Every year, Bexar County homeowners receive their Notice of Appraised Value and think:

“That seems high.”

And sometimes, it is.

Protesting your property taxes can be a smart financial decision – but the way you approach it matters. Small mistakes can reduce your chances of success or leave money on the table.

Here are five common mistakes to avoid.

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1. Missing the Deadline

This sounds simple, but it happens every year.

In Bexar County, protests must typically be filed by the deadline listed on your Notice of Appraised Value (often May 15, or 30 days after the notice is mailed – whichever is later).

Waiting too long eliminates your opportunity entirely.

Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll move forward, file the protest first. You can always withdraw later.

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2. Arguing Emotion Instead of Evidence

The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) does not base decisions on:

• How long you’ve lived in the home
• How much you’ve already paid in taxes
• Whether you “feel” the value is too high

They base decisions on evidence.

Strong protests rely on:

• Comparable sales
• Adjusted market data
• Photos of condition issues (if applicable)
• Documentation of defects or needed repairs

This is a data-driven process, not a debate.

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3. Using Inaccurate or Irrelevant Comparables

Not all comparable sales are created equal.

Common mistakes include:

• Using homes from different neighborhoods
• Using sales outside the relevant time frame
• Comparing remodeled homes to original-condition homes
• Ignoring square footage differences

Comparable sales need to be:

• Recent
• Similar in size and condition
• Within the same or similar market area

This is where having access to MLS data can make a difference. A Realtor can help pull accurate comparable sales if needed.

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4. Accepting the Informal Offer Without Evaluating It

After filing a protest, many homeowners receive an informal settlement offer.

Sometimes the reduction is reasonable.
Sometimes it’s not.

One mistake homeowners make is assuming the informal value is the best they can do.

If the data supports a stronger case, moving forward to a formal ARB hearing may be worth considering.

The hearing process is structured and professional – not confrontational. Evidence is submitted, both sides present their case, and the panel makes a decision.

Preparation matters more than confidence.

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5. Failing to Prepare for the Hearing

If you proceed to a formal hearing, preparation is critical.

That means:

• Submitting evidence before the deadline
• Organizing comparable sales clearly
• Having documentation ready
• Understanding how your property differs from higher-priced homes

One helpful strategy is choosing whether to present first or second during the hearing. Some homeowners prefer to present second so they can respond directly to the district’s evidence.

Being prepared – not reactive – often leads to better outcomes.

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A Realistic Perspective

You can hire a company to handle your protest.

But you don’t have to.

Many Bexar County homeowners successfully protest their property taxes on their own with organized documentation and solid comparable data.

If you need help pulling recent comparable sales from your neighborhood, I’m happy to assist. Having accurate data is one of the most important parts of the process.

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The Bottom Line

Protesting your property taxes is not about arguing – it’s about presenting evidence.

Avoiding these common mistakes can improve your chances of receiving a fair outcome.

The process may feel intimidating at first, but with preparation and the right information, it becomes much more manageable.

Jennifer Anderson is a San Antonio Realtor providing local market insights with a focus on far west side neighborhoods and the needs of military and relocating families. She helps clients interpret market data in practical terms so they can make confident buying and selling decisions.