Does TCAD ever raise a protested appraisal? (Austin, Georgetown: house, purchase)

[Biscuits]

Just curious if there is any downside to protesting.

[schoenfraun]

I don't know if TCAD does, but my neighbor here in Williamson County was told by a WCAD employee that they do engage in this practice: if you contest, they record your objection and will raise your assessment at least 10% ("double digits," he said) the following year, even if that is far, far above the average or the comps for your street/area (and non-objectors). He was TOLD this by an assessor's office employee.

My neighbor wasn't telling me this to scare me, I don't think, but to warn me to be prepared and vigilant, year after year. It sounds like a Sisyphean prospect, complaining every year about the artificial inflation caused by your complaint of the prior year....

This will be my first year as a homeowner in the Austin area, and my first visit to WCAD in Georgetown. My assessment was for more than $12,000 over my purchase price less than one month after I closed.

[atxcio]

I wouldn't read much into that anecdotal evidence.. appraisals have been going up by double digits many of the past years, I honestly doubt it has anything with WCAD punishing your friend for their protest. Plus, if he's the only one on the street with a 10% increase, it would be really obvious and an easy protest the following year.

I'm in Travis and have protested most years since 1996, and they have never adjusted it upwards during the protest. The following year increases, if they happen, are in line with my neighbors.

[el jefe]

I seriously doubt that they can legally punish you for protesting. 10% is the maximum that they can raise your appraisal each year, unless the house has been sold in the past year or real improvements have been done to the property (not a new washer and dryer, but things like an addition). With the current housing market, if your's is the only one that gets the 10% increase, you've got a good case for a protests (and getting someone fired). I'd be surprised if TCAD did this, but Williamson County is know for BS shenanigans.