Author

Shelly Salas

If you’re a homeowner in Bell County, you’ve likely noticed your property’s assessed value keeps going up, year after year. And with that increase comes higher property taxes. But here’s something every homeowner should know: just because you protested your taxes last year and won doesn’t mean you’re set for good. The county reassesses every year, and unless you stay proactive, your tax bill can increase right back up. Let’s discuss why protesting your property taxes is so important and how you can prepare to protect yourself from paying more than you should.

During and after COVID, the housing market saw a major surge. Homes were selling quickly, prices reached record highs, and bidding wars became the norm. County appraisal districts had to adjust, basing assessed values on these high sales. But when the market cooled down, the county’s values didn’t adjust with it. So, if your home was assessed during those high times, you might still be paying property taxes based on an outdated value that doesn’t reflect the current market.

It’s important to note that the county’s assessed value isn’t the same as your home’s market value. It’s just an estimate, often based on old or broad data. That’s why it’s crucial to check your assessment and protest if it doesn’t align with what homes are currently selling for in your area. Otherwise, you could end up overpaying for another year.

Before you even think about protesting, make sure you’ve filed for a homestead exemption. . If the home is your primary residence, you likely qualify. This can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, on your annual property tax bill. It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce what you owe.

Now, if you’re going to protest, come prepared. Bring comparables like homes in your neighborhood that sold recently and are similar to yours. This is your best defense. You can gather this data yourself or hire a local appraiser or real estate professional to help you build a solid case. If you choose to hire a professional, ensure they are local and have a proven track record.

Paying high property taxes without questioning them isn’t the only option. You work hard for your money so don’t let an inflated property assessment take more than it should. Be proactive, file your exemptions, gather your data, and protest your taxes when needed. Whether you do it yourself or get help, what matters is standing up for what’s fair. Remember that a penny saved is a penny earned, and in this case, it might be a few thousand pennies.