Not all property tax firms offer the same level of service. O’Connor combines experienced tax professionals with personalized support designed to give property owners more than a standard, one-size-fits-all approach.
When property owners decide to protest their property taxes, they have several options. Some companies offer a largely automated process while others provide more personalized support throughout the appeal process.
So, what do you look for when choosing a property tax protest company?
Experience, personal service, property-tailored knowledge, and a drive to pursue every available opportunity can make all the difference. At O’Connor, these principles are at the center of how we serve our clients.
Personalized Service Makes a Difference
Property tax protests involve more than submitting paperwork. Every property has its own characteristics, and every property owner’s situation is different.
That’s why O’Connor provides every client with a dedicated client success consultant. Instead of relying solely on an automated system or speaking with a different customer service representative each time a question arises, clients have a consistent point of contact who gets to know them and their property.
Your consultant can answer questions, help coordinate your case, and advocate on your behalf with hearing agents and other members of the O’Connor team.
It’s a more personal approach to property tax representation. That’s just how we do business.
A Close-Up of Your Property
For many Texas clients, O’Connor also offers personalized concierge property visits. An O’Connor representative can visit your home or business to gain firsthand knowledge of the property.
Why does that matter?
An appraisal record doesn’t always tell the whole story. A property may have deferred maintenance or other characteristics that can affect its value. A concierge visit gives our representative an opportunity to identify and document issues that may not have been evident from appraisal records.
Our representatives can also review your property for potentially applicable exemptions.
By seeing the property firsthand, O’Connor can develop a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding your assessment.
Experience You Can Rely On
O’Connor has been in business since 1974. Over the years, our team has developed extensive knowledge of the property tax system. Our agents, appraisers, and other professionals bring years of experience to the process, giving clients access to a team that understands the complexities of property taxation.
Experience matters because property tax protests can involve different types of properties, appraisal issues, evidence, and appeal procedures. As a company with a long history in the industry, we’ve had the opportunity to work through a wide range of situations.
Going Beyond the Initial Appeal
Another important consideration is what happens if an initial property tax protest doesn’t produce the reduction you believe is warranted.
O’Connor aggressively pursues opportunities to reduce property taxes and can represent clients through multiple levels of the appeal process when appropriate. This can include appearances before the appraisal review board (ARB), binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearing (SOAH), and judicial appeals.
Having access to these options means property owners aren’t necessarily limited to a single level of review.
O’Connor also provides homestead exemption assistance at no additional cost for eligible homeowners, helping ensure they receive the exemptions for which they qualify.
For litigation services, O’Connor’s fees are contingent on receiving a reduction. That means you don’t pay us anything unless we successfully help you save.
Experience With Residential and Commercial Properties
Property tax challenges aren’t exclusive to homeowners. Businesses and commercial property owners can also face significant property tax bills and complex valuation issues.
O’Connor works with both residential and commercial property owners, providing expertise across a wide range of property types.
Commercial property protests can involve additional considerations, including income-producing properties, market conditions, comparable properties, and other factors that can influence valuation. Having professionals who understand these issues can be especially important for commercial property owners. We also offer commercial clients assistance with cost segregation and business personal property (BPP), offering an additional layer of potential savings.
Choosing a Property Tax Protest Company
When comparing property tax protest companies, it’s worth looking beyond the basic promise of filing an appeal. Consider the level of personal service you will receive, the level of experience of the professionals managing your case, whether the company understands your individual property, and how far it is willing to pursue an appeal when necessary.
A property tax protest is about so much more than challenging a number on an appraisal notice. It’s about building a case that supports a fair property valuation.
At O’Connor, we combine experience with personalized service, property-specific attention, and comprehensive appeal options to help property owners pursue the reductions they may be entitled to. If you believe your property has been overassessed, O’Connor can help you determine whether protesting your property taxes may be worthwhile. There is no cost to enroll with us, and you will only pay a portion of your savings if we are able to lower your property taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an appraisal record contain errors?
A: Yes. Property records can sometimes contain inaccurate information, such as incorrect square footage, property characteristics, or other details that may affect your property’s overall appraised value. Reviewing your property record can help to uncover potential issues.
Q: What should I look for in a property tax protest company?
A: Look for a company with experience, personalized service, knowledgeable professionals, and a willingness to pursue your case through the appropriate levels of the appeal process. It can also be helpful to understand what services are included and how the company charges for its work.
Q: Why is personalized service important for a property tax protest?
A: Every property is different, and property owners may have different questions or concerns about their assessments. Having a dedicated point of contact can make it easier to understand the process, communicate with the company, and keep track of your case.
Q: Does O’Connor help with homestead exemptions?
A: Yes. O’Connor provides homestead exemption assistance at no additional cost for eligible homeowners.
A: Yes. O’Connor works with both residential and commercial property owners and has expertise in addressing the valuation issues associated with business and commercial real estate.
