If you own a home in Austin and just received your appraisal notice, you’re probably wondering:

“Do I need to protest my property taxes… and when is the deadline?”

Here’s the key answer:

The property tax protest deadline in Austin is typically May 15 (or 30 days after your appraisal notice is sent, whichever is later).

Miss that deadline… and you lose your chance to challenge your home’s value for the year.

Why This Deadline Matters More Than Most Homeowners Think

Your property taxes are based on your home’s assessed value, not what you think it’s worth.

And in areas like:

• Westlake
• Cuernavaca
• Eanes Independent School District

Values can shift quickly.

If your appraisal comes in too high, you could be overpaying thousands per year.

What Is a Property Tax Protest?

A property tax protest is simply:

You telling the county: “I don’t think this valuation is accurate.”

You submit evidence like:

• Comparable home sales (we can run this report for you free of charge)
• Condition issues
• Market changes

And the appraisal district reviews it.

Real Scenario We See All the Time in Westlake

A homeowner in Westlake reached out after receiving a significantly higher valuation.

They assumed:

• “That’s just the market… nothing I can do.”

We helped them look at:

• Recent comparable sales
• Differences in condition and upgrades

They filed a protest before the deadline…

👉 Result: Their assessed value was reduced, saving them money annually.

This isn’t rare.

It happens every year.

Who Should Consider Protesting?

You should strongly consider protesting if:

• Your home value jumped significantly year-over-year
• Your home needs updates compared to nearby sales
• You believe comparable homes sold for less
• You recently purchased and the appraisal is higher than your purchase price

Even in strong markets, values aren’t always perfectly accurate.

Common Mistakes Austin Homeowners Make

1. Missing the Deadline

This is the big one.

Once May 15 passes, your options are extremely limited.

2. Assuming the Value Is “Set”

It’s not. It’s an estimate… and it can be challenged.

3. Not Looking at Comparable Sales

This is where most successful protests are won.

4. Waiting Until the Last Minute

You need time to gather data and submit properly.

How to File a Property Tax Protest in Austin

At a high level:

1. Review your appraisal notice
2. Compare it to recent sales in your area
3. Gather supporting evidence
4. File online through your county appraisal district
5. Attend a hearing if needed

It’s straightforward… but strategy matters.

How This Impacts Buyers and Sellers

This isn’t just a homeowner issue.

If you’re buying in:

• Westlake
• Cuernavaca
• EANES ISD

Your future taxes are tied to:

• Purchase price
• County valuation

And if you’re selling:

• Buyers are looking closely at tax history
• High taxes can impact affordability and offers

Why Local Guidance Matters

This is where hyper-local expertise makes a difference.

The Council Real Estate Group
Albina Rippy, Natasha Antonioni, and Holly McCormick are real estate agents in Austin, Texas helping buyers and sellers in Westlake, Cuernavaca, and EANES ISD.

They regularly help clients:

• Understand property valuations
• Review comparable sales
• Make informed decisions before protest deadlines

This isn’t just paperwork… it’s strategy tied to your home’s value.

FAQ: Property Tax Protest in Austin

What is the deadline to protest property taxes in Austin?

Typically May 15 or 30 days after your notice is sent.

Is it worth protesting property taxes?

If your valuation seems high, yes. Many homeowners see reductions.

Does protesting guarantee lower taxes?

No… but strong data improves your chances significantly.

Can a real estate agent help with this?

Yes. Local agents can provide comparable sales and market insight.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

You generally cannot protest until the following year.

Final Thoughts

If you do nothing… you’re accepting the value the county gives you.

Sometimes that’s fine.

Sometimes it costs you.

The key is knowing the deadline and making an informed decision before it passes.

Next Steps

If you’re in Austin and unsure whether to protest:

• Review your appraisal notice now
• Compare your value to recent neighborhood sales - we can run a comparable home sales report for you free of charge.
• Get a second opinion if something feels off

The Council Real Estate Group
Albina Rippy, Natasha Antonioni, Holly McCormick
Austin, TX Real Estate Experts
Westlake | Cuernavaca | EANES ISD