Dimmitt County Appraisal District

If you believe the Dimmitt County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that valuation before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Understanding the process from start to finish gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

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

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Dimmitt County Appraisal District. Since no online filing portal is currently available, you will need to submit your protest by mail or in person. Contact the appraisal district directly to confirm accepted submission methods:

• Phone: 830-876-3420
• Website: http://www.dimmit-cad.org/
• Chief Appraiser: Norma Carrillo

On your protest form, clearly state the grounds for your protest — typically that the appraised value is unequal compared to similar properties or that it exceeds the property's actual market value.

Gather Your Evidence

Strong protests are built on documentation. Collect recent comparable sales in your area, an independent appraisal if available, photographs showing property condition issues, and any repair estimates for structural or functional problems. The more specific your evidence, the more persuasive your case.

The ARB Hearing

After filing, you will receive a scheduled hearing date before the Appraisal Review Board. This is an independent panel that hears evidence from both you and the appraisal district. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written order with its determination.

After the Hearing

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you may pursue further appeal through binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court, depending on your property's value and circumstances.

Given Dimmitt County's small population and rural character, the process tends to be more accessible than in larger metro counties. Reaching out to Chief Appraiser Norma Carrillo's office early in the process can help clarify procedures and avoid procedural missteps.

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

The deadline to file a protest with the Dimmitt County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you receive your notice after April 15, the 30-day window will likely extend your deadline beyond May 15. Always check the date on your notice carefully and do not assume the standard May 15 date applies to your situation.

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

Because the Dimmitt County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the district's office. You can download the Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132) from the Texas Comptroller's website or from http://www.dimmit-cad.org/. For questions about where to send your form or office hours, call the district directly at 830-876-3420.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Dimmitt County?

Dimmitt County property owners who occupy their home as a primary residence may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, may 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. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce your taxable value, so filing the appropriate application with the appraisal district is worthwhile if you have not already done so.

4. What makes protesting in Dimmitt County different from larger Texas counties?

Dimmitt County is a sparsely populated, rural county with a population of approximately 8,507 residents. The appraisal district operates on a smaller scale than urban CADs, which means property owners often have more direct access to staff and the chief appraiser, Norma Carrillo. If you have questions about your valuation or the protest process, a phone call to 830-876-3420 is likely to get you a faster, more personal response than you might receive in a larger county.

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

Contact the District Early

Call 830-876-3420 or visit http://www.dimmit-cad.org/ as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Confirm current office hours, the preferred method for submitting your protest form, and whether informal review meetings with the appraisal staff are available before a formal ARB hearing. In smaller counties like Dimmitt, informal resolution is often possible and can save significant time.

Submit by Mail with Proof of Delivery

Since there is no electronic filing option, send your completed Notice of Protest by certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a timestamped record that your protest was filed before the May 15 or 30-day deadline. Keep a copy of everything you submit.

Document Your Property's Condition

Take dated photographs of any condition issues — foundation concerns, roof damage, deferred maintenance, or drainage problems. These images can serve as direct evidence that the appraised value does not reflect the property's true condition.

Research Comparable Sales

Pull recent sales of similar properties in Dimmitt County through public records or the appraisal district's own data. If comparable homes sold for less than your assessed value, that discrepancy is a legitimate basis for protest on unequal appraisal grounds.

Know Your Exemptions

Before focusing entirely on the appraised value, verify that all applicable exemptions — homestead, over-65, disabled person, or disabled veteran — are already reflected on your account. A missing exemption can have a larger tax impact than a modest value reduction. Contact Norma Carrillo's office to confirm your exemption status if you are unsure.