Better Homeowners
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Answers to an Inaccurate Property Tax Assessment - 7/30/2025

Each year, homeowners receive a notification of their property tax assessment, which, when combined with the local tax rate, determines how much they owe in property taxes. While this process is meant to fairly reflect a home's value, assessments are not always accurate. If the valuation is incorrect, homeowners may end up paying more than they should. Fortunately, you have the right to challenge the assessment if you believe it is inaccurate.

Here are some of the most common reasons a property tax assessment may be incorrect:

  1. Overvaluation - Assessors estimate your home's market value, but if they overvalue it, your taxes will be higher than necessary. This can happen if they rely on outdated or incomplete data or if home values in your area have declined since the last assessment.
  2. Errors in Property Information - Mistakes in the assessor's records can lead to an inflated value. Common errors include incorrect square footage, an inaccurate number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or outdated details about renovations and improvements. If the records show more features than your home actually has, you may be paying too much in taxes.
  3. Comparable Sales Discrepancies - If similar homes in your neighborhood are assessed at a lower value, your home's assessment may not be consistent with market trends. Assessors use comparable properties to determine value, but if they fail to factor in differences—such as location, lot size, or condition—it could lead to an unfairly high assessment.
  4. Market Value Decline - Real estate markets fluctuate, and if your property's value has dropped since the last assessment, your tax bill may not reflect the change. Assessors do not always adjust values quickly enough to keep up with market shifts.
  5. Damage or Deterioration - If your home has suffered significant damage—such as structural issues, fire damage, or foundation problems—it could be worth less than its assessed value. If these factors aren't considered, you may be overpaying.
  6. Incorrect Classification - If your home is classified incorrectly—such as being assessed as commercial property instead of residential—it can result in a much higher tax bill.
  7. Exemptions Not Applied - Many homeowners qualify for tax exemptions, such as homestead, senior citizen, or veteran exemptions. If these were not applied, your tax bill could be higher than it should be.

If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect, you have the right to challenge it. This typically involves gathering evidence, such as recent comparable home sales, correcting errors in the property records, or providing proof of market decline or damage.

Your real estate agent can be a valuable resource in this process. They can help you find comparable sales data and provide insights into market trends. If you have questions about your property's value or the process of appealing your tax assessment, reach out to your agent—they're there to help!

Amanda Robins C2EX, AHWD, CPS Keebaugh and Company Longview, TX (903) 445-6940 647221 I am proud to be a part of a select group of real estate professionals at Keebaugh and Company, where I can serve all of your real estate needs. As a Broker Associate, a member of the National Association of Realtors and Texas Realtors, I believe in and uphold a strict Code of Ethics. As a tech savvy agent who is ready to provide you with the advantage you deserve, your satisfaction is my priority. Buying or selling real estate is the biggest transaction most people will undertake in their life, and it should not be taken lightly. If you are looking for someone who can offer personalized care with integrity to provide results you can count on, it would be my pleasure to assist you. My goal is to remain committed to providing excellent and comprehensive service. Because buying or selling a home is a major financial commitment and lifestyle decision, you should select a real estate sales agent that has a proven reputation for excellence. I am a consistent multi-million-dollar top-producing agent with the knowledge and expertise that hundreds of training hours afford. Guiding clients toward a successful sale requires attention to detail, communication, consistent follow through and efficiency. Personal: I am married to Larry, we have 2 daughters, and our home cheers on the Spring Hill Panthers. I am a transplant from the DFW metroplex but have made East Texas my home since 2005. Community Involvement: My job would be so difficult without the trust and confidence of members of my community. Therefore, I believe in reciprocating that support by giving back to our local community. Our whole family serves in various programs at our church. I am a member of the Spring Hill ISD PTA, serve as a room mom and volunteer at the Intermediate campus. I am a Photography Assistant for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, which provides remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby. I also serve on the Longview Area Association of Realtor’s Board of Directors, currently serving as Vice-Chair; I chair the association’s MLS Committee and sit on the Texas Realtors’ Professional Standards Committee. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter