Duval County Appraisal District

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

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Duval County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline generally means forfeiting your right to protest for that tax year, so treat the notice date seriously the moment it arrives.

Initiating Your Protest

Duval County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. That means protests must be initiated by contacting the CAD directly. You can reach the Duval County Appraisal District by phone at 361-279-3305 or visit their website at http://www.duvalcad.org for current procedural guidance. Written protest notices can be submitted by mail or in person at the district office. Your written notice must clearly identify the property in question and state that you are protesting the appraised value.

Grounds for Protest

The most common basis for protest is that the appraised value exceeds the property's actual market value. You can also protest on the grounds of unequal appraisal — meaning your property was assessed at a higher ratio relative to market value than comparable properties in the county. Both grounds can be raised in the same protest.

Preparing Your Evidence

Gather documentation before your hearing. Useful evidence includes recent comparable sales in your area, a recent independent appraisal, photographs documenting property condition or defects, and repair estimates for any significant issues. The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) weighs evidence from both you and the appraisal district, so the quality and relevance of your documentation matters.

The Hearing

Once your protest is filed, you will be scheduled for an informal review or a formal ARB hearing, or both. At the hearing, present your evidence clearly and concisely. If you disagree with the ARB's determination, you have further appeal options including binding arbitration or district court.

Chief Appraiser Raul Garcia oversees the Duval County Appraisal District. For the most current forms and procedural updates, check http://www.duvalcad.org before filing.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Duval County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days from the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you should contact the CAD at 361-279-3305 to confirm your status and whether you are eligible to protest.

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

Duval County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted in writing, either in person at the district office or by mail. Your written notice should identify the specific property and clearly state your intent to protest. You can visit http://www.duvalcad.org or call 361-279-3305 to obtain the correct mailing address and any required forms before submitting.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Duval County?

Duval County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever is greater — applied to your property's assessed value for qualifying homeowners. To qualify, the property must be your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Additionally, homeowners who are 65 or older or who qualify as disabled persons may receive an additional $200,000 exemption, which can substantially reduce the taxable value of a home in this county.

4. Are there property tax benefits available for veterans in Duval County?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property's assessed value through the Duval County Appraisal District. Veterans with higher disability ratings may qualify for larger exemptions under state law. Contact the CAD directly at 361-279-3305 to confirm current eligibility requirements and to obtain the necessary application forms.

Because Duval County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, every step of your protest requires direct communication with the district. Being organized and proactive from the start will save you time and improve your results.

Contact the CAD Early

Do not wait until May 15 to begin the process. Call 361-279-3305 or visit http://www.duvalcad.org as soon as you receive your Notice of Appraised Value. Confirm the correct procedure for submitting a written protest, obtain any required forms, and verify the mailing address if you plan to file by mail. Sending your protest by certified mail creates a delivery record that protects you if a deadline dispute arises.

Document Everything Before Your Hearing

Gather evidence specific to your property. Recent sales of comparable homes in Duval County are among the most persuasive materials you can bring to an Appraisal Review Board hearing. If your property has structural issues, deferred maintenance, or other conditions that reduce its value, photograph them and obtain written repair estimates.

Understand the Local Market

Duval County is a rural South Texas county with a small population of under 10,000 residents. The local real estate market is limited in transaction volume, which can make comparable sales harder to find — but it also means the appraisal district is working with the same constrained data. If you can identify even a handful of recent sales that support a lower value, that evidence carries weight.

Check Your Exemptions

Before focusing solely on your appraised value, verify that all applicable exemptions are already reflected on your account. If you qualify for the General Residence Homestead, Over-65, or Disabled Veteran exemption and have not yet applied, contact the Duval County Appraisal District at 361-279-3305 to file the appropriate application. Exemptions reduce your taxable value independent of any protest outcome.