Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I do this myself? 

Yes, you definitely can protest your property taxes yourself. However, hiring Firmin Law to do this will ensure that all the correct steps are taken without having to take time out of your busy life. Jennifer will prepare the appropriate evidence, including comps for your home, attend your informal hearing, and conduct a formal hearing, if needed, on your behalf. This all takes time and your time is valuable. Hiring Firmin Law will let you enjoy your life.

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Do I need to attend the hearings?

No, you do not need to come to the hearings. All Jennifer needs from you is a signed form which gives her the authority to protest your property taxes for you. Without this filled out form, the signed engagement agreement, and your payment, she cannot represent you.

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Do you need anything from me?

Yes, your signed form, engagement agreement, and payment is required prior to beginning representation. If you have any photos of the condition of your property, those are helpful as well. Additionally, if your contact information changes during Jennifer's representation of you, please let her know.

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Will anyone come out to my house?

If Jennifer feels that she needs to take her own photos of your property, she will coordinate with you to have a Firmin Law staff member come to your home. Sometimes, but very rarely, if the appraisal district feels that there may be a square footage miscalculation, they may need to do a field inspection. Again, this is rare, as the appraisal district is busy during property tax protest season, so the likelihood of them visiting your property is very small. However, if you have photographs of your property that help with showing the condition of your property, please send them by email referencing your property address.

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Is there a deadline?

Yes, the Texas Comptroller imposes a May 31 deadline. Some exceptions may apply.

 

Does protesting my property taxes make it harder to sell my home? 

No. Property tax assessments are different than real estate assessments for the sale of a property. When you choose to sell your home, your licensed real estate professional will be able to guide you in the real estate market and the valuation of your home for sale. Property tax appraisals are a measurement of your property’s worth, but not what people are willing to pay for your home.

 

Is there any risk in hiring you?

Jennifer does not make any claims that guarantee success but she feels confident that she can get a favorable outcome for the clients she represents. It is possible that the appraisal panel could choose to raise property value assessments; however, this is very rarely done. If Jennifer feels that protesting your property taxes is not going to be favorable, she will let you know immediately. If this is the case, and you ask her to stop your protest and withdraw representation, prior to attendance at a hearing, she will refund your money.

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Are your services guaranteed?

Unfortunately, Jennifer cannot guarantee savings. Jennifer feels that her flat fees are reasonable and fair for the time involved in protesting your property taxes. Jennifer will guarantee that she will do her best to reduce your property taxes, but it must be said that not all properties are over-appraised. So if your property is not over-appraised, she cannot reduce your property taxes as they are either correctly valued or already below appraisal values for your area. If, prior to going to a hearing, Jennifer feels your property taxes are appraised appropriately or under-appraised, she will let you know. If you decide to withdraw your protest prior to Jennifer's attendance at a hearing, she will refund your money.