Ownwell

Meet Mindy, a high school biology teacher, former scientist, and mom of four who definitely has her hands full. Between teaching freshman bio and keeping up with four kids full of energy, she said something that's stuck with us ever since:

"Home is where the heart is. When I come home from work, that's my place, instant comfort, even if there's chaos all around me. My home is everything to me."

A year later, this one still hits the same, and we're so glad we got to help Mindy save on her property taxes along the way. 🏡

Homeowners, quick money check: most states offer a homestead exemption that lowers the tax on your primary residence, and in most places, no one files it for you. You apply once through your county assessor, and it keeps trimming your bill every year you live there.

Two things trip people up

👉 Never claiming it at all (the single most common mistake).

👉 Missing the deadline.

Most states won't let you go back and claim a year you skipped.

In 2026, Florida's cutoff was March 1 and California first-timers filed by Feb. 15; expect the same dates in 2027.

Here's the part people miss: claiming an exemption and challenging your value aren't either/or. An exemption lowers the value you're taxed on. Challenging the value itself is a protest in Texas, a grievance in New York, and an appeal in most other states. Do both, and the savings stack.

See the exemptions available in your state: https://bit.ly/3Vh8nMU

Property Tax Exemptions by Type: A 2026 State-by-State Guide Unsure which property tax exemptions you qualify for? See each one listed at the state level to determine which ones you qualify and should apply for.

Here's something built into the Nassau County grievance process that's easy to overlook: your representation resets every year, right along with your authorization.

That means each January comes with a small, natural decision: continue with the same representative or explore something new. The ARC letter closing out last year's grievance is a good reminder that this year's authorization is a separate matter entirely. Neither option takes more effort than the other. It's simply worth a look before signing.

See the one mistake that gets grievances denied every year, and how to make sure it's not yours. https://bit.ly/4xFrhLW

If you own a home in Texas, this one's worth two minutes. In 2025, 68% of homeowners didn't protest their property taxes, leaving an estimated $1.2B in potential savings on the table.

Here's the part most people miss: protesting is low-risk.

A Texas Appraisal Review Board can't raise your appraised value above your notice because you filed, so the worst case is no change. And the odds are good; homeowners who protested won reductions 84% of the time in the Houston area last year. We handle the paperwork, the evidence, and the hearing for you, with no upfront cost, so you only pay if you save.

See what homeowners in your county could have saved, then react and share this with someone facing a high bill: https://bit.ly/4x4u3Ji

2023–2025 Impact of Protesting Property Taxes in Texas | Ownwell Texas homeowners left $3.31B in property tax savings unclaimed from 2023-2025. See the data by county and find out what you could save.

Ever look at your California property tax bill and wonder why the neighbor who's lived there for 20 years pays a fraction of what you do? It's not a mistake. It's Proposition 13.

Prop 13 caps how much your assessed value can rise each year at 2%, so long-time owners pay far less than recent buyers on the same street. Here are two things you actually control:

The homeowners' exemption knocks $7,000 off your primary home's assessed value, saving roughly $85 a year. You file it once with your county assessor by Feb 15.

If your July assessed value is higher than what your home could sell for, you can appeal. The California deadline is usually Sept 15 or Dec 1, depending on your county.

We break down the full system, county-by-county rates, and Prop 19 here: https://bit.ly/46a9zE6

California Property Taxes: How They Work and How to Save Learn how California property taxes are calculated, key Proposition 13 rules, and ways to lower your tax burden legally.

Are you getting every property tax exemption you qualify for?

If you're over 65 and own your home in Texas, there's a good chance the answer is no: exemptions can stack, but most seniors only ever file for one.

Ownwell walks you through what you're eligible for here:

Texas Over-65 Property Tax Exemption: 2026 Guide for Seniors Senior Texas homeowners 65+ can save up to $200,000 on school taxes and freeze their tax ceiling. Learn how to apply for the Over-65 exemption today!

"Ownwell has been extremely easy to work with, just fill out the request, and they do the rest. Ownwell managed to get a tax reduction on both properties I gave to them. I recommend them for your property tax appraisal appeal." 🌳

That's Rusty. Two properties, two reductions, zero hassle on his end.