Camp County Appraisal District

If you believe the Camp County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process and acting promptly gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Camp County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to protest 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 Camp County Appraisal District. Since Camp County does not offer an online filing portal, you will need to submit your protest by mail or in person. Contact the appraisal district directly at 903-856-6538 or visit their website at http://www.campcad.org/ to confirm current submission procedures and obtain the necessary forms. Chief Appraiser Jan Tinsley oversees the district, and staff can answer procedural questions.

Build Your Case

Before your hearing, gather evidence that supports a lower valuation. Useful documentation includes:

• A recent independent appraisal of your property
• Comparable sales data for similar properties in your neighborhood
• Photographs documenting physical defects, deferred maintenance, or damage
• Any errors in the appraisal district's property records, such as incorrect square footage or lot size

The Informal and Formal Hearing Process

Most protests begin with an informal meeting between the property owner and an appraisal district staff member. Many cases are resolved at this stage without proceeding further. If you cannot reach an agreement informally, your protest advances to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel authorized to adjust appraised values.

After the Hearing

If the ARB rules against you and you still believe the value is incorrect, further appeal options include binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court, depending on your property type and value.

Acting early, staying organized, and communicating directly with the Camp County Appraisal District will put you in the strongest position throughout this process.

1. What is the protest deadline for Camp County property owners?

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Camp County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice, whichever date falls later. If you did not receive a notice but believe your value changed, you may still be entitled to protest — contact the appraisal district at 903-856-6538 to confirm your options before the deadline passes.

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

Camp County does not currently offer an online protest filing option. You will need to submit your Notice of Protest by mail or deliver it in person to the Camp County Appraisal District. Visit http://www.campcad.org/ for current office hours, mailing address, and any updated filing instructions. Filing early and keeping a copy of your submission is strongly recommended.

3. What homestead exemption is available to Camp County residents?

Camp County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against your property's assessed value. Homeowners who are 65 or older or who qualify as disabled persons are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. To receive these benefits, the property must be your primary residence and you must apply through the Camp County Appraisal District.

4. What exemptions are available for veterans and disabled individuals in Camp County?

Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property in Camp County. Separate from the veteran's exemption, homeowners who qualify as disabled persons under the appraisal district's criteria are eligible for the $200,000 Over-65/Disabled Person exemption mentioned above. Contact the Camp County Appraisal District at 903-856-6538 to verify eligibility requirements and obtain the appropriate application forms.

Because Camp County does not offer an online protest filing portal, preparation and timely action are especially important. Follow these practical steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

Contact the District Early

Reach out to the Camp County Appraisal District at 903-856-6538 or check http://www.campcad.org/ as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Confirm the exact protest deadline for your notice, obtain the correct protest form, and ask about current office hours and submission procedures. Staff can clarify whether mailed submissions must arrive by the deadline or if postmark dates are accepted.

Document Everything in Writing

Since all filings go through mail or in-person delivery, keep copies of every document you submit. If mailing your protest, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of timely delivery. Note the date and name of any staff member you speak with by phone.

Organize Your Evidence Before the Hearing

Pull together comparable sales data from your neighborhood, focusing on properties similar in size, age, and condition that sold in the past 12 months. If your property has physical issues — foundation problems, roof damage, or outdated systems — photograph them and get repair estimates. Review the appraisal district's property record card for your home and flag any factual errors, since correcting inaccurate data can be the quickest path to a reduced value.

Arrive Prepared for the Informal Meeting

Most Camp County protests are resolved during an informal review before reaching the Appraisal Review Board. Bring organized, clearly labeled documentation and be ready to explain concisely why the assessed value does not reflect market reality. A calm, fact-based presentation is far more effective than a general objection to a high tax bill.

Acting before the May 15 deadline and maintaining clear records throughout the process will give you the best possible outcome.