Hartley County Appraisal District

If you believe the Hartley County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that value before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Understanding the process and acting promptly gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Hartley County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline typically forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so mark your calendar as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Protest

Hartley County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted directly to the CAD. You can reach the Hartley County Appraisal District by phone at 806-365-4515 or visit their website at http://www.hartleycad.org for current forms and mailing instructions. Contact Chief Appraiser Juan Salazar's office to confirm the preferred submission method — written notice by mail or in-person delivery are the standard options.

Your protest notice should clearly state your name, the property account number, and the basis for your disagreement. The most common grounds are that the appraised value exceeds the property's market value, or that your property was appraised unequally compared to similar properties in the area.

Prepare Your Evidence

Before your ARB hearing, gather documentation to support your position. Useful evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties, a current independent appraisal, photographs showing the property's condition, repair estimates for known issues, or any data errors in the appraisal district's records (incorrect square footage, lot size, or property characteristics).

Attend Your Hearing

Once your protest is filed, you will receive a hearing notice with a scheduled date and time. Arrive prepared to present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB panel will consider both sides before issuing a determination. If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options exist, including binding arbitration or district court.

For questions at any stage, contact the Hartley County Appraisal District directly at 806-365-4515.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Hartley County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you may still have the right to protest. Contact the Hartley County Appraisal District at 806-365-4515 to confirm your specific deadline and account status.

2. How do I file a protest in Hartley County?

Hartley County Appraisal District does not currently provide an online filing portal, so protests must be submitted by mail or in person. Your written protest notice should include your name, property account number, and a brief statement of why you are contesting the value. Visit http://www.hartleycad.org for forms and submission details, or call 806-365-4515 to speak with staff directly. Filing early gives you more time to gather evidence before your ARB hearing.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Hartley County?

Hartley County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption valued at $140,000 or 20% of the 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 can significantly reduce the taxable value of your primary residence. To apply, contact the Hartley County Appraisal District and submit the appropriate exemption application along with required documentation.

4. Does Hartley County offer any exemptions for veterans?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property. Texas law also provides for larger exemptions at higher disability ratings, up to a full exemption for veterans rated 100% disabled. Contact the Hartley County Appraisal District at 806-365-4515 to determine which exemption tier applies to your situation and to obtain the required application forms.

Hartley County is a sparsely populated rural county, and the Hartley County Appraisal District operates with that scale in mind. A few practical steps can make your protest experience more straightforward.

Contact the CAD before you file. Because there is no online filing portal, calling 806-365-4515 first is the most efficient way to confirm current procedures, obtain the correct protest form, and verify the mailing address. Staff can also confirm whether your notice deadline is May 15 or the extended 30-day window based on when your notice was mailed.

Document your property's condition thoroughly. In a rural county where comparable sales data can be limited, photographs and written documentation of any physical deficiencies carry significant weight. If your home has deferred maintenance, storm damage, or structural issues, capture that evidence before your hearing.

Review your property record for errors. Request a copy of your property's appraisal card from the Hartley County Appraisal District. Errors in recorded square footage, year built, number of rooms, or land acreage are not uncommon and can directly inflate your appraised value. Correcting factual errors is often the most straightforward path to a value reduction.

Submit your protest well before the deadline. Even though the deadline is May 15 or 30 days from your notice date, filing early ensures you have adequate time to gather comparable sales data, schedule an informal meeting with appraisal staff, and prepare for your ARB hearing if needed.

Keep copies of everything. Retain copies of your protest notice, any correspondence with the CAD, and all evidence submitted. If you pursue further appeal after an ARB ruling, this documentation becomes essential.

For all filing questions, reach the Hartley County Appraisal District at 806-365-4515 or at http://www.hartleycad.org.