By Weiting Yu, Texas-licensed agent (TREC #787385) · Updated November 13, 2026
What can you protest?
The Texas Comptroller lists these grounds:
- The appraised or market value of your property.
- Unequal appraisal compared with similar properties.
- Errors in the appraisal records, such as wrong square footage.
- A denied exemption, including the homestead exemption.
- Any other appraisal district action that affects your property.
What is the deadline?
May 15, or 30 days after the appraisal district delivers your notice, whichever is later. Check the date printed on your own notice and treat it as final. A late protest is allowed only for good cause.
How does a protest work, step by step?
- File. Submit Form 50-132 or use the appraisal district's online system. A written notice that identifies you, the property and your disagreement also counts.
- Ask for the district's evidence. At least 14 days before your hearing, the district must tell you how to get the data it plans to use.
- Hold the informal conference. You meet an appraiser and may receive a settlement offer. You can accept it or continue.
- Go to the ARB. You get at least 15 days' notice of the hearing. You may appear in person, by phone or video, or by written affidavit.
- Appeal if needed. After the ARB's written order you have 60 days to request binding arbitration, which is open to any homestead whatever its value, or to file in district court.
What evidence works?
- Comparable sales from the months around January 1, the valuation date.
- Your closing statement, if you bought recently for less than the appraised value.
- Photos and repair estimates for condition problems: foundation, roof, old systems.
- The district's own record of your home, if the size, bedroom count or features are wrong.
- Appraisals of similar homes nearby, for an unequal-appraisal argument.
Where do you file in the big Texas counties?
| County | Appraisal district |
|---|---|
| Travis | Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) |
| Williamson | Williamson Central Appraisal District (WCAD) |
| Harris | Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) |
| Fort Bend | Fort Bend Central Appraisal District (FBCAD) |
| Dallas | Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) |
| Collin | Collin Central Appraisal District |
| Denton | Denton Central Appraisal District |
| Tarrant | Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD) |
| Bexar | Bexar Appraisal District (BCAD) |
Does a protest matter if you plan to sell?
Yes, in two ways. Property taxes are prorated at closing, so a lower value reduces your share for the months you owned the home. Buyers also look at the current tax bill when they work out a monthly payment.
One caution for buyers: a homestead's appraised value can rise no more than 10% a year, and that cap belongs to the owner who qualified. After a sale the value can reset, so the seller's tax bill is not a forecast of yours. Our Texas property tax calculator estimates the reset.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to attend the hearing in person?
No. The Comptroller says you may appear in person, by telephone or videoconference, or by filing a written affidavit.
Which form do I use?
Comptroller Form 50-132, Property Owner's Notice of Protest, or your appraisal district's online system.
Do I need a tax consultant?
No. Owners can file and appear on their own. Consultants usually charge a share of the first-year savings.
I just bought the home. Should I protest?
If you paid less than the appraised value, your closing statement is strong evidence. File in the first protest season after you buy.
Selling in Texas? KAT Realty Group is a full-service flat fee real estate service: $5,999 to list (homes under $900,000; higher-priced homes have their own fixed fee). Sellers pay $600 at listing signing and the balance at closing, only if the home sells. How selling with us works.
Source: Texas Comptroller, Appraisal Protests and Appeals. General information, not tax or legal advice.
