Hale County Appraisal District

If you believe the Hale County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to protest that assessment. Understanding the process and acting within the required timeframe is essential to getting a fair outcome.

The protest deadline in Hale County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline typically forecloses your right to challenge the value for that tax year, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

To begin a protest, contact the Hale County Appraisal District directly. Their office is reachable by phone at 806-293-4226, and their website is located at http://www.halecad.org. As of this writing, the district does not offer an online filing portal, so protests must be initiated by submitting a written Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) either in person or by mail. Confirm current submission procedures with the district before filing.

Once your protest is filed, the appraisal district will schedule a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) — an independent panel authorized to hear property owner disputes. Before the formal hearing, you may have the opportunity to meet informally with an appraiser to present your evidence and potentially resolve the dispute without going before the full board.

When building your case, focus on evidence that directly challenges the district's assessed value. Comparable sales of similar properties in your area, a recent independent appraisal, photographs documenting physical condition issues, or documentation of errors in the property record are all effective tools. The burden is on you to demonstrate that the district's value is incorrect, so the more specific and well-documented your evidence, the stronger your position.

Chief Appraiser Andrew Moritz oversees the Hale County Appraisal District. If you have procedural questions or need clarification on your notice, reaching out to the district office before the deadline is always a sound first step. Acting early gives you more time to gather evidence and understand your options.

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

The deadline to file a protest with the Hale County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, it is still advisable to contact the district before May 15 to confirm your assessed value and protect your right to protest.

2. How do I file a property tax protest in Hale County?

Because the Hale County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in writing using the Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132). You can deliver the form in person or send it by mail to the district's office. Contact the district at 806-293-4226 or visit http://www.halecad.org to confirm the mailing address and any updated filing procedures before submitting your protest.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Hale County?

Hale County property owners who use their home as a primary residence may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption. The exemption provides either a $140,000 reduction in taxable value or 20% — whichever is greater — applied against the assessed value for qualifying taxing entities. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, may receive an additional $200,000 exemption on top of the general homestead benefit, which can significantly reduce the taxable value of their property.

4. Are there property tax benefits available for veterans in Hale 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 taxable value in Hale County. This exemption is separate from the homestead exemption and can be applied in addition to it. Veterans should contact the Hale County Appraisal District at 806-293-4226 to confirm eligibility requirements and obtain the appropriate application forms.

Filing a successful property tax protest in Hale County requires preparation, attention to deadlines, and clear documentation. Here are practical steps to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Start by reviewing your appraisal notice carefully the day it arrives. Note the assessed value, the mailing date, and calculate your personal deadline — May 15 or 30 days from the notice date, whichever is later. Do not wait until the final days to act.

Since the Hale County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing option, plan to submit your written protest using the official Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132) either in person or by certified mail. Sending by certified mail creates a delivery record that protects you if questions arise about whether your protest was received on time. Call the district at 806-293-4226 or check http://www.halecad.org to confirm the correct mailing address before sending anything.

Gather evidence before your hearing date. The most persuasive documentation includes recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood, a licensed appraisal conducted within the past year, and photographs or repair estimates that reflect condition problems not captured in the district's records. Pull the property record card from the appraisal district and check it for factual errors — incorrect square footage, wrong number of bathrooms, or inaccurate lot size can all support a reduction.

When you attend your Appraisal Review Board hearing, present your evidence clearly and stay focused on value. Bring multiple printed copies of your documentation — one for the board, one for the appraiser, and one for yourself. Being organized and concise leaves a strong impression.

If you have questions about the process at any point, contact Chief Appraiser Andrew Moritz's office directly. The district staff can clarify procedural requirements and help ensure your protest is properly filed.