Borden County Appraisal District

If you believe your property has been overvalued or incorrectly assessed, you have the right to formally protest that determination through the Borden County Appraisal District. Understanding the process before you begin can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Borden County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window typically forecloses your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

Contact the Appraisal District

Borden County Appraisal District is the starting point for any protest. Chief Appraiser Tracy Cooley oversees the office, which can be reached by phone at 806-756-4484. The district's website is available at https://bordencad.org/. Because online filing is not currently available through the district's portal, property owners must submit their protest by mail or in person. Contact the office directly to confirm the preferred submission method and obtain the appropriate protest form.

Grounds for Protest

The most common basis for protest is unequal appraisal — meaning your property was assessed at a higher value relative to comparable properties in the area. You may also protest on the grounds that the appraised value exceeds the property's actual market value, or that an exemption was incorrectly denied or applied.

Gather Your Evidence

Before your Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing, compile documentation that supports your position. This may include recent sales data for comparable properties, an independent appraisal, photographs documenting condition issues, or repair estimates for known defects. The more specific and localized your evidence, the more persuasive it will be.

The ARB Hearing

If an informal resolution with the appraisal district staff is not reached, your protest proceeds to a formal ARB hearing. You will present your evidence, the appraisal district will present theirs, and the board will issue a determination. You are entitled to receive the appraisal district's evidence at least 14 days before your scheduled hearing — request it as soon as your hearing is set.

In a county as small as Borden — with a population of just 723 — the process tends to be more accessible than in larger metro districts, but the same legal rules and timelines apply.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Borden County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you miss this deadline without a qualifying exception, you lose the right to protest your appraised value for that year. Watch your mail closely in the spring and act as soon as your notice arrives.

2. How do I file a protest with the Borden County Appraisal District?

Because the Borden County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person. Contact the district directly at 806-756-4484 or visit https://bordencad.org/ to obtain a protest form and confirm submission instructions. Chief Appraiser Tracy Cooley and staff can walk you through the required steps. Make sure any mailed protest is postmarked on or before the deadline and that you retain a copy for your records.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Borden County?

Borden County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption valued at $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against the school district portion of your tax bill. Additionally, homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as a disabled person, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. If you have not yet applied, contact the appraisal district to obtain the appropriate exemption application.

4. Does Borden County offer any property tax relief for veterans?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property taxes in Borden County. The exemption amount can increase significantly depending on the disability rating under state law. Surviving spouses of disabled veterans may also be eligible for related exemptions. Contact the Borden County Appraisal District at 806-756-4484 to verify current eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary application forms.

Because the Borden County Appraisal District does not offer an online protest filing option, preparation and direct communication with the district are especially important. Here is what to keep in mind as you move through the process.

Start with a phone call. Before preparing any documentation, call the appraisal district at 806-756-4484 to confirm current filing procedures, obtain the correct protest form, and ask about scheduling. In a small county like Borden, direct contact with staff often provides clarity that saves time later.

Submit in writing and keep copies. Since filing must be done by mail or in person, make sure your protest notice is in writing, clearly identifies the property in question, and states your reason for protest. Keep a copy of everything you submit, and if mailing, use a method that provides delivery confirmation.

Meet the deadline without exception. Your protest must be received or postmarked by May 15, or within 30 days of your appraisal notice date. Do not wait until the final days — mailing delays or office closures can cost you your right to protest.

Request the district's evidence early. Once your protest is filed, you are entitled to review the appraisal district's evidence before your ARB hearing. Ask for it promptly. Reviewing their data gives you the opportunity to identify weaknesses in their valuation and tailor your own evidence accordingly.

Focus on local comparables. In a rural county with limited transactions, finding truly comparable sales can be challenging. Look for properties with similar acreage, improvements, and use. If agricultural land is involved, understanding how the 1-d-1 open space valuation applies to your property may also be relevant to your protest.

Arrive prepared for your hearing. Organize your evidence clearly — comparable sales, photographs, appraisals, or repair documentation — and be ready to present it concisely. The ARB members are local residents, and a straightforward, factual presentation is the most effective approach.

For questions at any point, contact the Borden County Appraisal District at 806-756-4484 or visit https://bordencad.org/.