If you think the appraised value of your house is higher than comparable houses in the neighborhood, you can protest the Harris County Appraisal District's numbers. The district appraises property in Harris County for 500 taxing units, including school districts and municipal utility districts. Here are some tips. This is the deadline to file protests for the year. If you believe your house has been appraised at a higher percentage than its true market value or than your neighbor's, then file an unequal appraisal protest.
Most people fight their property taxes on the basis that the district overvalued their property.
You also will find detailed instructions on protesting property taxes. The sales price will work as an independent indicator of the market value if you bought the house within the past year. Otherwise, hire an appraiser. If you just go in and ask for a reduction, you'll be frustrated. But if you protest your taxes armed with documents and evidence, there's a good chance you'll get a reduction, partially because the district is flooded with requests and because an appraisal is not an exact science.