Hall County Appraisal District

Hall County property owners who believe their appraised value is inaccurate have the right to formally protest that value each year. The Hall County Appraisal District (HCAD) is the local authority responsible for setting property values, and Chief Appraiser Gina Chavira oversees the appraisal process. Understanding how the protest process works gives you a real opportunity to reduce your tax burden.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Hall County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline typically forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

How to File a Protest

Hall County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be initiated by contacting the appraisal district directly. You can reach the office by phone at 806-259-2393 or visit the district's website at http://www.hallcad.org for additional guidance. You may also submit a written notice of protest by mail or in person. Your written protest must identify the property in question and state the basis for your objection — most commonly that the appraised value is higher than the property's actual market value.

Preparing Your Case

Once your protest is filed, you will be scheduled for an informal review and, if needed, a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Come prepared with supporting evidence. Useful documentation includes recent sales of comparable properties in your area, a current independent appraisal, photographs showing condition issues, or repair estimates for any structural problems. In a rural county like Hall County, comparable sales data may be limited, so any evidence of actual market activity carries significant weight.

What to Expect

At the informal hearing, you will meet with an HCAD appraiser to present your evidence. Many protests are resolved at this stage without proceeding to the ARB. If you are not satisfied with the informal outcome, you can request a formal ARB hearing. The ARB is an independent panel that reviews evidence from both the property owner and the appraisal district before issuing a binding determination.

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options include binding arbitration or district court.

1. What is the protest deadline for Hall County property owners?

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Hall 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 your appraised value for that year. Watch your mail carefully in the spring and act as soon as your notice arrives.

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

Hall County Appraisal District does not currently provide an online filing option. To initiate a protest, contact the district directly by phone at 806-259-2393 or check the district website at http://www.hallcad.org for current procedures. You can submit a written notice of protest by mail or deliver it in person to the appraisal district office. Your written notice simply needs to identify your property and indicate that you are disputing the appraised value or another aspect of the appraisal.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Hall County?

Hall County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value — whichever is greater — applied against your property's assessed value. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional exemption of $200,000. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce the taxable value of your home, so it is worth confirming with the appraisal district that all applicable exemptions are on file for your property.

4. How does agricultural land valuation work in Hall County?

Hall County is a rural, agricultural county, and many landowners may qualify for a 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal. Under this provision, qualifying land is appraised based on its productive agricultural value rather than its market value — a distinction that can result in significantly lower assessed values for farms and ranches. Eligibility depends on the land's primary use and history of agricultural production. Contact the Hall County Appraisal District at 806-259-2393 to discuss whether your property qualifies and what documentation is required to apply.

Because Hall County Appraisal District does not offer an online protest filing option, preparation and direct communication are especially important. Here is how to approach the process effectively.

Contact the district early. Call 806-259-2393 as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Staff can confirm the correct procedure for submitting your protest, provide the appropriate forms, and answer questions about scheduling. Do not wait until the May 15 deadline — offices in smaller counties can have limited availability, and early contact gives you more time to build your case.

Put your protest in writing. Even if you speak with someone by phone, follow up with a written notice of protest. This creates a clear record that your protest was filed on time. Keep a copy for yourself and note the date it was submitted or mailed.

Gather localized evidence. Hall County's small population and rural character mean comparable sales data can be sparse. Use whatever market evidence is available — recent sales of similar rural properties, land valuations, or an independent appraisal. Photographs documenting the condition of structures, evidence of deferred maintenance, or documentation of any factors that limit the property's marketability can all strengthen your position.

Verify your exemptions before the hearing. Before focusing entirely on market value, confirm with the Hall County Appraisal District that all exemptions you qualify for are correctly applied. A missing homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemption can inflate your tax bill independently of the appraised value.

Review the district's website. Check http://www.hallcad.org for any updated forms, hearing schedules, or procedural notices. Even if online filing is not available, the site may contain useful information about the ARB process and deadlines.

Staying organized and communicating directly with the appraisal district gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.