HomeTaxAppeal vs Ownwell
A sourced, side-by-side comparison of HomeTaxAppeal and Ownwell — fee model, coverage, refund terms, and what each one actually gives you. Every Ownwell fact below is quoted from its own public statements with the date we checked it.
HomeTaxAppeal vs Ownwell at a glance
| Feature | HomeTaxAppeal | Ownwell |
|---|---|---|
| Service type | Self-service software — you file yourself | Full-service contingency firm — local tax experts handle appeals, exemptions, and commercial services end to end. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source) |
| Pricing | Flat $79 one-time evidence packet — no contingency, no percentage of savings | Contingency only — "Only pay if you save," "No upfront costs." The fee is applied to actual property tax savings in the year they appeal; Ownwell's pricing-page worked example shows a 25% fee, and the exact percentage varies by area behind a "View Pricing in Your Area" lookup. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source) |
| Coverage | All 50 states | 8 states listed on the homepage: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Texas, Washington. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source) |
| Refund / guarantee | Published no-reduction guarantee (see terms) | "Savings-or-Free Guarantee" — "If you don't save money, our service is entirely free." (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source) |
| Comparable sales shown before you pay | Yes — the free check shows real comparable sales before you pay | not publicly stated |
| What you get | An evidence packet: comparable sales, adjustments, a county filing checklist, and a hearing script — you file the protest yourself | A handled appeal (filing through hearing); the site promotes a "Savings Estimate" in about 15 seconds at signup. Specific customer-facing documents are not publicly stated. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source) |
What it costs over time
Ownwell's self-reported $774 average annual savings (ownwell.com, as of Jul 18, 2026) × the 25% contingency fee shown in Ownwell's pricing-page worked example (ownwell.com/pricing, as of Jul 18, 2026) vs HomeTaxAppeal's $79 one-time flat fee. Ownwell states its exact rate varies by area; only the published 25% worked example is used here. Math assumes the same savings recurs each year (best case for Ownwell).
| Period | HomeTaxAppeal | Ownwell |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | $79 flat | 25% × $774 = ~$194 vs $79 (≈2.5×) |
| 3 years | $79 flat | 25% × $774 × 3 = ~$581 vs $79 (≈7.4×) |
| 5 years | $79 flat | 25% × $774 × 5 = ~$968 vs $79 (≈12.2×) |
What Ownwell reports about itself
Figures Ownwell publishes about its own results, quoted as-is. These are the company's own claims — HomeTaxAppeal has not independently verified them.
- 88% success rate — share of customers who received a reduction on at least one appeal in 2025. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source)
- $774 average annual savings — customers who saved on at least one property in 2025. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source)
- 4.7 rating based on 3,000+ reviews. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026, source)
When Ownwell is the better choice
No single option fits everyone. Ownwell is likely the better fit if:
- You want zero involvement. Ownwell files the protest and handles any hearing for you. With HomeTaxAppeal you file the protest yourself and attend any hearing — you do the filing, the software does the evidence.
- You never want to touch the analysis. A full-service option runs the comparable-sales work and negotiates for the homeowner end to end; a self-service packet hands you the evidence to submit yourself.
Ownwell — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Ownwell charge?
Contingency only — "Only pay if you save," "No upfront costs." The fee is applied to actual property tax savings in the year they appeal; Ownwell's pricing-page worked example shows a 25% fee, and the exact percentage varies by area behind a "View Pricing in Your Area" lookup. (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026).
Is Ownwell legit?
Yes — Ownwell is a real, operating company. The comparison above summarizes its service model, pricing, and refund terms straight from its own site (as of Jul 18, 2026). Whether it is the right fit depends on whether you want a full-service option or a lower-cost self-service packet.
Ownwell vs doing it yourself — what's the difference?
Ownwell handles the filing and any hearing for you. HomeTaxAppeal is self-service software: it shows real comparable sales in a free check before you pay, then gives you a $79 flat-fee evidence packet — comparable sales, adjustments, a county checklist, and a hearing script — and you file the protest yourself.
Does Ownwell offer a refund or guarantee?
"Savings-or-Free Guarantee" — "If you don't save money, our service is entirely free." (per publicly stated terms as of Jul 18, 2026).