Briscoe County Appraisal District

If you believe the Briscoe County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that assessment. Understanding the process helps you make the most of that right.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Briscoe County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline typically forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a written Notice of Protest with the Briscoe County Appraisal District. The notice should identify your property and state the reason for your protest — most commonly, that the appraised value is too high or is unequal compared to similar properties. Contact the district directly at 806-823-2161 or visit their website at http://www.briscoecad.org for forms and filing instructions. As of the available data, no online filing portal is offered, so plan to submit your protest by mail or in person.

Prepare Your Evidence

Before your hearing, gather documentation that supports a lower value. Useful evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties in the area, a recent independent appraisal, photographs showing property condition or damage, and any factual errors in the appraisal record such as incorrect square footage or lot size.

The Appraisal Review Board Hearing

Once your protest is filed, you will receive a scheduled hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel separate from the appraisal district staff. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written order with their determination.

If You Disagree with the ARB Decision

Property owners who remain unsatisfied after an ARB hearing may appeal further through binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court, depending on the property type and value.

For questions at any stage, reach Chief Appraiser Lydia Rodriguez and her staff at 806-823-2161.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Briscoe County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you still have the right to protest by the standard May 15 deadline. Acting promptly once your notice arrives gives you the most time to gather supporting evidence.

2. How do I file a protest since there is no online portal?

Because the Briscoe County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person. Download or request a Notice of Protest form through the district's website at http://www.briscoecad.org, or call 806-823-2161 to request one directly. Make sure your submission is postmarked or received before the deadline, and keep a copy for your records.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Briscoe County?

Briscoe County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever is greater — off your property's appraised value for school district tax purposes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce your taxable value, so if you have not yet applied, contact the appraisal district to obtain the required application forms.

4. Are there exemptions available for veterans in Briscoe County?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property's appraised value. The specific dollar amount of the exemption can increase with higher disability ratings under the Texas Tax Code's tiered structure. Veterans should contact the Briscoe County Appraisal District at 806-823-2161 to confirm current eligibility requirements and submit the appropriate documentation.

Filing a property tax protest in a small rural county like Briscoe requires attention to process details, since resources differ from larger metropolitan districts. Here is what to keep in mind.

Contact the District Early

Because the Briscoe County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, your first step should be calling 806-823-2161 or checking http://www.briscoecad.org to obtain the correct protest form and confirm current submission instructions. Staff can also clarify whether your notice deadline is May 15 or an extended date based on when your notice was mailed.

Submit by Mail with Proof

When mailing your Notice of Protest, use certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a timestamped record that your protest was filed on time — critical protection if any dispute arises over the submission date. Keep copies of everything you send.

Focus on Local Comparable Sales

Briscoe County is a sparsely populated rural county, which means comparable sales data can be limited. Look for any arm's-length sales of similar property types — agricultural land, rural residential, or rangeland — within the county or in immediately adjacent areas. Even a small number of relevant comparables can be persuasive to the Appraisal Review Board.

Check Your Property Record for Errors

Request a copy of your property's appraisal record from the district before your hearing. Errors in acreage, improvement descriptions, or property classification are not uncommon and can be corrected as part of your protest, sometimes resulting in a value reduction without needing to argue market comparables at all.

Be Prepared for a Smaller, More Direct Process

In a county with a population of roughly 1,200, the appraisal review process tends to be less formal than in urban counties. Come prepared, be respectful, and present your evidence clearly. Chief Appraiser Lydia Rodriguez and her staff can answer procedural questions at 806-823-2161.