Grimes County Appraisal District

If you believe the Grimes County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that assessment. Understanding the process before the deadline is the most important step you can take to protect yourself from an inflated tax bill.

Know Your Deadline

In Grimes County, the protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to challenge the appraisal for that tax year, so act as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Protest

Protests must be filed directly with the Grimes County Appraisal District. Because an online filing portal is not currently available, you will need to submit your protest by mail or in person. Contact the district at 936-873-2163 or visit their website at grimescad.org to confirm current submission procedures and obtain the required protest form. The mailing address and office hours are listed on the district's website.

Build Your Case

Once your protest is filed, you will receive a hearing notice scheduling your appearance before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). To make the strongest possible case, gather evidence before your hearing. Useful evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood, a licensed appraisal conducted independently, photographs documenting physical condition issues, and any errors you identify in the district's property records — such as incorrect square footage, lot size, or property features.

The Hearing

At your ARB hearing, you and a representative from the Grimes County Appraisal District each present your evidence. The board members — who are independent of the appraisal district — then make a determination. You are not required to hire a representative; many homeowners present their own cases successfully with well-organized documentation.

If You Disagree with the Outcome

If the ARB ruling does not resolve your concern, you may pursue further appeal through binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court, depending on the value of your property and the nature of your dispute.

Chief Appraiser Mark Boehnke oversees the district. For procedural questions, call 936-873-2163 before your hearing date.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Grimes County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days from the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever falls later. If your notice arrives after April 15, the 30-day window likely gives you more time than the fixed May 15 date. Either way, do not wait. File your protest as soon as you review your notice and identify a potential overvaluation.

2. How do I file a protest with the Grimes County Appraisal District?

Because the district does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the Grimes County Appraisal District office. You can reach the district by phone at 936-873-2163 or visit grimescad.org to confirm the office address, hours of operation, and any updated filing instructions. Request or download the official protest form and submit it before your deadline. Keep a copy of everything you send.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Grimes County?

Grimes County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption valued at $140,000 or 20% of the 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 exemption of $200,000. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce your taxable value, but you must apply through the Grimes County Appraisal District to receive them. Applications are available at grimescad.org.

4. Are there property tax exemptions available for veterans in Grimes County?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property taxes in Grimes County. The exemption amount scales with the disability rating under state law, with veterans rated at 100% potentially qualifying for a full exemption. Contact the Grimes County Appraisal District at 936-873-2163 to confirm current eligibility requirements and obtain the appropriate application form.

Filing a property tax protest in Grimes County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you submit a stronger case.

Contact the District Early

Since the Grimes County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, reach out by phone at 936-873-2163 or check grimescad.org as soon as your appraisal notice arrives. Confirm the current mailing address, office hours, and any procedural updates before you submit your protest form. Procedures can change between tax years.

Document Everything in Writing

Because you are filing by mail or in person rather than through a digital system, keep copies of all documents you submit, and if mailing, consider using certified mail with return receipt. This gives you proof of timely filing if a dispute arises over the submission date.

Pull Comparable Sales Data

The most persuasive evidence at an ARB hearing is recent sales of similar properties near yours. Look for homes comparable in size, age, and condition that sold within the past 12 months at values lower than your assessed value. County appraisal records and public deed records are useful sources for this research.

Review Your Property Record Card

Request your property record card from the Grimes County Appraisal District before your hearing. Errors in square footage, bedroom count, lot dimensions, or property classification are not uncommon and can directly inflate your assessed value. If you find an error, document it clearly and bring supporting evidence to your hearing.

Understand Your Exemptions

If you have not yet applied for the homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemptions available in Grimes County, do so before or alongside your protest. Exemptions reduce your taxable value independently of the protest process and can lower your bill even if your protest is unsuccessful.

Arrive Prepared

Organize your evidence in a logical order before your ARB hearing. A clear, concise presentation — focused on market value or factual errors — is more effective than a lengthy argument. Bring multiple copies of your documentation to share with board members and the district's representative.