Deadline to protest taxes approaches

SMITH COUNTY — Friday is the final deadline for Texas property owners to protest their tax bill and the Smith County Appraisal District is seeing hundreds of people try to file a dispute last-minute. Experts like S.T.A.R. Tax Protest CTO Deric McCurry have said property owners who file a protest may be able to lower their assessed value and save money on taxes, potentially making their home more attractive to buyers. McCurry recommends requesting an appraisal review board hearing for a better chance at a settlement.

“If you’re looking for maximum saving before going in front of an appraisal review board, provide evidence of things like condition documentation on your home and comparable sales that have happened,” McCurry said.

Appraisal districts like the one in Smith County do offer review hearings, but with time running out Chief Appraiser Carol McNeil said property owners are better off filing online immediately then scheduling a follow-up appointment.

“At this point with the deadline being tomorrow, we’re encouraging property owners to go ahead and file your protest online so you don’t miss the deadline,” McNeil said.

Property owners are advised to get their protest in the system to avoid risking a late filing fee.

“They can drop off their protest, they can mail in their protest as long as we have it hear by the fifteenth,” McNeil said.

McNeil said wait times are usually longer in the later part of the day, so officials urge filers to check their local appraisal district’s website before leaving.