6 Property Tax Questions, Answered by a Texas Property Tax Expert

 Here’s what you need to know about the most frequently asked property tax questions:

• Protesting your property taxes does not impact your resale value; it only affects your taxable value.
• A successful reduction can never be guaranteed. That being said, we helped over 80% of our clients achieve a reduction in the 2024 tax season.
• Potential savings cannot be guaranteed, either, but a general estimation can be calculated based on thorough research.
• Hiring a professional like Gill, Denson & Company can increase your chances of success and make the process more streamlined and less stressful.
• With our services, you’ll only pay a contingency fee based on the actual tax savings achieved. If you don’t save anything, you don’t pay anything.

Q: Will protesting impact my resale value?

A: The short answer here is no, protesting will not impact your resale value. What you are protesting is your county-appraised property value for tax purposes. Your resale value is determined by other factors, including market conditions and the condition of your property. 

However, savvy buyers may take into account a property’s previously assessed value when making their purchasing decision. So, while protesting won’t impact your resale value, ensuring your property taxes are as low as possible can be more attractive to some buyers. It’s important to note, though, that taxes often increase after a purchase due to the effect of market value on the tax assessment.

Q: What are my odds of successfully reducing my taxes if I sign up?

A: This is one of the most commonly asked property tax questions, and we understand why. Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee a reduction or odds of success due to the many factors affecting the protest process. We advise caution if someone provides an immediate estimation of savings, especially before any research is done on your property.

While we cannot guarantee results, you can review statistics and case studies from our past work with property owners. This can give you a better idea of possible reduction amounts and success rates. For example, in 2024, we helped more than 80% of our clients successfully receive a reduction from their property tax protest.

Q: How much can you save me?

A: Much like the odds of success, your savings cannot be guaranteed, either. Once we’ve done thorough research on your property and the areas for improvement, we can provide an educated estimate. Even then, we would never guarantee an estimate. Your total savings will depend on several factors, including what (if any) mistakes were made by the county in your property assessment and how well you present your case during the protest.

The only savings you can truly estimate accurately come from property tax exemptions. If you are missing an exemption you are eligible for, such as the homestead exemption, we can calculate the potential savings. The homestead exemption reduces your property’s taxable value by $100,000 (soon to be $140,000). So, if your property is valued at $500,000 and your total tax rate is 2%, your savings would be at least $2,000.

Q: Why should I hire a tax consultant to fight my property taxes?

A: The property tax protest process can be complex and time-consuming, especially for someone with little to no experience. Just as you would want to hire an attorney or a CPA for their expert assistance, you should hire a property tax consultant to assist with your protest. We handle the entire process on your behalf, using our extensive knowledge of property valuation methods, local tax laws, and appraisal district procedures to your benefit. Our fees are performance-based, so we are always motivated to pursue the best possible result for you.

Q: How is Gill, Denson & Company different than its competitors?

A: We are a boutique property tax firm that spends more time and resources per client than our competitors. We believe in using a custom-tailored strategy to help lower your property taxes, rather than using a mass appeal approach like many other companies. The mass approach is part of what causes many property tax bills to be so high in the first place. We also make it our primary mission to achieve the best reduction possible, rather than accepting the minimal reduction offered.

Q: How much do your services cost?

A: Our fees are based on performance, so our interests are always aligned with yours. We charge a contingency fee based on your tax savings, not the reduction in assessed value we helped you achieve. To calculate your tax savings, we multiply your last known tax rate by the reduction in assessed value. We then charge 35% (or less if you have multiple properties) of the tax savings.

If we don’t save you money, then our contingency fee is zero. This means we’re motivated to work as hard as possible to maximize your savings, and there’s zero risk for you. For more details, visit our transparent pricing page on our website.

Do you have any more property tax questions? Contact us today by email or by phone, and we’ll be happy to talk with you further.

Ready to book our services and get started on your protest for the next property tax year? Sign up here today!