From the Nextdoor app to workplace message boards, the level of collective grumbling throughout Dallas-Fort Worth peaked on April 15 when not only were federal income taxes due, but county appraisal districts mailed out their annual property tax appraisals to homeowners.
That means we’re all receiving our updated property tax appraisals for 2025 this month, and to say that taxes are too damn much would be an understatement. Now before you head down to your local appraisal district with pitchfork in hand, remember you can protest what the county says your house is worth.
So, once the sticker shock wears off and the grumbling becomes a low hum, it’s time to get to work lowering your property tax bill.
First Step: File Your Intent to Protest
The first and most important thing you need to do in order to fight your appraisal is to file your intent to appeal your property’s appraisal to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). That is due May 15, or 30 days from the date you receive your appraisal. This is the only time of the year when you can appeal the value of your home. Once you receive your final tax bill in October, it will be too late.
The Notice of Protest form (shown above) was included along with your tax appraisal. You can also file your intent to protest by logging onto your appraisal district’s website, which gives you the option of filing your protest electronically…