Texas property tax protest FAQ

You must file by May 15, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was delivered — whichever is later. If May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day (in 2027 that's Monday, May 17).

Your protest is usually late and the Appraisal Review Board can refuse to hear it. Narrow exceptions exist (for example, if you never received a notice), but don't count on them — file on time, even with a short reason.

File with your county appraisal district — HCAD, DCAD, TAD or CCAD — through its online portal or with Comptroller Form 50-132. You can organize your case first with our free filing portal, then submit it to the district.

Filing a protest yourself is completely free — the appraisal district charges nothing, and you don't need a lawyer or tax consultant. If you hire a consultant, they typically charge a flat fee or a percentage of your first-year tax savings. Our $79 kit is a one-time DIY alternative with no percentage of your savings.

The protest form itself (Form 50-132 or the district's online filing) needs only your property details and a reason. Your evidence comes later, at the informal review or ARB hearing: recent sales of comparable homes, photos of damage or needed repairs with contractor estimates, an independent appraisal if you have one, and notes on any errors in the district's records (wrong square footage, lot size or features).

After you file, the appraisal district usually offers an informal meeting (in person, phone or online) with a staff appraiser. You show your evidence and they may offer a lower value. Many protests settle here. You can accept the offer or decline and go to the ARB.

No. If you decline, your protest moves on to a formal Appraisal Review Board hearing. If you accept and sign an agreement, that value is final for the year.

The ARB is a panel of local citizens, independent of the appraisal district staff, that hears protests. Both you and the district present evidence, and the panel decides your value.

You'll get written notice of the date at least 15 days ahead. Hearings are short — often 15 minutes. You present first, the district appraiser responds, and the panel announces or mails its decision. You can attend in person, by video/phone in many counties, or submit a sworn affidavit.

Yes. You have the right to request the evidence the district plans to use at least 14 days before the hearing. Ask for it in writing when you file.

Recent sales of similar nearby homes, unequal-appraisal comparisons (similar homes valued lower), photos of needed repairs and contractor estimates, and corrections to wrong square footage or features.

You can appeal to binding arbitration (for qualifying properties), the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court — typically within 60 days of receiving the ARB order.

Yes — pay at least the undisputed amount by the January 31 due date to avoid penalties. If your value is lowered, you'll get a refund of the overpayment.

The ARB can't raise your value above the notice value just because you protested. The worst typical outcome is no change.