How to Protest Your Property Tax in Texas
Texas homeowners can protest their property tax assessment if they believe it's too high. This guide covers the 2026 protest deadline, required evidence, and step-by-step process.
Comprehensive guide available: Read our Texas Property Tax Protest Guide — County-by-county filing guides for Harris, Dallas, Travis, and 7 more counties.
2026 Protest Deadline: May 15 or May 31 with extension
Don't miss your window. Missing the deadline means waiting another full year.
How Texas Assesses Property
Texas assesses residential property at 100% of market value.
Texas assesses property at 100% of market value.
The Protest Process
Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). An informal review is available before filing a formal protest.
Appraisal District (Informal)
Appraisal Review Board (ARB)
District Court / Binding Arbitration
State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)
Texas Protest Deadline
Deadline: May 15 or May 31 with extension
Typical window: April - May
What Overassessment Costs Texas Homeowners
The median home in Texas is worth $238,000. If your assessment is just 10% too high, you may be overpaying:
~$381/year
Effective tax rate: 1.6% · Median value: $238,000
Check Your Texas Assessment
Enter your address to see your estimated overassessment and Texas filing deadline.
Texas Counties
Bell County
Median: $246,375 · Rate: 1.62%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is delivered, whichever is later
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Bexar County
Median: $265,000 · Rate: 2.03-2.12%
Deadline: May 15th or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later
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Brazoria County
Median: $341,000 · Rate: 1.70%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later
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Brazos County
Median: $278,820 · Rate: 1.80%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later
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Cameron County
Median: $155,094 · Rate: 1.33%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice is mailed, whichever is later
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Collin County
Median: $496,962 · Rate: 1.49%
Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value was sent, whichever is later
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Comal County
Median: $420,000 · Rate: 1.46%
Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days from the date of the Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later
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Dallas County
Median: $308,210 · Rate: 1.74%
Deadline: May 15, 2026
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Denton County
Median: $438,301 · Rate: 1.49%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later
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Ector County
Median: $115,000 · Rate: 1.72%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later
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El Paso County
Median: $208,198 · Rate: 2.00%
Deadline: May 15th or 30 days from the date on your Notice of Appraised Value
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Ellis County
Median: $332,264 · Rate: 1.33%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later
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Fort Bend County
Median: $380,524 · Rate: 1.87%
Deadline: May 15th or 30 days after your notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later
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Galveston County
Median: $280,000 · Rate: 1.54%
Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days after the date of the appraisal notice, whichever is later
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Grayson County
Median: $278,080 · Rate: 2.09%
Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days after receiving your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later
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Gregg County
Median: $171,900 · Rate: 1.04%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your notice of appraised value is delivered, whichever is later
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Guadalupe County
Median: $288,797 · Rate: 1.69%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice of assessed value is mailed, whichever is later
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Harris County
Median: $301,700 · Rate: 1.46%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your notice of appraised value is mailed, whichever is later
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Hays County
Median: $409,280 · Rate: 1.71%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the appraisal district sends a notice of appraised value, whichever is later
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Hidalgo County
Median: $144,588 · Rate: 1.87%
Deadline: May 15
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Jefferson County
Median: $130,101 · Rate: 2.24%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later
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Johnson County
Median: $225,000 · Rate: 2.20%
Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days from the date the notice was mailed, whichever is later
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Kaufman County
Median: $256,900 · Rate: 1.74%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later
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Lubbock County
Median: $240,000 · Rate: 1.86%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the date the notice was mailed, whichever is later
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McLennan County
Median: $262,928 · Rate: 1.79%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from receipt of appraisal notice, whichever is later
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Midland County
Median: $237,990 · Rate: 1.15%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after receiving your notice of appraised value, whichever is later
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Montgomery County
Median: $314,556 · Rate: 1.39%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later
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Nueces County
Median: $218,000 · Rate: 1.53%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or within 30 days after delivery of your notice of appraised value, whichever is later
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Parker County
Median: $335,640 · Rate: 1.54%
Deadline: May 31, 2026, or 30 days from the date the appraisal notice is delivered, whichever is later
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Potter County
Median: $80,600 · Rate: 1.76%
Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days from notice delivery date, whichever is later
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Randall County
Median: $225,053 · Rate: 1.78%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later
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Rockwall County
Median: $416,497 · Rate: 1.49%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later
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San Patricio County
Median: $177,138 · Rate: 1.88%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice of appraised value is delivered, whichever is later
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Smith County
Median: $202,951 · Rate: 1.53%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date of the Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later
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Tarrant County
Median: $351,900 · Rate: 1.47%
Deadline: May 15, 2026
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Taylor County
Median: $148,796 · Rate: 2.16%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after notice is mailed, whichever is later
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Tom Green County
Median: $186,700 · Rate: 1.11%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is delivered, whichever is later
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Travis County
Median: $492,802 · Rate: 1.65%
Deadline: May 15, 2026 (or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later)
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Victoria County
Median: $180,260 · Rate: 1.42%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later
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Webb County
Median: $178,544 · Rate: 1.54%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later
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Wichita County
Median: $113,000 · Rate: 1.79%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after receiving your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later
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Williamson County
Median: $370,100 · Rate: 1.68%
Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later
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Key Terms for Texas Homeowners
The estimated market value of a property as determined by the county assessor or an independent appraiser.
In Texas, the independent panel that hears property tax protests and decides whether the appraisal district's value should be adjusted.
The process of formally challenging your property's assessed value with the local appraisal district. Term used primarily in Texas.
A tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of a primary residence. Available in many states, though rules and amounts vary significantly.
An optional first step in the appeal process where a property owner discusses their assessment directly with the assessor's office before filing a formal appeal.
Texas Guides & Resources
📋 Property Tax Appeal Deadlines by State: The Complete 2026 Calendar
Filing windows for all 50 states
📋 Texas Property Tax Protest Guide (2026)
Texas-specific process and deadlines
📋 How to Appeal Property Taxes in Texas: Complete 2026 Guide
Complete guide with deadlines, forms, and step-by-step instructions
📋 How Much Can Property Taxes Increase in Texas? 2026 Cap Guide
10% homestead cap, 20% non-homestead cap through 2026
📅 Texas Property Tax Appeal Deadline 2026: Don't Miss May 15
Texas filing deadlines and process
🏦 How to Protest Property Taxes in Escrow in Texas (2026)
Yes, you can protest even if your lender pays your taxes
🔑 Inheriting Property in Texas: What Happens to Property Taxes (2026)
Texas reassessment rules, exemptions, and strategies for inherited property
👤 Texas Senior Property Tax Benefits: Every Exemption, Freeze & Deferral (2026)
Age 65+ exemptions, freezes, and deferrals in Texas
Average Property Tax Rate by State (2026 Data)
National average is 1.1%. Where does your state rank?
Average Property Taxes by State 2026: Complete Rankings & What You Actually Pay
Average Property Taxes by State 2026
Property Tax Appeal Success Rates by State: 2026 Data & Analysis
Property Tax Appeal Success Rates by State
Property Tax Appeal Success Rates: Real Data by State and County (2026)
National average is 40-60%. See state-by-state data.
Property Tax Appeal Statistics: Success Rates, Savings & Data (2026)
Success rates, savings, and outcomes
Property Tax Appeal Success Rates: What the Data Shows
What the data shows about win rates
Every Property Tax Exemption by State: Senior, Veteran, Homestead & Disability (2026)
Homestead, senior, veteran, disability exemptions for all 50 states
Senior Property Tax Exemptions by State: The Complete 2026 Guide
Age-based discounts in every state
Best Ways to Lower Your Property Taxes (2026): 9 Methods That Work
9 methods that work in 2026
Property Tax Exemptions Guide: 8 Types That Could Save You Thousands (2026)
8 types that could save you thousands
How to Lower Property Taxes Without Filing an Appeal
Exemptions and programs that don't require filing
How to Appeal Property Taxes as a Senior
Age-specific strategies and exemptions
2026 Property Tax Increases: What Homeowners Need to Know
Why assessments are surging and how to respond
Property Tax Appeal vs Exemption: Understanding the Difference & Using Both
Property Tax Appeal vs Exemption
Property Tax Exemptions by State 2026: Complete Guide to Homestead, Senior & Veteran Benefits
Property Tax Exemptions by State 2026
Senior Property Tax Freeze vs Appeal: Which Saves More Money?
Senior Property Tax Freeze vs Appeal
Texas Homestead Exemption 2026: Save $1,000 Every Year (Most Homeowners Missing Out)
Texas's homestead exemption can save you $1,000 annually. He
What Evidence Do I Need for a Property Tax Appeal? (2026)
Comparable sales, photos, and assessment errors
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes: The Complete Guide (2026)
Step-by-step from notice to hearing
Can Appealing Your Property Taxes Actually Raise Them? Here's the Truth
The #1 fear and what actually happens
Property Tax Appeal Letter Template: How to Write a Winning Appeal (2026)
Copy, customize, and send in 15 minutes
What Happens at a Property Tax Appeal Hearing (And How to Prepare)
What to expect and how to prepare
How Much Does a Property Tax Appeal Cost?
DIY, flat-fee, and contingency options
How to Find Comparable Sales for Your Property Tax Appeal
Where to find comps and what makes them strong
How Long Does a Property Tax Appeal Take? Timeline by State
Timeline from filing to decision
What Is the Best Evidence to Protest Property Taxes? Expert Guide (2026)
Recent comparable sales carry the most weight, but combining multiple evidence types increases success.
How to Appeal Property Taxes Without a Lawyer (And When You Might Need One)
DIY vs. hiring a professional
How to Appeal Property Taxes Without an Appraisal: Use Comps Instead
Comps vs. formal appraisals
How to Appeal Property Taxes Without Going to a Hearing
Mail, online, and phone appeal options
How Property Tax Assessments Work: The Complete Guide to Understanding Your Tax Bill
How Property Tax Assessments Work
What Does a Property Tax Appeal Evidence Packet Look Like?
What Does a Property Tax Appeal Evidence Packet...
Property Tax Appeal Strategies for New Homeowners: First-Year Assessment Challenges
Why your first tax bill is often too high — and how to fix it
Mass Appraisal Limitations: How They Lead to Inaccurate Property Taxes
7 flaws in how your county values your home — and how to use them
Is It Worth It to Appeal Property Taxes? (2026 Analysis)
Average savings: $1,100/year
Understanding Your Property Assessment Notice: What Every Homeowner Should Know
What that notice means and what to do next
First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Property Taxes
What new homeowners need to know
How to Read Your Property Tax Bill
Understanding the numbers and where to look
Is My Property Overassessed? How to Tell
How to tell if you're paying too much
When Should I File My Property Tax Appeal? Critical Deadlines by State (2026)
State-specific deadlines and optimal filing strategies to maximize your chances.
You Just Got Your Property Assessment Notice: Here's Exactly What to Do Next
What to do when your assessment arrives
Divorce and Property Taxes: Who Appeals and How
Divorce and Property Taxes
First-Time Property Tax Appeal: A Beginner's Guide
First
Inherited Property Tax Appeal: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Inherited Property Tax Appeal
Is My Property Over-Assessed? 5 Signs You're Overpaying
Is My Property Over
New Construction Property Tax Appeals: Fighting Overassessment on Your New Home
New Construction Property Tax Appeals
Property Tax Appeal After Natural Disaster: Your Rights & Relief Options
Property Tax Appeal After Natural Disaster
Best Property Tax Appeal Services in 2026: Pricing, Coverage, and What to Know
Pricing, coverage, and what to know
Best DIY Property Tax Appeal Tools & Resources (2026)
Free and paid tools for self-filers
Ownwell Review 2026: Pricing, Results & Is the Fee Worth It?
Pricing, success rates, $50M funding, and cheaper alternatives
Property Tax Appeal After Renovation: What You Need to Know in 2026
When upgrades trigger reassessment
Property Tax Appeals for Investment Properties
Different rules for rentals and commercial
What Happens If You Don't Pay Property Taxes?
Liens, penalties, and how to avoid them
How to Appeal Property Taxes After a Home Renovation: Avoid Over-Assessment
Why renovation cost doesn't equal taxable value — and how to prove it
How Do I Appeal My Property Taxes Myself? Complete DIY Guide
Complete step-by-step instructions
Are Property Tax Protest Companies Worth It? Cost vs. Savings Analysis
Contingency fees vs. flat-fee vs. DIY
What to Write When Protesting Property Taxes: Examples & Templates
Winning phrases and examples
Commercial Property Tax Appeal Strategies That Work in 2026
Commercial Property Tax Appeal Strategies That ...
Property Tax Appeal for Rental Properties: A Landlord's Guide
Property Tax Appeal for Rental Properties
Harris County Property Tax Protest: Houston Homeowner Guide (2026)
Harris County, TX
Dallas County Property Tax Protest: DFW Homeowner Guide (2026)
Dallas County, TX
Travis County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With TCAD
Austin area protest guide
Bexar County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With BCAD
San Antonio area protest guide
Tarrant County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With TAD
Fort Worth area protest guide
Collin County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With CCAD
Plano/McKinney/Frisco area protest guide
Denton County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With DCAD
Denton/Flower Mound area protest guide
Fort Bend County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With FBCAD
Sugar Land/Missouri City area protest guide
Williamson County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With WCAD
Round Rock/Georgetown area protest guide
Montgomery County Property Tax Protest 2026: How to File With MCAD
The Woodlands/Conroe area protest guide
Property Tax Protest Resources
Best Protest Services Compared
7 companies compared — pricing, coverage, and pros/cons for 2026.
2026 Protest Deadlines
Every state's deadline, filing method, and what happens if you miss it.
Assessment Ratios by State
Every state's assessment percentage — from 4% to 100% — with worked examples.
9 Ways to Lower Your Property Taxes
From homestead exemptions to formal appeals — every method that works.
Savings Calculator
Check if you're overassessed — enter your assessed value to see potential savings.
Flat Fee vs Contingency: Which Saves More?
$49 flat vs 25-50% of savings — see the break-even math at every savings level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protest my property tax in Texas?
What is the Texas property tax protest deadline?
What is Texas's property tax assessment ratio?
How much can I save by protesting in Texas?
What evidence do I need for a Texas property tax protest?
What is the effective property tax rate in Texas?
Can I file a Texas property tax protest online?
Ready to Protest Your Texas Property Tax?
Enter your address for a free overassessment analysis. If the numbers support a protest, your complete evidence packet is $49.