Frio County Appraisal District

If you believe the Frio County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that appraisal. The protest process is governed by the Texas Property Tax Code and administered locally through the Frio County Appraisal District, led by Chief Appraiser Edward Garza.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Frio 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 act promptly once your notice arrives. If you did not receive a notice but believe your value increased, you can still file a protest within the same window.

How to File

Frio County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted directly to the district by mail or in person. Contact the office at 830-334-4163 or visit their website at http://www.friocad.org to obtain the required protest form (Form 50-132). Your written notice of protest must clearly identify the property and state the reason for your disagreement — typically an incorrect market value, unequal appraisal compared to similar properties, or an exemption error.

The Informal Hearing

After filing, you will typically have the opportunity for an informal conference with an appraiser before your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. This meeting is a practical first step — many protests are resolved here without proceeding further. Bring documentation such as recent sales of comparable properties, a recent independent appraisal, photographs of property damage or condition issues, or repair estimates.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal meeting does not resolve the dispute, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing. The ARB is an independent panel empowered to lower, raise, or affirm your appraised value. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The burden is on you to demonstrate the appraisal is incorrect.

After the Hearing

If you remain unsatisfied after the ARB decision, you may pursue binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or district court, depending on your property type and value.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Frio County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever date falls later. If you miss this window, you generally lose the right to challenge that year's appraised value, so it is critical to track when your notice arrives and act without delay.

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

Because the Frio County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing option, you must submit your protest by mail or deliver it in person to the district office. You can reach the office by phone at 830-334-4163 or find additional information at http://www.friocad.org. Use the Texas Comptroller's Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) and make sure your submission clearly identifies the property and states the grounds for your protest.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Frio County?

Frio County property owners who occupy their home as a primary residence may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever provides greater tax relief — applied against the appraised value for school district taxation purposes. 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 confirming they are properly applied before your protest deadline is worthwhile.

4. Does agricultural land receive special valuation treatment in Frio County?

Yes. Frio County has a significant agricultural presence, and qualifying land may be eligible for 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal under the Texas Property Tax Code. This method values land based on its productive agricultural capacity rather than its market value, which can result in substantially lower taxable values for ranches, farms, and similar properties. Applications for agricultural appraisal must be filed with the Frio County Appraisal District, and the district evaluates eligibility based on the land's primary use and history. Contact the CAD directly at 830-334-4163 for current application requirements and deadlines.

Because the Frio County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and direct communication with the district are especially important. Here is how to approach the process effectively.

Contact the CAD Early

Call the Frio County Appraisal District at 830-334-4163 as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Staff can confirm the correct form to use, explain current procedures, and answer questions about your specific property record. Visiting http://www.friocad.org may also provide updated guidance or downloadable forms.

Document Everything in Writing

Since you will be mailing or hand-delivering your protest, keep a copy of every document you submit and note the date of submission. If mailing, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the protest was received before the May 15 deadline.

Build a Strong Evidence File

The most persuasive protests are backed by concrete data. Gather recent sales records for comparable properties in Frio County, a current independent appraisal if available, photographs documenting the condition of your property, and any repair estimates for damage or structural issues. Unequal appraisal — where your property is assessed at a higher percentage of market value than similar properties — is a valid and often effective protest ground in Texas.

Verify Your Exemptions First

Before focusing solely on the appraised value, confirm that all applicable exemptions — homestead, over-65, disabled person, or disabled veteran — are correctly reflected on your notice. A missing exemption can be corrected through a separate application and may resolve your concern without a formal protest.

Prepare for the Informal Hearing

Most Frio County protests will include an informal meeting with an appraiser before any formal ARB hearing. Approach this step seriously — arrive with organized documentation and a clear, specific argument. Many cases are resolved at this stage, saving time for both the property owner and the district.