March 23, 2026
Discover top property tax appeal representation. Save time, cut taxes, and win appeals with expert tips and step-by-step guidance.
Property tax appeal representation means hiring an expert to help you lower your tax bill. This expert talks to the government for you. They try to show that your home is worth less than the city says it is.
Here is a quick look at how it works:
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Who needs it? | Anyone who thinks their tax bill is too high |
| How do you start? | Compare your home's value to nearby homes that sold |
| What is the deadline? | Usually May 15 in Texas |
| Do you pay first? | Usually no — you only pay if you save money |
| What is the fee? | Often about 40% of the money you save |
| Can you do it alone? | Yes, but it is hard and the city has experts on their side |
About half of all homeowners pay more in taxes than they should. In Texas, even more people might be overpaying. Most people never try to change their tax bill because it seems too hard.
This guide will help you. I am Michael J. MacFarlane. I have helped people with homes in Houston for over 30 years. I will show you how to find the right help to save money.
The government often makes mistakes with the math. They use a "mass appraisal" way to find values. This means they look at many houses at once. They do not walk through your front door to see your home. Because of this, they miss things that make your home worth less.
To win, we look at the value the city gave your home and compare it to what it is really worth. If the city says your home is worth $500,000, but your neighbors sold their homes for $450,000, you are paying too much.
| Value Type | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Market Value | What someone would pay to buy your home today. | This is the most you should be taxed on. |
| Assessed Value | The value the city uses to find your tax bill. | If this is too high, you pay too much money. |
Sometimes the city has the wrong facts. They might think your house is bigger than it really is. Other times, your house is valued higher than your neighbor's house, even if they are the same.
You can fight your taxes if the value is too high or if you did not get a tax break you deserve. If your home has a broken roof or a bad foundation, your taxes should be lower. But the city won't know about these problems unless you tell them.
You can fight your taxes alone, but having property tax appeal representation is like having a guide in the woods. We know the right words to use. We know how to find errors that save you money.
Most of the time, we can agree on a lower price without a big trial. We know when a deal is fair. You can find more info about tax services on our website.
If you are busy, your time is important. Fighting taxes takes a lot of work. You have to look at sales, take photos, and go to meetings.
Hiring a pro for home tax fights means you don't have to miss work. We do the hard work while you stay with your family.
Some people try to save money by doing it themselves. But you might lose more money if you don't win. The city has experts who do this every day. Going in alone is like bringing a tiny stick to a big fight.
Pros do not miss deadlines. We know exactly what proof the city wants to see. We use facts to show your taxes should be lower.
In Texas, you must follow a strict schedule. If you are late, you cannot fight your taxes that year.
To be ready, you need a folder of proof. This should have:
Proof is the most important part. You cannot just say your house is old. You must show that other old houses sold for less money. We look for homes that are just like yours. If your neighbor's house is much nicer but the city says they are the same, we show the city why that is wrong.
Most tax help firms in Texas use a contingency fee. This means you do not pay anything upfront. If we do not save you money, you do not owe us anything.
Usually, the fee is a part of the money we save you. For example, if we save you $1,000 and the fee is 40%, you keep $600 and pay us $400. It is a good deal for everyone.
We also check for other tax breaks, such as:
Business buildings are different. They are valued based on how much money they make. If you own a shop or office, the city needs to see your rent and cost papers. If your building is empty or costs a lot to run, your taxes should go down. We offer business tax help to make sure you are treated fairly.
Usually, no. Texas is very strict about the May 15 date. You might get extra time only if you had a big emergency or if the city sent the letter to the wrong house. It is best to never miss the May deadline!
It depends on your tax rate. In Houston, rates are often around 2% or 3%. If we lower your home's value by $50,000, you could save $1,250 every year. For businesses, the savings can be much higher. If you are an investor, we can help with commercial real estate to keep your costs low.
The hearing is in a small room with three people. They are not city workers. They are like judges. The city shows their proof first. Then we show our proof. The board makes a choice right then. It only takes about 15 or 20 minutes. Having a pro there makes sure the city has to prove why their price is so high.
Dealing with taxes should not be a hard job. Whether you live in Houston, Katy, or nearby, you deserve a fair price.
At MacFarlane Realty Group, we have helped people in Texas for over 25 years. We treat you like a neighbor, not a number. We handle the paperwork and the meetings so you don't have to worry.
Want to see if you are paying too much? Start your tax appeal today. We will handle the rest for you.
We’ve built our firm on relationships, not online leads. Most of our clients come through referrals, and many come back for future moves—sometimes across multiple generations. That kind of trust comes from showing up, doing the work, and never cutting corners.
Excellent guidance on our commercial purchase. The team was knowledgeable, responsive, and made every step straightforward.
Sam Scott, Houston
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