Protesting your property taxes in San Antonio can be done for free if you do it yourself, or you can hire help. Tax consultants typically charge 25 to 50 percent of the first year's savings. Attorneys charge flat fees ranging from $500 to $2,000 per protest. The DIY route costs nothing but your time and is a great option if you have solid evidence and are comfortable presenting it.
DIY Protest: Free
Filing a protest yourself through the Bexar County Appraisal District is completely free. There are no filing fees or administrative costs. You gather your evidence, fill out the protest form online, and attend the hearing. The BCAD website has all the forms and instructions you need. This is the most cost-effective option if you are comfortable researching comparable sales and presenting your case.
Tax Consultants: 25% to 50% of First Year Savings
Tax protest consultants handle the entire process for you in exchange for a percentage of the tax savings they achieve. Most charge between 25 and 50 percent of the first year's reduction. If they save you $500 and charge 40 percent, you pay $200 and keep $300. The advantage is they know the system, have access to better comparable data, and handle all the paperwork. Many consultants also handle renewals automatically each year.
Attorneys: $500 to $2,000 Flat Fee
Real estate attorneys can represent you at formal ARB hearings and handle appeals to district court or binding arbitration. Their fees range from $500 to $2,000 per protest, depending on the complexity of your case and whether it goes to formal hearing or appeal. Attorneys are most useful for high-value properties, commercial properties, or cases where the appraisal district is significantly overvaluing your home and the informal hearing did not resolve it.