Texas property tax protest deadline
May 15, or 30 days after your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. What counts, and what to do if you missed it.
The rule
In Texas, a protest is due by May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mailed your notice, whichever is later (Tax Code §41.44). The 30 days count from the mailing date printed on the notice, not the day it reached you. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Most districts post new values and mail notices in April, so for most homeowners the deadline is May 15. Your notice states the exact date; when in doubt, file by May 15.
The yearly calendar
| January 1 | Values are set as of this date. |
|---|---|
| April | Districts post new values and mail notices. |
| April 30 | Usual deadline to apply for a homestead exemption for the year (late applications are possible). |
| May 15 | Usual protest deadline. |
| May–July | Settlement offers and appraisal review board hearings. |
| July 25 | Districts certify the appraisal roll. |
| October | Tax bills go out; due by January 31. |
What counts as filed
Filing online through your district's portal is quickest and gives you a confirmation. A protest by mail counts when it's postmarked by the deadline. You don't need the official form: a written notice that identifies you, the property and that you disagree with the value is enough, though Comptroller Form 50-132 makes sure you check every ground.
If you missed it
- Good cause: the appraisal review board may hear a late protest if you show good cause (for example, a serious illness), as long as it's filed before the board approves the records, usually in July.
- No notice: if the district was required to send you a notice and didn't, you can protest up until the taxes become delinquent.
- Big errors: a motion to correct the roll is allowed when a homestead is appraised at least one-fourth above its correct value (one-third for other property), and for clerical errors (Tax Code §25.25).
Otherwise, mark next April on your calendar. We can email you when new values post.