Dawson County Appraisal District

If you believe the Dawson County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that valuation. Understanding the process and acting within the required timeframes is essential to a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Dawson County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline 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 Dawson County Appraisal District. Contact the district directly at 806-872-7060 or visit their website at http://www.dawsoncad.org/ to obtain the necessary forms. As of this writing, an online filing portal is not available, so protests must be submitted in person or by mail. Chief Appraiser Norma J. Brock and her staff can answer procedural questions about your filing.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you present. Gather documentation that supports a lower valuation, including:

• Recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area
• A recent independent appraisal of your property
• Photographs documenting physical defects, damage, or conditions that reduce value
• Any documentation of errors in the appraisal district's property records, such as incorrect square footage or lot size

Attend Your Hearing

Once your protest is filed, you will receive a hearing date before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears property owner disputes. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written determination after the hearing.

If You Disagree with the ARB Decision

If the ARB ruling does not resolve your dispute, you may pursue further appeal through district court, binding arbitration, or the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), depending on your property type and the value in question.

Acting early, staying organized, and making direct contact with the Dawson County Appraisal District at 806-872-7060 will put you in the strongest possible position throughout this process.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Dawson 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 are still entitled to protest, and the same deadline applies. Do not wait until the last moment; contact the district at 806-872-7060 if you have any uncertainty about your specific deadline.

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

Because Dawson County does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in writing either in person or by mail to the Dawson County Appraisal District. You can download or request Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) through the district's website at http://www.dawsoncad.org/ or by calling 806-872-7060. Make sure your submission clearly identifies your property, states the reason for your protest, and is postmarked or delivered before the applicable deadline.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Dawson County?

Dawson County offers a General Residence Homestead Exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value — whichever is greater — providing meaningful relief for qualifying homeowners. Residents who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To apply, contact the Dawson County Appraisal District directly, as exemptions are not automatically applied and require a one-time application.

4. What if the Appraisal Review Board rules against me?

If the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) issues a determination you believe is still incorrect, Texas law provides additional avenues for appeal. Depending on the type and value of your property, you may file suit in district court, pursue binding arbitration, or request a hearing through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Each option has its own eligibility requirements and filing deadlines, so it is important to review your ARB order carefully and act promptly after receiving the decision.

Filing a property tax protest in Dawson County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you build the strongest possible case.

Contact the District Early

Reach out to the Dawson County Appraisal District at 806-872-7060 before the deadline to confirm the correct protest form, submission address, and any district-specific procedures. Chief Appraiser Norma J. Brock's office can clarify what documentation is most useful for your property type. Early contact also gives you time to request your property's appraisal records, which may reveal errors worth challenging.

Review Your Property Record Card

Request a copy of your property record card from the district. Verify that details such as square footage, number of rooms, lot size, and property condition are accurately recorded. Errors in these fields can inflate your assessed value, and correcting them is one of the most straightforward grounds for a successful protest.

Gather Comparable Sales Data

Since Dawson County is a smaller rural county, comparable sales may be limited, but any recent arm's-length sales of similar properties in the area can be powerful evidence. Document the sales price, property characteristics, and proximity to your property.

Submit by Mail with Proof of Delivery

Because online filing is not available, mail your protest form with a method that provides a postmark or delivery confirmation. Keep a copy of everything you submit. The protest deadline — May 15 or 30 days after your notice — is firm, and a documented submission protects you if questions arise.

Check Your Exemption Status

Before or alongside your protest, verify that all applicable exemptions — including the General Residence Homestead Exemption and any Over-65 or Disabled Person exemption — are reflected on your account. An exemption that was never applied can represent a significant, correctable tax overcharge. Contact the district at http://www.dawsoncad.org/ or 806-872-7060 to confirm your current exemption status.