Honest comparison · 2026
Contingency vs flat fee: which property tax appeal pricing wins?
Property tax appeal services price two ways: a contingency percentage of whatever you save, or a flat one-time fee. The gap looks small in year one and enormous over five, because future assessments and fees can change; compare each separately appealed year and its service agreement. Here is the real math.
| Service | Fee | You keep on a $3,000 saving | Comp data |
|---|---|---|---|
AppealMyTax $49 Audit Filing or valuation output (you file) · $29 DIY kit: all 50 states + D.C.; $49 Audit: evidence varies by county and address | $49 flat, one time | $2,951 | Public county records; comparable evidence only where usable. Filing or valuation output depends on findings. The $29 kit requires your own evidence. |
Ownwell Done for you · 9 states (CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, NY, PA, TX, WA) | 25-35% of savings (varies by state), every year | $2,250/yr | Their analysts assemble the evidence and file on your behalf |
O'Connor & Associates Done for you · Texas + many states | 50% of savings for the appealed tax year | $1,500 | Full-service firm; files and represents you (subject of a Texas AG lawsuit, allegations unproven) |
$3,000 is an illustrative annual saving. Fees are each provider's publicly listed pricing as of June 2026; verify on their sites.
The honest verdict
Choose based on your property, evidence and how much work you will do yourself. Our $29 national DIY kit provides guidance and worksheets; you gather the evidence. The $49 Audit depends on county/address records and provides the filing or valuation output they support. Searchable records are not a promise of comparable sales. Managed services may file and represent you; compare their current local terms. No provider can guarantee an identical outcome or lasting savings.
More on why we are flat-fee and how to vet any appeal service on our honest comparison page, or run your own numbers in the fee calculator.
Prepare your own appeal
The $29 DIY kit includes state process guidance, fillable evidence worksheets and an editable letter. You gather your property evidence and file yourself; property-specific comparables are not included.
Choose your state · $29 DIY kitsWant to check available property records first? Coverage and comparable evidence vary by address. Where supported, the results explain what the separate $49 Property Assessment Audit includes before you buy. A records check does not establish that you are overassessed.
Check available property records · Free
You can prepare before your filing window. Verify your current local deadline; buying a kit does not extend it.