Texas has no state income tax — and property owners pay for it. The state consistently ranks among the highest in the country for property tax rates, with effective rates often running 1.5–2.5% of market value. The good news: Texas makes it relatively straightforward to protest your appraisal, and the majority of homeowners who file informally settle for a reduction without ever attending a hearing.
How Texas Property Taxes Work
In Texas, your property is appraised by a county Appraisal District (CAD) — not the tax office. The CAD sets your market value each year, typically as of January 1. That value is the basis for what every taxing entity (school district, county, city, MUD) bills you.
Texas law requires appraisal districts to appraise properties at 100% of market value. In practice, many districts run above market — which is exactly why protests are so common and so often successful.
The Filing Deadline — This Is Critical
You must file your protest by May 15, or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice — whichever is later. In most counties, notices go out in April, making the effective deadline mid-May.
Miss this deadline and you lose your right to protest for the entire year. Set a calendar reminder for April 1 every year to check your notice.
Step-by-Step: How to Protest in Texas
Step 1: Review Your Appraisal Notice
Your notice will show your property’s appraised value, the prior year value, and any exemptions applied. Compare the appraised value to recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood.
Step 2: File the Protest
File online through your county appraisal district’s website (most major Texas counties now have online portals), or mail a written notice to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Simply state: “I protest the appraised value of my property.” You don’t need to specify a target value yet.
Step 3: The Informal Meeting
After filing, you’ll typically be offered an informal meeting with a CAD appraiser before your formal hearing. This is where most protests are resolved. Bring 3–5 comparable sales that support a lower value. The appraiser has the authority to settle on the spot — no ARB hearing required. Accept a good offer; you can always escalate if they won’t move.
Step 4: The ARB Hearing (If Needed)
If the informal meeting doesn’t resolve the dispute, you’ll appear before the Appraisal Review Board — a panel of local residents (not appraisers). Present your comparable sales, any photos of condition issues, and a clear argument for why the appraised value exceeds market value. Keep it under 5 minutes and stay factual.
Step 5: Further Appeals
If the ARB rules against you, you can appeal to district court or binding arbitration (arbitration is faster and cheaper for properties under $5 million). For high-value properties, this is often worth pursuing.
Best Evidence for a Texas Protest
- Comparable sales (comps): Recent closed sales of similar properties within 1 mile, same age and condition — your strongest argument
- Unequal appraisal: If similar properties in your neighborhood are appraised lower than yours, Texas law entitles you to equal treatment — even if market value supports your current appraisal
- Condition issues: Photos and repair estimates for deferred maintenance, foundation issues, or other defects the appraiser didn’t account for
- Purchase price: If you bought recently at a price below current appraised value, your deed is strong evidence
Biggest Texas Counties and Their Appraisal Districts
- Harris County (Houston): HCAD.org — largest in Texas, online protest portal available
- Dallas County: DallasCAD.org
- Tarrant County (Fort Worth): TarrantAppraisal.org
- Travis County (Austin): TravisCAD.org — Austin’s rapid appreciation makes this one especially worth protesting
- Bexar County (San Antonio): BexarCAD.org
- Collin County: CollinCAD.org
Should You Hire a Protest Company?
Texas has a robust industry of property tax protest firms — companies like O’Connor & Associates that handle tens of thousands of protests a year on contingency. For homeowners with limited time, they’re worth considering. For investment property owners with large portfolios, they’re often essential.
The typical contingency fee is 30–40% of the first year’s tax savings. If you protest a $500,000 property and save $2,000/year, the firm earns $600–$800 and you keep the rest — indefinitely, since the new value carries forward.
More State Appeal Guides
- California Property Tax Appeal Guide
- Texas Property Tax Protest Guide
- Florida Property Tax Appeal Guide
- New York Property Tax Appeal Guide
- Illinois Property Tax Appeal Guide
Want the Full Appeal Playbook?
Our complete guide covers evidence gathering, hearing scripts, and how to handle the informal meeting — everything you need to win your protest.
Read the Full Guide →