By Melissa Lowery Gallagher, The Gallagher Firm PLLC
Property tax bills for Tarrant and Parker counties are out. If yours made you wince, you’re not alone. The May protest deadline has passed, but you may still have options. Here’s what to check before you pay.
Step 1: Check your exemptions
Look at the exemptions listed on your bill. Missing exemptions are one of the most common reasons a bill is too high.
- Homestead. If you live in the home, you should see it.
- Over 65 or disabled. These add more savings and freeze your school taxes.
- Disabled veteran. These can cut your bill a lot, or wipe it out.
Missing one? You can often file late for a past year and get a refund. Call your appraisal district (TAD or Parker CAD), or call me.
Step 2: Is the value way off?
Missed the May 15 protest deadline? Texas law still lets you fix some errors.
- Big over-appraisal. If the appraisal district’s value on your home is more than one-fourth too high, you can ask the review board to correct it. That’s one-third for other property. You must file before the tax bill is due, and a 10% penalty applies if you win.
- Clerical errors. A records typo, a pool or building that doesn’t exist, or your home counted twice. These can often be fixed for past years too.
These motions have strict rules. A quick review can tell you if you qualify.
Step 3: Pay on time and plan ahead
Pay by the due date, even if you’re challenging the value. Bills are normally due January 31. In 2027 that falls on a Sunday, so the deadline moves to Monday, February 1 (Texas Tax Code ยง1.06). Penalties and interest start the day after.
Then mark your calendar. Next year’s value notices arrive in April, and the protest deadline is usually May 15. A protest is your best shot at a lower bill.
Think your bill is too high?
The Gallagher Firm helps Tarrant and Parker County homeowners lower their property taxes. Call or text me at (817) 494-0440, or email [email protected]. Every year from April 15 to 30, when value notices arrive, I offer a free review.
This post is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.