Ashley SmithRENE, CNHS
Real Estate Broker
District Realty
A straightforward, broker-prepared guide to understanding your Dallas County property tax bill and protesting your appraised value in the Irving Hospital District area.
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Ashley SmithRENE, CNHS
Real Estate Broker
District Realty
At a combined rate of roughly $2.14 per $100 of assessed value, a home appraised at $350,000 in Irving generates approximately $7,487 per year in total property taxes. Even a modest $25,000 reduction in your appraised value saves you around $535 annually—and that savings compounds every year your value stays lower. Protesting is one of the most cost-effective things you can do as a homeowner. If you're in the Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, or broader Irving area, your appraisal may also be subject to Irving Flood District levies—check your notice carefully.
DCAD mails notices starting in mid-April. This notice shows your property's proposed market value, assessed value, and the PIN you'll need to file online. Compare the proposed value against what you believe your home would realistically sell for as of January 1, 2026. Also check the property details (square footage, bedroom count, condition) for any errors.
You have three ways to file: online through the DCAD uFile portal at dallascad.org (fastest and recommended), by mail to 2949 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas TX 75247, or in person at the DCAD office before 5:00 PM on the deadline date. Select your protest reason—most homeowners choose "market value" and/or "unequal appraisal" (equity). You can select both.
This is where the real work pays off. Gather comparable sales, photos of property condition issues, repair estimates, and any documentation showing your home's value is lower than what DCAD proposed. DCAD's own website has sales data you can use. As a real estate broker, I can pull MLS data showing actual closed sales in your neighborhood—this is often the most persuasive evidence.
You'll first go through an informal hearing with a DCAD appraiser—this is where most cases get resolved. If you can't reach an agreement, your case goes to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel of Dallas County citizens. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. You can represent yourself, or appoint a tax agent or attorney.
Recent sales of similar homes in your area are the gold standard. Look for properties that match yours in size, age, condition, and location. MLS data from a licensed broker gives you access to closed sale prices that public records may not reflect.
Even if your value reflects market reality, you can argue your home is appraised higher per square foot than comparable properties in the district. This is a powerful and often underused basis—especially effective in Texas's non-disclosure environment.
Photos documenting deferred maintenance, foundation issues, outdated systems, water damage, or other conditions that affect value. Pair photos with repair estimates from licensed contractors for maximum impact.
Written estimates from licensed contractors showing the cost to address issues in your home. A roof replacement estimate or foundation repair bid gives concrete dollar amounts the panel can use to justify a reduction.
If you purchased your home recently, your HUD-1 or closing disclosure showing the actual purchase price is strong evidence of market value, especially if the sale was an arm's-length transaction.
A comparative market analysis (CMA) from a licensed real estate broker or a formal appraisal from a licensed appraiser. These carry professional credibility and use methodology the review board is familiar with.
Available for your primary residence. Removes $100,000 from school district taxes (with a voter-approved increase to $140,000 pending implementation under SB 4). The City of Irving also grants an additional 20% homestead exemption on city taxes. Also caps annual taxable value increases at 10%.
If you're 65 or older: additional exemptions on school district and city taxes, plus a permanent tax ceiling (freeze) on your school district taxes. Also available for surviving spouses 55+ of qualifying homeowners.
Available for homeowners with qualifying disabilities. Provides additional exemptions similar to the over-65 benefit. Disabled veterans may qualify for partial or full exemption based on VA disability rating.
Based on your VA disability rating: partial exemptions ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 for lower ratings, and a full exemption from all property taxes at 100% disability or total disability due to service-connected conditions.
Look up your property value, file a protest online through uFile, access sales data, and apply for exemptions.
Pay your property tax bill, check payment status, and view official tax rates for all entities.
Search your address to see exactly which taxing jurisdictions overlap your property and their individual rates.
Details on the City of Irving's homestead exemptions (20%), over-65 and disabled exemptions, and contact information.
State-level resources including the Taxpayer's Remedies publication, protest forms, and your rights under the Texas Property Tax Code.
A free, no-pressure comparative market analysis (CMA) from a local broker. The same kind of MLS-driven evidence DCAD reviewers respect at a hearing.
Ashley SmithRENE, CNHS
Real Estate Broker
District Realty