Austin County Appraisal District

If you believe the Austin County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that valuation. Understanding the process and acting promptly can make the difference between a successful appeal and a missed opportunity.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Austin County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later. Missing this window forecloses your right to challenge the appraisal for that tax year, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Austin County Appraisal District. The district is led by Chief Appraiser Greg Cook and can be reached at 979-865-9124. Their website, austincad.org, provides access to forms, appraisal records, and contact information. At this time, online protest filing is not available through the district's portal, so protests must be submitted in person, by mail, or by fax.

Gather Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Useful documentation includes:

• A recent independent appraisal of your property
• Comparable sales data for similar properties in your area
• Photographs documenting physical defects, damage, or deferred maintenance
• Repair estimates for any structural or mechanical issues
• Any errors in the appraisal district's property record, such as incorrect square footage or lot size

The Informal Hearing

After filing, you will typically be offered an informal meeting with an appraisal district staff member. This is an opportunity to present your evidence and potentially reach an agreement without proceeding to a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Come prepared with organized documentation and a clear, specific argument for why the assessed value should be reduced.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not resolve the dispute, your case proceeds to the ARB — an independent panel that hears evidence from both you and the appraisal district staff. Present your evidence calmly and factually. The ARB will issue a written determination after the hearing.

If you remain dissatisfied after the ARB ruling, further appeal options include binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court.

1. What is the protest deadline for Austin County property taxes?

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Austin County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days from the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your property has been reappraised, you should contact the district directly at 979-865-9124 to confirm your appraisal status and ensure you do not miss the filing window.

2. How do I file a property tax protest in Austin County?

Because the Austin County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing portal, property owners must submit their Notice of Protest by mail, in person, or by fax. The district's mailing address and fax number are available at austincad.org. Use Texas Form 50-132 and clearly state the basis for your protest — whether that is an incorrect market value, unequal appraisal compared to similar properties, or an error in the property's recorded characteristics.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Austin County?

Austin County property owners who occupy their home as a primary residence may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may receive a $5,000 exemption. To apply, submit Form 50-114 to the Austin County Appraisal District.

4. Does Austin County offer agricultural land valuation, and how does it affect my taxes?

Yes. Austin County has a significant agricultural land base, and qualifying property owners may apply for a 1-d-1 Open Space agricultural appraisal. Under this designation, land is valued based on its productive agricultural capacity rather than its market value — which can result in substantially lower assessed values and tax bills. Eligibility requires that the land be devoted principally to agricultural use and meet minimum acreage and activity standards. Contact the Austin County Appraisal District at 979-865-9124 to discuss qualification requirements and the application process.

Filing a property tax protest in Austin County requires preparation and attention to detail. Because the Austin County Appraisal District does not offer an online submission option, every step of the process must be handled through direct contact with the district — making organization especially important.

Contact the District Early

Reach out to the Austin County Appraisal District at 979-865-9124 or visit austincad.org before the deadline to confirm your current appraisal value, verify the correct mailing address for protest submissions, and request any property record information that may contain errors. Identifying discrepancies early gives you time to build a stronger case.

Document Everything in Writing

Since filings are submitted by mail or in person, keep a copy of every document you submit, and consider sending your protest by certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a verifiable record that your protest was filed on time.

Focus on Comparable Sales

One of the most effective arguments in a protest is demonstrating that similar properties in your area sold for less than your assessed value. Pull recent sales data for comparable homes in Austin County — same general area, similar size, age, and condition. The appraisal district uses this data to set values, and you can use it to challenge them.

Review Your Property Record for Errors

Appraisal records sometimes contain factual mistakes — wrong square footage, an extra bathroom that does not exist, or land acreage listed incorrectly. These errors directly inflate your assessed value. Download your property record from austincad.org and compare it against your deed, survey, and any building permits.

Arrive Prepared for Your Hearing

Bring printed copies of all your evidence, organized and labeled. Informal reviewers and ARB panels respond best to clear, factual presentations. Stick to the numbers and let the comparables speak for themselves.