage than you actually have, I’d let it lie. 🫣
You will also need to submit the supporting documentation that backs up your claim. Below are examples of how you can show proof here.
Are there exemptions missing? Possibly. Review available exemptions like homestead, senior citizen, or disability exemptions. For a list of all available exemptions, CLICK HERE.
Preparing Your Case for the ARB Hearing
If informal negotiations stall, you’ll move on to presenting your case to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Here’s your ARB prep plan:
Use the data that you requested when you filed your appeal to make your case!! Depending on which method(s) you choose to support your property tax appeal in Harris and Fort Bend Counties, you will need to clearly summarize your evidence and bring the following with you:
Refuting the Comps: If you think the comps the appraisal district used are from left field, summarize your key points for each of the homes next to why your home should be valued less. Bring the MLS full photo report as evidence.
Unequal Appraisal: The printouts of the homes similar to yours, along with the calculations mentioned in strategy #2.
Highlighting Your Home Repairs: Use the documenting your home's flaws checklist in strategy #3.
Attention Katy, Fulshear, and Houston Homeowners: Your Homestead Exemption Isn’t Forever Anymore
DIY or Hire a Pro?
To DIY or not to DIY, that is the question. Here’s the quick-and-dirty:
My two cents? If the thought of spreadsheets makes you sweat, consider hiring someone. If you thrive on details and have time, DIY can be rewarding (literally).
If you are thinking about hiring a company to appeal your taxes, this is the year to do it! Home prices REALLY did increase that much in the Katy, Fulshear, and Houston areas.
Either Way: I’m here to help you run comps and provide the data you need to build a strong case—just give me a call.
The Takeaway
2025 is not the year to passively accept your property tax appraisal. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, being informed and prepared significantly increases your odds of success.
As your Realtor, I’m not just here for the glamorous side of buying and selling homes—I’m here to help you navigate every twist and turn of homeownership. Consider me your friendly neighborhood advocate (minus the cape).
Happy protesting!
Property Tax Resources for Katy, Fulshear, and Houston:
Texas Comptroller's Property Tax Assistance
