Question 1

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Our standard agreement is simple: We only get paid if we reduce your value. Rates and terms vary by property type and portfolio size.

Question 2

Can my taxes go up if I protest?

Accepted Answer

No. Under Texas law (Senate Bill 2), the Appraisal Review Board cannot raise your value above the initial notice unless you specifically request it. There is zero risk to protesting. Your value can only go down or stay the same.

Question 3

Do I have to attend the hearing?

Accepted Answer

No. Once you sign the Appointment of Agent form, we represent you fully. We handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the hearing itself so you don't have to.

Question 4

What if we don't lower your value?

Accepted Answer

You pay nothing. Our fee only applies when we achieve a reduction in your property's value. If we don't achieve a reduction, we don't send an invoice.

Question 5

How is Rainbolt different from national firms?

Accepted Answer

National firms use templates to protest across dozens of states. We use local expertise. Our consultants have decades of experience specifically inside Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston appraisal districts. We know the appraisers and the specific arguments that win in this market.

Question 6

When should I sign up?

Accepted Answer

The earlier, the better. The protest deadline is May 15, but signing up early gives us time to analyze your property and build the strongest case.

Question 7

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Click any 'Get Started' button to visit our secure sign-up portal. You'll enter your property address, review the terms, and sign the Appointment of Agent form digitally. The entire process takes less than three minutes.

Question 8

What information do I need to sign up?

Accepted Answer

Just your property address. We pull the rest from county records. If your property has unique conditions (damage, foundation issues, etc.), you can upload photos or documentation through our client portal after signing up.

Question 9

I already filed a protest myself. Can I still hire you?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If you have already attended an informal meeting or have a hearing date scheduled soon, it may be too late for us to intervene effectively. Please call our office immediately at (713) 338-2308 before signing up. We need to verify that we can become your agent in time to manage the hearing date without you missing your opportunity.

Question 10

What's included in your fee?

Accepted Answer

Everything. Protest filing, evidence preparation, hearing representation, and direct access to your consultant throughout the process. We don't charge extra for phone calls. No hidden fees.

Question 11

Can I talk to someone before I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Call us at (713) 338-2308 or use the contact form on our website. Unlike national firms that charge for consultant access, we're happy to answer your questions before you commit.

Question 12

What counties do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We represent properties across the Greater Houston area, specifically serving Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, and Galveston counties.

Question 13

How does the protest process work?

Accepted Answer

After you sign up, we: File your protest before the deadline, analyze your property and gather evidence, negotiate with the appraisal district on your behalf, represent you at informal and formal hearings if needed, and notify you of the outcome and any savings. You don't have to do anything after signing up.

Question 14

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the county. Protests are filed in May, but hearings can run anywhere from June through September (and sometimes later). We will notify you once your hearing is complete and your savings are finalized.

Question 15

What if I disagree with the final value?

Accepted Answer

If the Appraisal Review Board's decision is still too high, you may have options for further appeal, including binding arbitration or district court. We can discuss these options with you based on your property's value and situation.

Question 16

What if my market value drops but my appraised value doesn't?

Accepted Answer

In Texas, you are taxed on your Appraised Value (which is capped), not necessarily your Market Value. Sometimes we can lower your Market Value, but it still doesn't drop below your cap. In that specific case, you pay us nothing because we didn't save you money this year. However, we still fight this battle for you because lowering your Market Value today makes it harder for the county to max out your increase next year. It protects your future bill, at no cost to you today.

Question 17

How are property taxes calculated?

Accepted Answer

Your property tax is calculated by multiplying your taxable value (assessed value minus exemptions) by your local tax rate. The appraisal district determines your value; the taxing entities (school districts, cities, etc.) set the rates.

Question 18

What's the difference between market value and appraised value?

Accepted Answer

Market Value is what the appraisal district believes your property would sell for on the open market. Appraised Value is what you're actually taxed on. If you have a homestead exemption, your appraised value can only increase by 10% per year, even if market value jumps higher.

Question 19

Can you help with homestead exemptions?

Accepted Answer

We will point you in the right direction. Filing a homestead exemption is free and simple to do yourself on your county appraisal district's website. We strongly advise against paying any firm to file this for you. We can help you find the correct forms, but we do not file exemptions on your behalf.

Question 20

What exemptions am I eligible for?

Accepted Answer

The most common exemptions include: Homestead (available if this is your primary residence), Over 65 (additional exemption and tax freeze for seniors), Disability (for those with qualifying disabilities), and Veteran (for disabled veterans). We can help you determine which exemptions apply to your situation.

Question 21

When do I pay?

Accepted Answer

We invoice after your protest is complete and your savings are confirmed. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.

Question 22

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept checks, credit cards, Zelle, PayPal, and Venmo payments through our client portal.

Question 23

What if I sell my property during the protest?

Accepted Answer

If your property sells during the protest year, you are still responsible for the fee based on any savings achieved. Please notify us if you're planning to sell so we can coordinate accordingly.

Question 24

How do I check the status of my protest?

Accepted Answer

Log in to our client portal to see real-time updates on your protest status, hearing dates, and outcomes. We'll also email you when there's a significant update.

Question 25

How do I submit documents or photos?

Accepted Answer

You can upload documents directly through our client portal, or email them to info@rainboltco.com.

Question 26

Do your services renew automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We automatically file your protest each year unless you cancel. This ensures you never miss a deadline. You can cancel anytime by emailing info@rainboltco.com.

Question 27

How do I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Email us at info@rainboltco.com. If you cancel before your hearing has taken place, there is no charge. If we have already represented you at your hearing and achieved a reduction, the fee for that year still applies.

Question 28

What if I receive an invoice but didn't request service?

Accepted Answer

Contact us immediately at info@rainboltco.com or (713) 338-2308. Our services renew annually, so we may have filed based on a previous agreement. We'll investigate and resolve any confusion promptly.

Question 29

How do I fight property taxes in Harris County?

Accepted Answer

The best way to fight property taxes in Harris County is to hire a professional consultant who knows the HCAD appraisers. Rainbolt & Co specializes in Harris County tax protests, using local comparable data to challenge your assessment at ARB hearings.

Question 30

Should I use HCAD iFile or hire professional help?

Accepted Answer

While tools like HCAD iFile and iSettle are convenient, they often lead to generic settlement offers that don't capture the full potential for reduction. Our team builds a specific case to fight for the lowest possible valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Why Rainbolt

The Protest Process

Understanding Your Taxes

Exemptions

Billing & Payment

Managing Your Account

Still Have Questions?

Services

Contact Rainbolt & Co.