Falls County Appraisal District

If you believe the Falls County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process before the deadline arrives can make a meaningful difference in your tax bill.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Falls County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window forecloses your right to challenge the value for that tax year, so track the date on your notice carefully.

How to File a Protest

Falls County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, so protests must be initiated by mail, fax, or in person. You can reach the Falls County Appraisal District directly at 254-883-2543 or visit their website at http://www.fallscad.net for forms and additional guidance. Chief Appraiser Martha Davis oversees the district, and staff can answer procedural questions about submitting your Notice of Protest (Form 50-132).

What Happens After You File

Once your protest is filed, the appraisal district will typically schedule an informal review first. During this meeting, you present your evidence — comparable sales, an independent appraisal, photographs of property condition, or documentation of any errors in the district's records. Many protests are resolved at the informal stage without proceeding further.

If you cannot reach an agreement informally, your case moves to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears evidence from both you and the appraisal district before rendering a decision.

Building Your Case

Falls County is a predominantly rural county with agricultural land uses and modest residential markets. Because comparable sales data can be sparse in rural areas, gathering any available evidence of recent arm's-length sales of similar properties nearby is especially important. Document any physical defects, deferred maintenance, or site limitations that may not be reflected in the district's records.

If the ARB rules against you, further appeal options include binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court, depending on the value of your property and the nature of your dispute.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Falls County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed to you — whichever date is later. The postmark date on your notice is the reference point for calculating the 30-day window, so review your notice as soon as it arrives and do not wait until the last moment to act.

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

Falls County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing option. To initiate a protest, you will need to submit a completed Notice of Protest form by mail or deliver it in person to the district office. You can download the form from http://www.fallscad.net or call the district at 254-883-2543 to request one. Make sure your submission is received — not just postmarked — before the deadline if you are delivering it in person.

3. What homestead exemption is available on my Falls County property?

Falls County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption valued at $140,000 or 20% of your appraised value, whichever is greater. Additionally, homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. These exemptions directly reduce the taxable value of your home, which lowers the amount on which your tax rate is applied. To claim these exemptions, you must file an application with the Falls County Appraisal District.

4. Does Falls County have special provisions for agricultural land?

Yes. Falls County recognizes agricultural and open-space land productivity valuation under the 1-d-1 provision of the Texas Tax Code. This allows qualifying agricultural land to be appraised based on its productive capacity rather than its market value, which can result in substantially lower assessed values for farms, ranches, and timberland. Applications and eligibility requirements are handled through the Falls County Appraisal District — contact the office at 254-883-2543 or visit http://www.fallscad.net for details.

Because Falls County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and timing are especially important. Follow these practical steps to protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful protest.

Contact the District Early

Call 254-883-2543 or visit http://www.fallscad.net well before the May 15 deadline to confirm current procedures, obtain the correct protest form, and ask any procedural questions. Staffing at small rural appraisal districts can be limited during peak season, so early contact avoids last-minute delays.

Send Your Protest in Writing and Keep Proof

Since filing must be done by mail or in person, send your Notice of Protest via certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a timestamped record of delivery that protects you if any dispute arises over whether your protest was received on time.

Gather Comparable Sales Data

In a rural county like Falls County, publicly available sales data may be limited. Check the Falls County Appraisal District's website for any sales information they publish, and research deed records at the Falls County Courthouse. Even two or three recent sales of genuinely comparable properties can support a strong case.

Document Property Condition

Photograph your property thoroughly before your hearing — interior and exterior. Note any structural issues, deferred maintenance, or site problems such as drainage, access, or easements that could negatively affect market value. The appraisal district may not have current or accurate condition information on file.

Review Your Exemptions

Before your hearing, confirm that all exemptions you qualify for — including the General Residence Homestead exemption and any Over-65 or Disabled Person exemptions — are already applied to your account. An overlooked exemption can cost you more than a successful protest would save.

Be Specific at Your Hearing

Whether at an informal review or before the Appraisal Review Board, focus on concrete evidence rather than general dissatisfaction with taxes. A clear, factual presentation is far more effective than an emotional appeal.