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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 This can happen if they rely on outdated or incomplete data or if home values in your area have declined since the last assessment.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 Common errors include incorrect square footage, an inaccurate number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or outdated details about renovations and improvements.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!

Colleen Pye Realtor CRS SRES RE/MAX Elite Properties Tomball, TX (281) 932-2784 Realtor 529730 Home Buying and Selling as EASY as Pye**—that’s more than a motto for Colleen Pye; it’s her mission. With over 21 years of experience in residential real estate, Colleen brings skill, heart, and a personal touch to every transaction. Whether helping first-time buyers, seasoned sellers, or real estate investors, she delivers trusted guidance with a commitment to making the process smooth and successful. Based in Tomball and proudly serving the Greater Houston area, Colleen holds multiple professional designations, including **SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist)**, **CDPE**, **CRS**, **EPRO**, and **QSC**. Her background and certifications enable her to assist a wide range of clients—from retirees transitioning to the next chapter, to investors growing their portfolios. Colleen has called Tomball home for over a decade, living in a lovingly built custom home with her husband in the heart of downtown. She’s a familiar and trusted face in the community, serving as an **Ambassador for the Tomball Chamber of Commerce**, a **Planning & Zoning Commissioner for the City of Tomball**, and an active member of the **Heart of Tomball Alliance**. Outside of real estate, Colleen enjoys **sourdough baking, home cooking, gardening**, and giving back through volunteer work. Her blend of professionalism, local insight, and genuine care make her a go-to partner for anyone looking to buy, sell, or invest in the Tomball area. #tomball #realtor #homeselling #topagent #remax #tomballtx #movingtoHouston #lease Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter