Frequently Asked Questions

What is Equalize?

Equalize is a DIY property tax protest app for homeowners in Dallas County. We pull data directly from the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) and generate an evidence packet formatted in a commonly used Exhibit E style that you can use to file your own Equal & Uniform (E&U) property valuation protest. Instead of paying a firm 30–50% of your potential tax savings every year to file the protest for you, you keep 100% of any reduction when you do it yourself.

What is an Equal & Uniform (E&U) protest, and why does Equalize use it?

An Equal & Uniform (E&U) protest is based on a Texas law (§41.43(a)(3)) that says similar homes must be taxed equally. If your home's appraised value per square foot is higher than comparable properties, you can protest and request a reduction.

Equalize focuses on E&U because it uses publicly available DCAD data and doesn't require a private appraisal or MLS access. Many professional firms use similar approaches. Other protest types (like Market Value or Condition issues) exist, but they require different evidence. E&U analysis provides one avenue to consider, though success rates vary based on individual circumstances.

Do I need to know anything about tax protests to use Equalize?

No. Equalize was designed for first-timers. You enter your address, we provide data analysis tools, and you download information that includes:

• Your property summary
• Comparable property table (Exhibit E)
• Suggested value range

If you can download a PDF and upload it online to DCAD using the online protest portal, you can file a protest.

How is Equalize different from hiring a protest firm?

• Firms: take 30–50% of your savings every year, forever.
• Equalize: flat fee for a single property protest per year, you keep 100% of the tax savings.
• Firms: act as middlemen, you may never see the evidence or know how well they make your case.
• Equalize: shows you the comps, the logic, and gives you full control.

Where does the data come from?

We use records from the Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD), the same source protest firms and attorneys use. Your packet mirrors the Exhibit E format recognized by the Appraisal Review Board.

What if I've never filed a protest before?

You're in the right place. The app shows you step-by-step what to do, in plain English.

What if I already use a firm?

Then Equalize may help you save money if you switch and file yourself. Most firm clients don't realize they could access similar data and file evidence themselves. If you're already protesting, Equalize provides tools to build your own case — without paying a percentage of any potential savings. However, protest outcomes depend on many factors and are never guaranteed.

When can I file my protest?

Dallas County appraisal notices typically go out in April, and the deadline to file is May 15th. You can sign up now to lock in a discount and get notified the day new values are released.

What if my home is already under-assessed?

Not every protest is worth filing. Equalize shows you data comparing your value to similar properties. If you're already below peers, the data may suggest limited protest potential — though individual circumstances vary and you should make your own informed decision.

Will this work outside Dallas?

Right now we're focused on Dallas County (DCAD). Other Texas counties have similar laws, and Equalize will expand soon.

Is my information secure?

Yes. We only use public DCAD data, and your account is secured with Google login or secure email link.

How much does it cost?

Checking your Protest Potential score is free. Reserve your Early Bird protest packet for just $19.99 — a fraction of what a firm would take.