Homeowner Guide
Protest your
property taxes.
El Paso County homeowners pay some of the highest property tax rates in Texas. A step-by-step guide to filing a protest, what evidence to bring, and how much you can realistically save.
Step by Step
The protest
timeline
Appraisal District Assesses Value
The El Paso Central Appraisal District (EPCAD) determines the appraised value of every property in El Paso County. They use recent sales data, property condition, and market trends. You do not need to do anything during this period — just be aware it is happening.
Notice of Appraised Value Mailed
EPCAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value, which shows your property's new appraised value for the year. This is the number used to calculate your tax bill. Review it carefully — if the appraised value increased, your tax bill will increase proportionally.
File Your Protest
You must file a written protest with EPCAD by the deadline on your notice (typically May 15 or 30 days after the notice date, whichever is later). You can file online at the EPCAD website, in person at 5801 Trowbridge Dr, or by mail. Filing is free — there is no cost to protest.
Informal Hearing
EPCAD offers an informal review before your formal hearing. An appraiser reviews your evidence and may offer a settlement. Many protests are resolved at this stage. Come prepared with comparable sales data, photos of property condition issues, and any repair estimates.
ARB Formal Hearing
If the informal hearing does not resolve your protest, you proceed to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This is a panel hearing where you present your evidence and EPCAD presents theirs. The ARB makes a binding decision. You can represent yourself — no attorney is required.
Build Your Case
What evidence
to bring
Your protest is only as strong as your evidence. Focus on these four categories to build a compelling case.
Comparable Sales (Comps)
Pull 3 to 5 recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. Focus on homes that sold for less than your appraised value. Use the same subdivision, similar square footage, and similar age. EPCAD primarily uses sales data, so strong comps are your most powerful tool. ProGen Real Estate can pull MLS comps for you.
Photos of Property Condition
Document any issues that reduce your home's value — foundation cracks, aging roof, outdated systems, flood damage, or deferred maintenance. Take clear, dated photos. The appraisal district values your home based on an assumed average condition. If your home is below average, photos prove it.
Repair Estimates
Get written estimates from contractors for any major repairs your home needs. A $12,000 foundation repair estimate or a $8,500 roof replacement quote directly supports a lower valuation. Even informal estimates from licensed contractors carry weight.
Unequal Appraisal (Equity) Argument
Texas law allows you to argue that your home is appraised higher than similar properties. Pull the appraised values (not market values) of comparable homes from the EPCAD website. If your neighbors' homes are appraised at $210K and yours at $240K for a similar size and condition, that is a strong equity argument.
Real Savings
How much can
you save?
Based on El Paso County's effective property tax rate of approximately 2.1%.
Appraised Value
$250,000 → $220,000
$630/yr
A $30K reduction at a 2.1% effective tax rate saves roughly $630 per year. Over five years, that is $3,150 back in your pocket.
Appraised Value
$300,000 → $265,000
$735/yr
A $35K reduction saves approximately $735 annually. This is common for homes in neighborhoods where values have plateaued but assessments kept climbing.
Appraised Value
$180,000 → $160,000
$420/yr
Even a $20K reduction on a more modest home saves $420 per year — enough to cover a month of utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Property tax protest
questions answered
Is it worth protesting property taxes in El Paso?
Yes, almost always. Over 50% of property tax protests in Texas result in some reduction. Filing is free, and the worst outcome is that your value stays the same — it cannot go up as a result of your protest. Even a modest $15,000 to $25,000 reduction saves $315 to $525 per year at El Paso's effective tax rate. There is very little risk and meaningful potential savings.
Do I need to hire a company to protest for me?
No. You can protest your own property taxes at no cost. The process is straightforward — file online, gather comps and photos, attend the informal hearing. However, if you are uncomfortable presenting evidence or do not have time, property tax protest companies charge a contingency fee (usually 33% to 40% of the first year's savings). ProGen Real Estate can help you pull comparable sales data at no charge.
What is the deadline to file a property tax protest in El Paso?
The deadline is typically May 15 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. The exact deadline is printed on your notice. File as early as possible to get an earlier hearing date. You can file online at the EPCAD website (epcad.org), in person at 5801 Trowbridge Dr, El Paso TX 79925, or by mail.
Can I protest my property taxes every year?
Yes. Texas law allows you to protest your property taxes every single year, and there is no penalty for repeated protests. Many El Paso homeowners protest annually as a matter of routine. Even in years when values are rising, a protest can slow the rate of increase. Your appraised value can only increase by up to 10% per year on your homestead thanks to the Texas homestead cap.
Need Comps for Your Protest?
We pull the data
you need.
ProGen Real Estate provides comparable sales data to El Paso homeowners at no charge. Use real MLS comps to build a stronger protest case.
ProGen Real Estate · Josue R. Jimenez, Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker · TREC #619091