property tax protest

[Travis Buck]

2 questions....

1) If I purchased a house a few months ago that is well under the county's valuation, can I take my closing docs into the protest and show them that is what the property is worth?  And will the county lower the valuation to that amount?

2) What are some fool proof strategies to get the county to lower you valuation. One of my properties jumped over $22k!!! That might not be alot to some folks, but it sure is to me.

Thanks Y'ALL

[Michael Rice]

#1 yes. The protest is done online and you should be able to upload those docs for review. Also include photos and anything else you think will help drive home your point. It will be hard for them to argue with you about the value considering you paid less than they say its worth. That doesnt mean they have to lower it though.

#2 Pictures of it showing how dated it is or work it needs to make it worth what you think its worth rather than what they think its worth. Another strategy is to use a professional service to go to bat for you. Here in San Antonio you might try Ball Property Tax Services. I think they only charge you based on how much they save you.