AUSTIN (KXAN) — Did you already get your 2023 property appraisal? Disagree with it? Texas property owners have until May 15 to file a protest with their county’s appraisal district.

This year, Travis County’s appraisal roll increased 13%. In Williamson County, appraised values decreased 12% from 2022. In Hays County, appraisal values went up 24% this year.

If a property owner disagrees with an appraisal value, they can submit a protest to their county’s appraisal district. Then, the county’s appraisal review board hears the taxpayer’s protest and resolves the dispute between the property owner and the appraisal district. The board is a citizen group that determines the outcome of a protest. 

The board can consider issues like a proposed property value being too high, a property valued unequal to comparable property in the appraisal district, a chief appraiser denying an exemption and other protest issues, according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The deadline to submit a protest form is May 15 or no later than 30 days from the mail date of your appraisal, whichever is later.

Travis Central Appraisal District recommends people file early to avoid the surge in customer service inquiries closer to the deadline. People needing help may not get assistance before their deadline if they wait, a spokesperson said.

How to file a protest in your county

Check with your county of residence for more protest options and information.

For Travis County homeowners: 

For Williamson County homeowners:

  • Online protest forms can be filed at wcad.org.
  • Forms and supporting evidence can be mailed or dropped off at 625 FM 1460, Georgetown, Texas 78726.
  • More protest information is online.

For Hays County homeowners:

Here is what happens after a protest is submitted, according to the Texas Comptroller: 

  1. Written notice for a formal hearing with the appraisal review board will be sent at least 15 days before the hearing date. This is a hearing among the homeowner, board and chief appraiser to discuss objections, exemptions and special appraisals. 
  2. Additionally, a homeowner can request an informal hearing to resolve objections ahead of the formal hearing.
  3. During the hearing, the homeowner or an agent can appear in person, provide evidence via affidavit without an appearance or appear by phone conference for arguments and evidence by affidavit. Phone or video conference appearances must be requested at least 10 days in advance of the hearing date. 
  4. The board will send rulings via email or mail. 
  5. If there is further disagreement with the ruling, a property owner has the right to appeal the decision in district court or appeal the determination to a binding agreement or to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.