A new online group has been formed to share information and techniques for protesting property tax appraisals. The egroup is part of a business called “U-Protest Your Property” that teaches and helps taxpayers prepare a packet to protest their property values at Harris County Appraisal District hearings.

The egroup grew out of a series of Leisure Learning Unlimited classes taught by Dr. Kay Van Cleave this year on how to protest property taxes. She worked as a member of the Appraisal Review Board with Harris County, and after leaving decided to help taxpayers learn the procedures for appealing their taxes. The egroup is an online forum composed of class participants and individuals who have contacted her for protest information. “The egroup,” says Dr. Van Cleave, “has become a community of learning as readers ask questions or tell of strategies they have learned.”

She says she is the only entity in Houston teaching people how to take care of their property business themselves. For a fee, Dr. Van Cleave will guide a taxpayer through the tax protest process with tips on how best to present their arguments before the Appraisal Review Board. She will be in contact with the taxpayer from the time she is hired until after the protest for any questions or support. She says she has testimonials which she will share with prospective clients. She is also available to give a short talk to civic associations, or to conduct a two hour class.

Dr. Van Cleave says once you learn the techniques for protesting you will have the information and will only need to update your materials every year. She encourages taxpayers to learn how to do their own property tax protests. “Do it yourself,” she says, “learn a skill, and put some control back into your life.” Contact Dr. Van Cleave at kayvctx1@aol.com.