Q: I know you said no reduction no fee, but there have to be some cost.

A: Your right there is a small fee to the county, about $25.00 per property if we request information from them

Q: Who is Harvard Companies – and how can you reduce my property taxes?

A: Harvard Co. is a commercial real estate property tax consulting firm. Our department consists of property tax consultants who have extensive commercial real estate experience. In addition to having a team of experts in valuation and property tax laws, we are one of Downtown Dallas’ most creative, aggressive and successful commercial real estate investment, brokerage & tenant representation firms. Why? We have sourced over $127.3 million dollars worth of developments, investments, leases and other value added transactions for our partners, clients, tenants and investors in the downtown & urban core markets.

Q: If I hire you, what do I have to do?

A: We would ask you to discuss your property and objectives with us for a few minutes on the phone. The whole process should take no more than five to ten minutes of your time.

Q: Do I need to go to the appraisal district for anything?

A: No, we will attend all meetings for you.

Q: Is there a fee for your services if you don't reduce my taxes?

A: No!!!

Q: How are fees billed for current and future years?

A: If we reduce your taxes, the fee is applicable for the protested year only. After we provide proof of the reduction, we will then send you a bill for our services.

Q: How long can your represent me?

Your contract will remain in effect until you cancel it. We will continue protesting each year and send you a bill only if we reduce your property assessment for that year. You may cancel the agreement at any time.

Q: Can my taxes go up?

A: It could happen, but not likely. We have found this to happen 1 in every 10,000 property tax protest hearings.

Q: What is the time frame that I need to protest?

A: May 31 or 30 days after the appraisal district sends notice of the assessed value, whichever is later. If the 31st falls on a Saturday or Sunday the deadline is the following business day.

Q: Should I hire you or should I do it myself?

A: The advantage of hiring us is that we are a full-time professionals. Also our company has a lot of resources and expertise.

Jan. 31:
Property taxes due

Feb. 1:
Taxes are delinquent, and penalty and interest begin to accrue

May 2:
First batch of property appraisal notices are sent. Protest period begins

June 2:
Protest deadline for real property

July 18:
Last day of Appraisal Review Board hearings

July 25:
Chief appraiser certifies the appraisal roll