Henderson County Appraisal District

If you believe the Henderson County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value — and doing so can directly reduce your tax bill. Understanding the process before you begin will improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Henderson 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 mark your calendar as soon as your notice arrives.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Henderson County Appraisal District. You can reach the district by phone at 903-675-9296 or visit their website at http://www.henderson-cad.org for current forms and procedural information. Note that online filing is not currently available through the district's portal, so protests must be submitted by mail or in person.

Gather Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you present. Useful documentation includes recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood, a licensed appraisal, photographs showing property condition or damage, and any repair estimates for issues affecting value. The appraisal district is required to share its evidence with you before your hearing — request it as early as possible so you have time to prepare a rebuttal.

The Informal and Formal Hearing Process

Most protests begin with an informal meeting with an appraisal district staff member. Many cases are resolved at this stage without proceeding further. If you cannot reach an agreement informally, your case moves to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears evidence from both you and the district before issuing a ruling.

After the Hearing

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you may appeal to district court or, in some cases, through binding arbitration. Chief Appraiser Bill Jackson oversees the Henderson County Appraisal District, and his office can direct you to the appropriate contacts if questions arise during the process.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Henderson County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you should still contact the district before May 15 to confirm your status and protect your right to protest.

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

Because the Henderson County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person. You can download the Notice of Protest form from the district's website at http://www.henderson-cad.org or call 903-675-9296 to request one directly. Make sure your submission is postmarked or received before the applicable deadline and that you retain a copy for your records.

3. What homestead exemptions are available to Henderson County homeowners?

Henderson County homeowners may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption that provides either a $140,000 reduction in appraised value or 20%, whichever is greater, applied toward school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may receive a $5,000 exemption. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce the taxable value of your home, so applying for every exemption you qualify for should be a priority before the April 30 application deadline.

4. What role does the Chief Appraiser play, and how can he help me?

Bill Jackson serves as Chief Appraiser of the Henderson County Appraisal District and is responsible for overseeing the valuation of all taxable property in the county. His office handles exemption applications, address changes, and procedural questions related to protests. If you are uncertain about your appraised value, an exemption status, or how to navigate the hearing process, contacting the district at 903-675-9296 is the most direct way to get accurate, county-specific guidance.

Filing a property tax protest in Henderson County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you build the strongest case possible.

Request the district's evidence early. Once you have filed your Notice of Protest, you are entitled to see the evidence the Henderson County Appraisal District plans to use at your hearing. Contact the district at 903-675-9296 or check http://www.henderson-cad.org to understand how to submit that request. Reviewing their data gives you the opportunity to identify errors in square footage, lot size, property class, or comparable sales selections before you sit down at the hearing.

Document condition issues thoroughly. If your property has deferred maintenance, foundation concerns, flood history, or other factors that reduce its market value, photograph everything and obtain written repair estimates. The ARB weighs concrete evidence far more heavily than general statements about condition.

Compare sales, not listings. When identifying comparable properties to support a lower value, use closed sales — not active listings or asking prices. Sales from the prior calendar year within your neighborhood or a similar area carry the most weight with the Appraisal Review Board.

Submit your protest in writing and keep copies. Since online filing is not available through the Henderson County Appraisal District, mail your protest via certified mail with return receipt requested, or deliver it in person and ask for a date-stamped copy. This protects you if a deadline dispute arises.

Show up to your hearing. Homeowners who appear in person — whether for the informal meeting or the formal ARB hearing — tend to achieve better results than those who submit written protests without attending. Come organized, be concise, and focus on data rather than personal hardship when presenting your case.