Donley County Appraisal District

If you believe the Donley County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. The protest process is governed by the Texas Property Tax Code and administered locally by the Donley County Appraisal District under Chief Appraiser Paula Lowrie.

Know Your Deadline

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

How to File a Protest

Donley County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing portal. Protests must be submitted directly to the district. You can contact them by phone at 806-874-2744 or visit their website at http://www.donleycad.org/ for current instructions on submitting a written protest. A written notice of protest is sufficient to preserve your rights — it does not need to be elaborate. Simply state your name, the property in question, and that you disagree with the appraised value or another action by the district.

Informal Review

Before your case goes to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), you will typically have an opportunity for an informal meeting with an appraiser. Bring documentation that supports your opinion of value: recent sales of comparable properties, a recent independent appraisal, photographs documenting condition issues, or repair estimates for significant problems. The more specific and evidence-based your case, the stronger your position.

Formal ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not resolve your protest, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing. You will present your evidence to a panel of citizens appointed to hear protests. The ARB issues a binding determination, though you retain the right to appeal further through binding arbitration or district court if you remain unsatisfied.

Given Donley County's small population and rural character, the process tends to be straightforward. Reaching out directly to the appraisal district at 806-874-2744 before the deadline is the best first step to understand your options and the current schedule.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Donley County Appraisal District is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you should still contact the district before May 15 to confirm your status. Missing the deadline means losing your right to protest for that tax year, so calendar the date as soon as your notice arrives.

2. How do I file a protest in Donley County?

Donley County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. To protest, you must submit a written notice directly to the district. Contact the office at 806-874-2744 or check http://www.donleycad.org/ for the most current filing instructions. Your written protest does not need to be a formal legal document — it simply needs to identify your property and state that you disagree with the appraisal district's determination.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Donley County?

Donley County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against your school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive 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 Donley County Appraisal District directly, as exemptions are not automatically applied and require a one-time application.

4. What kind of evidence should I bring to support my protest in a rural county like Donley?

In a small, rural county like Donley, comparable sales data can be limited, which makes other forms of evidence especially valuable. Consider gathering a recent independent appraisal, documentation of physical condition issues such as foundation problems or structural damage, repair estimates from licensed contractors, or any sales data from nearby counties involving similar rural or agricultural properties. The Donley County Appraisal District appraises a significant amount of agricultural and ranch land, so if your property has any agricultural classification questions, those are worth raising specifically during your protest.

Filing a property tax protest in Donley County requires preparation and attention to timing. Here are practical steps to improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact the District Early

Since Donley County Appraisal District does not offer online protest filing, your first move should be a phone call to 806-874-2744. Speaking directly with the office allows you to confirm current filing procedures, ask about informal review opportunities, and understand the hearing schedule. Chief Appraiser Paula Lowrie oversees the district, and staff can clarify what documentation is most useful for your property type.

Put Your Protest in Writing

Even if you have a phone conversation, submit your protest in writing before the May 15 deadline. A simple letter identifying your property by address and account number, stating that you disagree with the appraised value, is legally sufficient to preserve your rights. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you submitted it.

Gather Targeted Evidence

Generic complaints about taxes being too high carry little weight. Focus on specific, documented evidence: recent sales of comparable properties in Donley County or adjacent areas, an independent appraisal, photographs of property condition issues, or contractor estimates for needed repairs. If your property has agricultural land, verify that the correct productivity valuation method is being applied under the 1-d-1 open-space provisions.

Be Realistic and Specific

Come to any informal review or ARB hearing with a specific value you believe is accurate, not just a general objection. Appraisers and board members respond better to a well-supported counter-value than to a vague disagreement.

Check the CAD Website

Visit http://www.donleycad.org/ periodically for updated forms, hearing schedules, and any procedural notices. In a small county, schedules can shift, and staying informed through the official source ensures you do not miss a critical date.