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If you are dissatisfied with an ARB’s rulings, you have the right to appeal the ARB’s decision by filing a lawsuit against the appraisal district in state district court. Harris Law utilizes a strategic approach in prosecuting tax appraisal cases to diligently protect your rights, while maximizing the overall savings to the property. Harris Law also represents commercial property owners in arbitrations, which serves as an alternative avenue for smaller commercial properties, or when the amount in dispute does not justify litigation. 

One of your most essential rights as a Texas taxpayer is the right to protest appraisal district determinations to the county appraisal review board (ARB). If the appraised value of your commercial property is excessive, or if your property is appraised unequally compared to similar properties, you can challenge the appraised value by filing a protest with the ARB. Our attorneys have successfully handled thousands of commercial property tax protests to ARBs throughout Texas and are ready to fight for your property. 

It is important to anticipate future tax consequences and to develop a plan specifically tailored to minimize your property’s future property tax liability.  For example, a prospective buyer may want to know the potential impact the purchase will have on the property’s future tax liability. Similarly, a developer may want to plan for the tax consequences associated with converting agricultural land to a planned development over time. We can help identify your property’s tax vulnerabilities and establish an appropriate plan of action to maximize your future tax savings.

Texas offers a variety of partial and total property tax exemptions, including religious and charitable organization exemptions, exemptions for certain organizations improving or constructing low or moderate-income housing, and others. Tax exemption requirements are extensive, and the consequences are harsh when a property owner fails to file an application on time. Further, appraisal district chief appraisers determine whether a property qualifies for an exemption, and they don’t always get it right for a variety of reasons. The attorneys at Harris Law understand the legal requirements necessary to receive an exemption, and they will work hard to ensure your property receives the exemption it qualifies for.

Qualifying land used for agricultural purposes is eligible to be taxed based on its productive capacity, which offers substantial tax benefits. Whether you are a property owner looking to have your land valued based on its agricultural production, or a prospective buyer looking to purchase a property currently used for agricultural purposes, it is important to understand the benefits and consequences involved with this type of special appraisal.  Issues that often arise with ag properties include whether the property is currently being used to the degree and intensity accepted in the area, whether a change of use has occurred, and dealing with roll-back taxes. Harris Law can help you successfully obtain all types of special appraisals, including special appraisals for agricultural, open-space, timberland, and wildlife management uses. We will also advocate for your property when a special appraisal is wrongfully denied.

Our attorneys have drafted significant legislation on behalf of both commercial and residential property owners.  When drafting legislation to fix an issue with the Texas Property Tax Code, the primary consideration is to create a cohesive and effective solution.  If you have a specific issue that you would like to discuss, we would be happy to speak with you about drafting the solution.