State guide
How to appeal property tax in Texas
The Texas process, in order
File a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with your county appraisal district. The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) schedules an informal review with an appraiser, then a formal hearing if no agreement is reached. Bring comparable sales and condition evidence.
See the official overview from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Texas appeal calendar
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Valuation date — appraised value reflects condition and market as of this day. |
| April – early May | Appraisal districts mail Notices of Appraised Value. |
| May 15 (or +30 days) | Deadline to file Form 50-132 Notice of Protest. |
| May – July | Informal reviews with district appraisers; most reductions settle here. |
| June – August | Formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearings. |
| July 25 | Statutory deadline for ARB to certify the appraisal roll. |
| Within 60 days of ARB order | Deadline to appeal ARB decision to district court, SOAH, or binding arbitration. |
Texas forms you may need
| Form | Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 50-132 | Notice of Protest | Open a protest with the county appraisal district. |
| 50-283 | Property Owner's Affidavit of Evidence | Submit sworn evidence for an ARB hearing without appearing in person. |
| 50-791 | Request for Binding Arbitration | Appeal an ARB order on a residence homestead or property valued at $5M or less. |
| 50-114 | Application for Residence Homestead Exemption | Cap annual taxable-value growth at 10% and reduce taxable value. |
Six steps from notice to ARB order
1. Read your appraisal notice
Confirm the appraised value, exemptions on file, and the protest deadline printed on the notice.
2. File Form 50-132
Submit online through your appraisal district portal or by mail. Check both market value and unequal appraisal as grounds.
3. Build the evidence packet
Three to five comparable sales within 0.5 miles and the past 12 months, plus condition photos and repair invoices.
4. Informal review
A district appraiser reviews your evidence and offers a settlement. About half of protests resolve here.
5. ARB hearing
If unresolved, the three-member panel hears 15 to 30 minutes of evidence and issues a written order.
6. Post-ARB options
Binding arbitration, SOAH, or district court within 60 days of the ARB order.
Texas counties we cover
| County | Appraisal district | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Harris County | Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Travis County | Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Dallas County | Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Tarrant County | Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Bexar County | Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Collin County | Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Fort Bend County | Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (FBCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Denton County | Denton Central Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
| Williamson County | Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Montgomery County | Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Hays County | Hays Central Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
| El Paso County | El Paso Central Appraisal District (EPCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Brazoria County | Brazoria County Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
| Galveston County | Galveston Central Appraisal District (GCAD) | May 15 / +30 days |
| Bell County | Bell County Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
| McLennan County | McLennan County Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
| Comal County | Comal Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
| Nueces County | Nueces County Appraisal District | May 15 / +30 days |
Common questions
What is the property tax appeal deadline in Texas?
May 15, or 30 days after your appraisal district mails the notice of appraised value, whichever is later. Late protests are accepted in limited cases such as substantial value errors above 25 percent.
What form do I file to protest property taxes in Texas?
Form 50-132, Notice of Protest, filed with your county appraisal district. Most districts also accept online filings through their portal.
How much can I save by protesting in Texas?
Statewide, around 50 to 60 percent of protests result in a reduction. Median single-family reductions typically run 5 to 15 percent of assessed value, which translates to a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on your rate.
What happens at a Texas ARB hearing?
A three-member panel hears the district's evidence and yours, usually 15 to 30 minutes total. You present comparable sales, condition photos, and the equity-of-appraisal analysis. The ARB issues a written order within a few weeks.
Can I appeal the ARB decision in Texas?
Yes. Within 60 days of the ARB order you can file for binding arbitration (Form 50-791, for homesteads and properties up to $5M), petition SOAH, or sue in district court. Arbitration is the most common consumer path.
Does protesting affect my homestead exemption or 10% cap?
No. Filing a protest does not affect your homestead status or the 10% annual cap on assessed value increases. You can protest the market value and still receive every exemption you qualify for.
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