Calhoun County Appraisal District

If you believe the Calhoun County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value — and doing so can directly reduce your tax bill. Understanding the process before your deadline arrives is the most important step you can take.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Calhoun County is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever is later. Missing this window means waiving your right to challenge the current year's value, so treat the notice arrival date as a starting gun.

File Your Protest

Calhoun County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted directly to the CAD by mail or in person. Contact the district at 361-552-4560 or visit their website at http://www.calhouncad.org/ to obtain the correct protest form (Form 50-132) and confirm current submission procedures. The district is led by Chief Appraiser Paul Spaeth.

Build Your Case

Once your protest is filed, you will receive a hearing notice scheduling your appearance before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Come prepared with evidence that supports a lower value. Useful documentation includes:

• A recent independent appraisal of your property
• Comparable sales of similar properties in your area (pulled from public records or the CAD's own data)
• Photographs documenting physical condition issues, damage, or deferred maintenance
• Repair estimates from licensed contractors

At the Hearing

ARB hearings are informal but structured. You will present your evidence, the CAD appraiser will present theirs, and the board will render a decision. Be concise and factual — focus on market data and property condition rather than your ability to pay taxes.

If You Disagree with the ARB Decision

If the ARB ruling does not reflect fair market value in your view, you can appeal further through binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or district court, depending on the value of your property and the nature of your dispute.

Acting early gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Gather your evidence well before the May 15 deadline.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Calhoun County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you still have the right to protest before the May 15 deadline. Do not wait for a notice to arrive before taking action.

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

Calhoun County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing option. To protest, you will need to submit a written protest form directly to the CAD by mail or in person. You can reach the district by phone at 361-552-4560 or access forms and information through their website at http://www.calhouncad.org/. Filing early is advisable — submitting close to the deadline leaves little room for error if mail delays or processing issues arise.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Calhoun County?

Calhoun County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value — whichever is greater — applied to your school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% are eligible for a $5,000 exemption. To claim any of these exemptions, you must file an application with the Calhoun County Appraisal District and provide documentation supporting your eligibility.

4. What makes Calhoun County property taxes distinctive compared to other Texas counties?

Calhoun County is a coastal Gulf community with a relatively small population of just under 20,000 residents. The local economy is heavily influenced by petrochemical industry, commercial fishing, and port activity, which can affect how commercial and industrial properties are valued relative to residential ones. Homeowners in coastal areas should pay particular attention to how the CAD accounts for storm exposure, flood zone designation, and condition issues when assessing residential value — these factors can create meaningful grounds for a protest if not properly reflected in your appraisal.

Because Calhoun County Appraisal District does not offer an online protest filing option, preparation and timely action are especially important. Here is how to approach the process effectively.

Contact the CAD Before You File

Call 361-552-4560 or visit http://www.calhouncad.org/ to confirm the current mailing address for protest submissions and to request or download the correct protest form. Procedures can change between tax years, and confirming directly with the district avoids processing errors that could invalidate your filing.

Submit by Mail with Proof of Delivery

Since filing is done by mail or in person, send your protest form via certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you documented proof that your protest was received before the May 15 deadline. Keep copies of everything you submit.

Request the CAD's Evidence in Advance

After filing, you are entitled to request the appraisal district's evidence package before your ARB hearing. This package shows the comparables and data the CAD used to arrive at your value. Reviewing it early lets you identify weaknesses in their methodology and sharpen your own counterarguments.

Focus on Local Comparable Sales

Pull comparable sales from within Calhoun County — ideally within the same neighborhood or subdivision — from the 12 months preceding January 1 of the tax year. Properties that sold for less than your assessed value, and that are similar in size, age, and condition, are your strongest evidence.

Document Property Condition Thoroughly

Coastal properties in Calhoun County are subject to salt air exposure, hurricane risk, and moisture-related wear. If your home has condition issues that are not reflected in the appraisal, photograph them thoroughly and obtain written repair estimates. Physical condition is a legitimate and often overlooked basis for a reduced value.

File early, document carefully, and follow up with the CAD directly at 361-552-4560 if you have not received a hearing notice within a reasonable time after submitting your protest.