Castro County Appraisal District

If you believe the Castro County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process puts you in a stronger position to reduce your tax burden.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Castro County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window forecloses your options for the current tax year, so treat the notice date seriously the moment it arrives.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Castro County Appraisal District. The CAD does not currently offer an online filing portal, so protests must be submitted by mail or in person. Contact the district directly at 806-647-5131 or visit their website at https://castrocad.org/ to confirm current submission procedures and obtain the correct forms.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Useful documentation includes recent sales of comparable properties in your area, a recent independent appraisal, photographs showing property condition or damage, and any factual errors in the appraisal record — incorrect square footage, wrong number of rooms, or inaccurate lot size. The CAD's records for your property are public and can be reviewed on their website or by request.

The Informal Hearing

Before your case reaches the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), you will typically have an opportunity for an informal meeting with a CAD staff appraiser. Many protests are resolved at this stage. Come prepared with organized documentation and a clear argument for the value you believe is correct.

The ARB Hearing

If no agreement is reached informally, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing. You will present your evidence to an independent panel, and the district's appraiser will present theirs. The ARB issues a binding determination, though further appeal options exist through district court or binding arbitration if you remain unsatisfied.

Chief Appraiser Steven Cole Pierce oversees the district. Reaching out early in the process can help clarify procedures specific to your situation.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Castro 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 can still file a protest before the deadline. Do not wait for a second notice or reminder; the responsibility to file on time rests with the property owner.

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

Because the Castro County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in person or by mail using a Notice of Protest form. You can download forms from the CAD website at https://castrocad.org/ or request them by calling 806-647-5131. When submitting by mail, use certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof of timely delivery.

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

Castro County property owners who occupy their home as a primary residence can apply for a General Residence Homestead Exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever provides the greater benefit — reducing the taxable value of the property. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. These exemptions can produce meaningful reductions in the taxable value used to calculate your annual bill, and applications are filed directly with the Castro County Appraisal District.

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

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% qualify for a $5,000 exemption on the assessed value of their property. This exemption is separate from the homestead exemption and can be applied in addition to it. Veterans should contact the Castro County Appraisal District at 806-647-5131 to obtain the required application and documentation guidelines, as disability ratings and discharge documentation from the VA will typically be required.

Filing a property tax protest in Castro County requires attention to detail and early preparation. These practical steps will help you submit a stronger, better-organized case.

Start with the appraisal record. Before anything else, pull your property's appraisal record from https://castrocad.org/ and verify every field — square footage, year built, number of bathrooms, land acreage, and property class. Errors in the record are grounds for a value reduction and are among the easiest arguments to win.

Gather comparable sales data. The CAD values your property based on market activity. If you can identify recent sales of similar properties in Castro County that sold for less than your appraised value, document them carefully. Note sale dates, property characteristics, and sale prices. The closer the comparable is to your property in size, location, and condition, the more persuasive it will be.

Document property condition. Photographs of deferred maintenance, structural issues, or functional problems provide tangible support for a lower value. Date-stamp your photos and pair them with repair estimates if available.

Contact the CAD early. Since online filing is not available, call 806-647-5131 or visit the Castro County Appraisal District well before the May 15 deadline to confirm the current mailing address for protest submissions and ask whether informal review appointments are available. Chief Appraiser Steven Cole Pierce's office can clarify what documentation is most useful for your property type.

Keep copies of everything. Retain a copy of your completed protest form, all supporting documents, and your mailing receipt if submitting by mail. These records protect you if a dispute arises about whether your protest was filed on time or what evidence was submitted.

Acting early gives you more time to gather evidence and schedule any necessary meetings before the deadline arrives.