Callahan County Appraisal District

If you believe the Callahan County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that value — and doing so can directly reduce your tax bill. Understanding the process is the first step toward a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

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

File Your Protest

Callahan 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 325-854-2528 or visit their website at http://www.callahancad.org/ to confirm current submission procedures and obtain the necessary protest form (Form 50-132). The chief appraiser, Mathew Walker, oversees the district and can be contacted through the same channels for procedural questions.

Build Your Case

A protest succeeds or fails on evidence. Gather documentation that supports a lower value, including recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area, a recent independent appraisal, photos of property damage or deteriorating conditions, or repair estimates for known issues. The appraisal district is required to share the evidence it used to set your value — request this before your hearing so you can respond to it directly.

The Informal Hearing

Most protests begin with an informal meeting between the property owner and an appraisal district representative. Many cases are resolved at this stage without proceeding further. Come prepared with organized documentation and a clear, specific argument for the value you believe is correct.

The Formal ARB Hearing

If the informal meeting does not produce a satisfactory result, your protest advances to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears evidence from both sides and issues a binding determination. You may present documents, photos, and testimony. After the ARB rules, you retain the right to pursue further appeal through binding arbitration or district court if warranted.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Callahan County Appraisal District is May 15, 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 may still have the right to protest. Contact the CAD at 325-854-2528 to confirm your specific deadline and filing options.

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

Callahan County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing option. You will need to submit your protest by mail or deliver it in person to the CAD office. Visit http://www.callahancad.org/ for office address and hours, or call 325-854-2528 to speak with staff about the correct procedure. Make sure to submit your protest form before the deadline and retain a copy for your records.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Callahan County?

Callahan County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever is greater — applied against your property's assessed value. This exemption is available to homeowners who occupy their property as a primary residence. Additionally, 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 the taxable value of your home, so if you have not yet applied, contact the appraisal district to file.

4. Are there exemptions available for veterans in Callahan 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 assessed value. This exemption is separate from the homestead exemption and can be applied in addition to it. Veterans should contact the Callahan County Appraisal District at 325-854-2528 or review the eligibility requirements at http://www.callahancad.org/ to begin the application process.

Because Callahan County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and direct communication with the CAD are especially important. Here is how to approach the process efficiently.

Contact the CAD Early

Call 325-854-2528 as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Staff can confirm the correct form to use, where to submit it, and the specific deadline that applies to your notice. Getting this information early prevents last-minute errors.

Request the CAD's Evidence File

Before your hearing, you are entitled to see the evidence the appraisal district used to determine your value. Request this file in writing as soon as you file your protest. Reviewing their comparable sales data and methodology will help you identify weaknesses in their valuation and sharpen your own argument.

Document Everything in Writing

Since filing is done by mail or in person, keep copies of every document you submit. If mailing your protest form, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of timely delivery. Note the date and time of any phone conversations with CAD staff.

Prepare Comparable Sales Data

Identify recent sales of properties similar to yours in Callahan County — similar size, age, condition, and location. County deed records and the CAD's own property search tool at http://www.callahancad.org/ can help you locate these. Present this data clearly and concisely at your hearing.

Verify Your Exemptions Are Applied

Before your hearing, confirm that all exemptions you qualify for — including the General Residence Homestead exemption and any applicable Over-65 or disabled veteran exemptions — are already reflected in your appraisal notice. An unapplied exemption can be corrected separately and may resolve your concern without a formal protest.

Be Concise at Your Hearing

Whether at an informal meeting or before the Appraisal Review Board, present your evidence clearly and stay focused on the specific value you believe is correct. Appraisal staff and board members respond best to organized, factual arguments backed by documentation.