Bettencourt Tax Advisors takes all of the worry out of protesting your property values. At BTA our commitment is to help you reduce your property tax liability. We understand the remedies available to you and will be your advocate during the entire property appraisal review process. Paul Bettencourt personally attended every residential judicial appeal mediation in 2010.

With our staff of experienced consultants, you and your home will be well taken care of throughout the appeal process. Once we receive your property information and supporting documentation, they will be combined with results from BTA's Equity Analysis Program and additional data to be placed in your file. The assigned agent will then review your property file looking for the best approach to take.

At Bettencourt Tax Advisors, we know what is most likely to be overlooked when the taxing authority places a value on your home. The BTA Team has a mix of Senior Property Tax Consultants and Property Tax Consultants whose experience and knowledge combined with your property information and BTA's Analysis Program can produce a compelling case.

Don't worry about taking time out from your busy schedule, we will attend the informal and formal hearings for you as your representative. Our staff of trained consultants have years of experience in front of ARB boards protesting tax values and will fight for you at the informal and formal hearings. BTA has always been the taxpayer's advocate in defending homes from unequally appraised property values. Contact us, so we can help you defend yours.

Signing-Up is Easy

With your county tax number and property address in hand, go to our Account Sign-Up Pageand enter the information we need to defend your home. We will be sending you confidential information, so please use a valid e-mail address. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, scroll down the page. If you need any additional information, please e-mail us at customer_service@btanow.com.


Frequently Asked Questions:

What do you charge?
For residential protests, there is an INITIAL annual fee of $75 per property. At the completion of your protest, we charge a contingency fee of 40% of your TOTAL PROPERTY TAX SAVINGS. As long as your contingency fee invoice is paid in full every year, BTA will keep applying your initial annual fee to each subsequent year without charge.

When is the last day I can sign up for a protest?
You have 30 days from the day you receive your notice from the Appraisal District for a protest to be filed on your property appraisal, or May 31st, in general. Please sign up immediately upon receipt of your notice to ensure your protest is filed on time. You can protest accounts certified after May 31st. Call BTA for assistance.

How do I sign up to have Bettencourt Tax Advisors protest my property appraisal?
Look for the Account Sign-Up tab on the BTA web site and follow the directions.

How will I find out about information concerning my property?
You will receive e-mails from BTA about additional information that might be needed for your hearing, hearing results, and judicial appeal and arbitration deadlines.

If I hire Bettencourt Tax Advisors, what does BTA do for me?
BTA will file your protest for you, and then represent you at the informal hearing, the formal hearing, and the judicial appeal should you choose to litigate.

If there was an over 65 exemption on my property when I took ownership can I keep the exemption?
The county has the right to back charge taxes plus interest for up to five years, if they discover that an over 65 exemption no longer applies to a property.

When and how do I claim my homestead exemption?
When you bought your house you probably signed or received a homestead exemption form when you were at the title company signing documents for the closing. If for some reason a form was never sent to your local appraisal district, BTA can help you file your homestead exemption form.

Is there a deadline to file my homestead exemption?
You have until January 31 st of the year after your taxes are due. (i.e. If your taxes were due in 2009 you have until January 31, 2011to file your exemption.) Pay your taxes as billed and on time. The county will refund the difference once your homestead exemption is approved.

What do I do if the county has incorrect information on record for my property?
Call BTA. We will work with the Appraisal District to rectify any incorrect information shown on your property record. This would be done while protesting your property value and could contribute to lowering the appraised value on your property.

If you need additional information, please call BTA at (713)263-6100, or e-mail us at customer_service@btanow.com.