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Proactive Appeal Prep – Say that 3 Times Fast

The new year brings fresh opportunities for commercial property owners to reassess their tax strategies—especially in Texas, where property taxes can represent one of the most significant operating expenses. With May appeal deadlines approaching, now is the perfect time to evaluate your property valuations and ensure you’re not overpaying.

In TX, May 15th (or 30 days after your assessment notice) marks the typical appeal deadline.

Why Are Commercial Property Taxes on the Rise?

Over the past several years, Texas has experienced significant commercial real estate growth across multiple sectors, including multi-family, industrial, retail, office, and hospitality. With a booming economy and increased demand, property valuations have surged. However, these increases don’t always reflect true market conditions, particularly in areas experiencing:

Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, & Central Texas remain among the top markets for industrial real estate in the U.S.

High vacancy rates (especially in office and retail spaces)

  • Changing economic demand for lodging and hospitality post-pandemic
  • Local market shifts impacting multi-family and industrial valuations
  • Many property owners assume these assessments are final—but they are not. County appraisal districts often rely on mass valuation methods, which can fail to consider the nuances of your specific property or market dynamics.
The market has noted higher vacancy rates among office & retail in prior years with rebounds expected

Why Review Now? Timing is Everything

Appealing your commercial property taxes is time-sensitive. In Texas, May 15th (or 30 days after your assessment notice) marks the typical appeal deadline. Waiting until the last minute could leave you without adequate time to build a strong case for a reduced valuation. With tax bills due in October – deciding then will render you ineligible to appeal.

Here’s what an early review provides:

  • Time to identify inaccuracies in assessments
  • Data-driven strategies using market comparables, income approaches, and valuation trends
  • Preparation for negotiations with appraisal districts to achieve fair outcomes
  • Acting early also means you can budget and forecast tax savings with confidence, optimizing cash flow for the rest of the year.
Brian DePotter, Managing Partner, reviews successful appeal results for an office property in Harris County

The Impact of Overpaying on Property Taxes

Overvaluations can cost commercial property owners tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in unnecessary tax expenses. This impacts your:

  • Net operating income (NOI) and overall asset value
  • Ability to reinvest in property improvements or new acquisitions
  • Competitiveness in the market if operating costs remain high
  • For property owners with large portfolios or those managing multiple asset classes, small inaccuracies across properties can add up quickly. A proactive review safeguards your bottom line.

How FirstPointe Advisors Can Help

At FirstPointe Advisors, we specialize in helping commercial property owners reduce their property tax burdens by:

  • Identifying inaccuracies in mass appraisal methods
  • Leveraging deep market expertise in Texas to build compelling appeal cases
  • Providing customized strategies for multi-family, industrial, office, retail, and hospitality sectors
  • Managing the entire appeal process on your behalf—from filing to negotiation
Team FPA gathering in our Dallas Office to review market trends

We understand that no two properties are alike. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of high office vacancies, shifting retail demand, or evolving hospitality trends, our team is equipped to ensure your property taxes reflect fair market value.

Take Action Now to Protect Your Bottom Line

With the May deadline approaching, the time to act is today. Reviewing your property valuations now allows you to prepare and file strong appeals, ensuring you’re not leaving money on the table. Once notices are issued in April – only 30 days are offered to file an appeal.

2550 Pacific Ave. Suite 700 – #7262
Dallas, TX 75226
Main: 214.253.0056
info@first-pointe.com

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Connect with FirstPointe Advisors to start your property tax review today. Let us help you identify opportunities for savings and position your assets for long-term financial success.

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