Every year, millions of Texas homeowners receive their Notice of Appraised Value and wonder: is it worth protesting? The short answer: almost always yes. The vast majority of Texas homeowners who protest their property taxes get a reduction, and the average savings can be significant.
Average Property Tax Savings by County
Savings vary significantly by county and property value. Here's what typical homeowners save across major Texas counties:
| County | Median Home Value | Avg. Tax Reduction | Estimated Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris (Houston) | $285,000 | $18,000–$30,000 | $450–$750 |
| Dallas | $320,000 | $20,000–$40,000 | $500–$1,000 |
| Bexar (San Antonio) | $275,000 | $15,000–$35,000 | $400–$900 |
| Travis (Austin) | $475,000 | $25,000–$60,000 | $650–$1,500 |
| Tarrant (Fort Worth) | $310,000 | $18,000–$35,000 | $450–$900 |
| Collin (Plano/McKinney) | $450,000 | $25,000–$55,000 | $600–$1,400 |
| $500K+ Properties | $500,000+ | $30,000–$80,000+ | $800–$2,000+ |
Note: Savings are estimates based on typical protest outcomes and local tax rates of 2.0–2.5%. Individual results vary based on property condition, evidence, and market conditions.
How Savings Are Calculated
Your property tax savings come from reducing your appraised value. Here's the simple math:
📊 Savings Formula:
(Value Reduction) × (Local Tax Rate) = Annual Tax Savings
Example: $25,000 reduction × 2.5% tax rate = $625/year in savings
Most Texas counties have combined tax rates (county + city + school + special districts) between 2.0% and 2.8%. That means even a modest $15,000 reduction saves you $300–$420 per year — and those savings compound every year you keep your value lower.
What Affects How Much You Can Save?
1. Your Property Value
Higher-value homes tend to have more room for reduction. A home appraised at $500,000 might see a $40,000–$60,000 reduction, while a $250,000 home might see $15,000–$25,000.
2. How Aggressively Your County Appraised
Some counties push values higher than others. In 2025, Travis County and Collin County were particularly aggressive, creating more opportunity for protests.
3. Your Evidence Quality
Strong comparable sales data is the #1 factor. Professional services like OverAssessed have access to MLS data and comp analysis tools that produce better evidence than most homeowners can gather on their own.
4. Market Conditions
In areas where the market has cooled or stabilized, there's often a gap between BCAD/HCAD's mass appraisal and actual market values — creating significant protest opportunity.
DIY vs. Professional Protest: Savings Comparison
| Factor | DIY Protest | Professional (OverAssessed) |
|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | ~65% | ~85%+ |
| Average Reduction | $10,000–$20,000 | $20,000–$45,000 |
| Average Tax Savings | $250–$500/yr | $500–$1,125/yr |
| Time Investment | 5–15 hours | ~15 minutes (sign up) |
| Upfront Cost | $0 | $0 |
| Fee | None | 20% of savings (only if we win) |
Real Savings Examples
📝 Note: These are representative examples based on typical client outcomes. Individual results vary based on property specifics and local market conditions.
The 5-Year Savings Effect
Here's what makes protesting so powerful: your savings compound. When you reduce your appraised value in 2026, that lower baseline carries forward. With Texas's 10% homestead cap, a successful protest today can save you money for years to come.
How to Get Your Free Savings Estimate
Want to know exactly how much you could save? It takes less than 2 minutes:
- Submit your property information through our free intake form
- We analyze your property — pulling comps, reviewing market data, and assessing your protest potential
- Get your savings estimate — we'll tell you exactly what we think we can save you
- We handle everything — filing, evidence, hearings. You just save money.
Find Out How Much You Can Save
Get your free property tax savings estimate in under 2 minutes. No upfront cost, no obligation.
Get Free Savings Estimate →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free to get a savings estimate?
Yes, completely free. We analyze your property at no cost. If you decide to use our service, we only charge 20% of your actual tax savings — and only if we succeed. If we don't save you money, you pay nothing.
What if my property taxes already seem reasonable?
Even if your taxes seem fair, it's worth checking. Appraisal districts use mass appraisal methods that often don't account for property-specific factors. Many homeowners who think their assessment is fine are surprised to find savings.
Can I protest even if my home value went down?
Absolutely. In fact, if market values in your area have declined but your appraisal went up, you have an especially strong case for protest.
How long does the process take?
The protest process typically takes 2-4 months from filing to resolution. Your time commitment with OverAssessed is minimal — about 15 minutes to sign up and provide property details. We handle everything else.