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How to Fight Your Property Taxes in El Paso, Texas, and Win

If you’re a property owner in El Paso, Texas, chances are you’ve seen your property taxes increase over the years. Often, these increases stem from the El Paso Central Appraisal District (EPCAD)’s assessment of your property’s value. But what if you think their valuation is incorrect?

Challenging your property taxes might sound daunting, but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be. A professional appraisal, like the ones provided by Lemmon Appraisal, can make all the difference. Here's how to effectively protest your property valuation and save money on your taxes.

Understanding the Appraisal Notice

The process begins with your Notice of Appraised Value. Each year, typically in April or May, EPCAD sends you this notice, which details the market value they’ve assigned to your property as of January 1st. This valuation directly impacts the property taxes you’ll pay.

Here’s what you need to do as soon as you receive your notice:

• Review the details carefully. Check for any errors in property descriptions, such as incorrect square footage, lot size, or improvements.

• Determine if the value aligns with what you believe your property is worth. Does it feel inflated compared to similar homes in your neighborhood?

If anything appears off, you have the right to challenge the valuation. But the key to a successful protest is evidence—and that’s where Lemmon Appraisal comes in.

Why an Independent Appraisal Matters

Before challenging EPCAD’s valuation, it’s crucial to have your own professional and independent appraisal. Lemmon Appraisal provides comprehensive property assessments that include:

• Accurate Valuations: Our reports reflect the fair market value of your property based on recent comparable sales, condition, and unique features.

• Detailed Documentation: Each appraisal is supported with photos, repair estimates, and reports of any issues like damage that EPCAD may have overlooked.

• Property Photos documenting any wear and tear, outdated features, or damage that could lower your property’s value.

• Repair Estimates for significant issues such as roof damage or foundation problems.

• Comparable Sales Data showing properties similar to yours that sold recently for less than EPCAD’s valuation.

Additionally, request EPCAD’s evidence to understand how they arrived at your valuation. This will help you anticipate their arguments and refine your case.

Lemmon Appraisal’s detailed documentation significantly strengthens your argument, reducing the likelihood of pushback from EPCAD.

Step-by-Step Guide to Protesting EPCAD’s Valuation

1. Understand Your Appraisal Notice

• Each year, EPCAD sends out a Notice of Appraised Value, typically in April or May, detailing the market value they’ve assigned to your property as of January 1st. Review this notice carefully to see if it aligns with your appraisal or if it seems inflated.
• Check for errors (e.g., incorrect square footage, lot size, or property features) that could affect the valuation.

2. Obtain an Independent Appraisal

• Hire a licensed appraiser to conduct an independent appraisal of your property. This should reflect the fair market value based on comparable sales, condition, and other relevant factors as close to January 1st of the tax year as possible.
• Ensure the appraisal is detailed, includes photos, and compares your property to similar properties (comps) in your area that have sold recently. This will serve as your primary evidence.

3. File a Notice of Protest

• Submit a Notice of Protest to EPCAD. The deadline is May 15th or 30 days from the date on your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later.
• You can file online via the EPCAD website (epcad.org) using their digital protest form, or download Form 50-132 from the Texas Comptroller’s website, fill it out, and submit it by mail or in person to:
  • El Paso Central Appraisal District 5801 Trowbridge Dr. El Paso, TX 79925
• Specify that you’re protesting the “market value” of your property and mention you have an appraisal to support your claim.

4. Submit Your Evidence

• Gather supporting documents, including:

• Your independent appraisal report.
• Photos of your property showing any issues (e.g., damage, outdated features) that might lower its value compared to EPCAD’s assessment.
• Any repair estimates or documentation of conditions not reflected in EPCAD’s records.

• You can request the evidence EPCAD used to determine your value by contacting them—this helps you understand their position and counter it effectively.
• Submitt your evidence online at EPcad.org.

By following these steps and using your appraisal as evidence, you can effectively challenge your property taxes in El Paso.

The Benefits of Using Lemmon Appraisal

Reliable Expertise

Lemmon Appraisal specializes in property valuation and has an excellent track record of helping El Paso homeowners reduce their taxes.

Tailored Reports

Our appraisals are customized for protests, including all necessary documentation to convince the ARB of your property's actual value.

Seamless Process

We guide you through every step, from obtaining your property appraisal to submitting evidence and preparing for your hearing.

Proven Results

Many of our clients have successfully had their property valuations—and their taxes—reduced after using Lemmon Appraisal.

Closing the Deal: Final Steps After Your Protest

If the ARB sides in your favor, you’ll receive a revised valuation for your property, leading to lower property taxes. Just make sure to keep the following in mind:

• Continue to review future assessment notices carefully, as values can be adjusted annually.

• Regularly maintain and photograph your property to document significant changes that could impact future valuations.

Finally, remember that Lemmon Appraisal is always here to assist. Whether you need a new appraisal for next year or help addressing additional concerns, we’re only a call away.

Save Money and Take Control of Your Property Taxes Today

Managing your taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Lemmon Appraisal’s professional guidance, you can challenge your property valuations confidently and effectively.

Are you ready to take the first step? Contact Lemmon Appraisal today and ensure you’re paying only your fair share. Visit our website or call us to schedule your independent property appraisal.