"I already won. Why bother?"
This is the most expensive myth in Texas property taxes. Your victory last year doesn't protect you this year. In fact, not protesting after a win often erases the savings you fought for.
The Ratchet Effect
Think of your appraised value like a ratchet—it only goes up. When you skip a year, the county catches you up to where they think you should be.
Result: By skipping just two years, you went from a $400K value to $594K. That's $194K in lost ground—and roughly $4,850 more in annual taxes.
"But I Have a Homestead Cap!"
Texas homestead caps limit your taxable value increases to 10% per year. But here's what most people miss:
Appraised vs. Taxable
The cap applies to your taxable value. Your appraised value can jump as high as the county wants—and that gap becomes your future liability.
The Gap Compounds
If your appraised value is $100K above your capped value, the county will catch you up at 10% per year. That's a decade of guaranteed increases.
When You Sell
The cap doesn't transfer. New buyers inherit the full appraised value—making your property less competitive if it carries a massive hidden tax liability.
Renovations Reset
Major improvements can trigger a full re-appraisal at market value. Keeping your appraised value low protects you when you upgrade your kitchen.
The Cost of Complacency
| Year | Protested Annually | Skipped Years 2-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $400,000 | $400,000 |
| Year 2 | $415,000 | $480,000 |
| Year 3 | $425,000 | $528,000 |
| Year 4 | $440,000 | $580,800 |
| Year 5 | $450,000 | $600,000 |
| 5-Year Tax Paid | $51,500 | $64,720 |
Bottom line: Consistent annual protests saved $13,220 over five years—and the gap only widens over time.
The Simple Rule
Protest. Every. Single. Year.
Even if you think you won't win. Even if it feels pointless. Even if you're capped. The county is counting on you to skip—don't give them the satisfaction.
Don't Let Your Win Slip Away
PropTaxAI makes annual protests effortless. We remember your comps, track your history, and file before the deadline—every year.
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