Hockley County Appraisal District

If you believe the Hockley County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that assessment. Understanding the process can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Hockley 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 act promptly once your notice arrives.

Initiating Your Protest

To begin, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Hockley County Appraisal District. The CAD is reachable by phone at 806-894-9654, and their website at hockleycad.org provides access to forms and district information. As of the data available, there is no online filing portal, so property owners should plan to submit their protest by mail or in person at the appraisal district office.

Preparing Your Evidence

Your protest stands or falls on the evidence you bring. Relevant documentation includes a recent independent appraisal, comparable sales data from your neighborhood, photographs documenting property condition issues, repair estimates for structural problems, or any factual errors in the appraisal district's property records. The appraisal district's own data — accessible through hockleycad.org — can help you identify how your property was valued and whether the square footage, year built, or other characteristics are recorded accurately.

The Informal Hearing

Most protests in smaller counties like Hockley begin with an informal review, where you meet or correspond with an appraiser to discuss your evidence. Many cases are resolved at this stage without proceeding to a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not produce an acceptable result, your case advances to the ARB — an independent panel that hears both sides and issues a binding determination. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB is not bound by the district's position and can lower your appraised value if the evidence supports it.

Chief Appraiser Lorie Marquez oversees the Hockley County Appraisal District. Contacting the office early in the process can help clarify procedures and ensure your filing is complete.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Hockley County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days from the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you receive your notice after April 15, the 30-day window likely extends your deadline beyond May 15. Always check the mailing date on your notice and do not assume the standard May 15 date applies in every situation.

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

Because Hockley County does not currently offer an online protest filing portal, property owners must submit a Notice of Protest by mail or in person. You can download the required form from hockleycad.org or contact the district directly at 806-894-9654 to request one. Make sure your protest is delivered or postmarked before the applicable deadline, and retain a copy for your records.

3. What is the General Residence Homestead Exemption in Hockley County?

Hockley County offers a General Residence Homestead Exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater. This exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. To qualify, the property must be your principal place of residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Applications are filed with the Hockley County Appraisal District and, once approved, typically renew automatically as long as you continue to occupy the property.

4. What additional exemptions are available for older or disabled residents in Hockley County?

Hockley County provides an Over-65 and Disabled Person exemption of $200,000, which significantly reduces the taxable value of a qualifying homestead. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for an additional $5,000 exemption. These exemptions can be stacked with the General Residence Homestead Exemption where applicable, potentially producing a substantial reduction in the assessed value subject to taxation. Contact the appraisal district at 806-894-9654 to confirm eligibility requirements and obtain the appropriate application forms.

Filing a property tax protest in Hockley County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you navigate the process effectively.

Start with your appraisal notice. Review every field — property description, square footage, year built, and condition classification. Errors in these details directly inflate your assessed value and are among the easiest grounds for a successful protest.

Gather comparable sales data before you file. Look for recent sales of similar properties in your area. The Hockley County Appraisal District's website at hockleycad.org provides property search tools that can help you identify how neighboring properties were valued. If comparable properties sold for less than your assessed value implies, document those sales carefully.

Contact the CAD early. Calling 806-894-9654 before the deadline allows you to confirm current procedures, verify office hours, and ask whether an informal review is available before your case reaches the Appraisal Review Board. Staff can also confirm the exact deadline that applies to your specific notice.

Submit your protest in writing. Since online filing is not available in Hockley County, use certified mail with return receipt if submitting by mail. This creates a timestamped record proving delivery before the deadline. Keep a copy of everything you send.

Be specific in your protest grounds. Vague objections carry less weight than targeted arguments. State clearly whether you are challenging the market value, the unequal appraisal compared to similar properties, or a factual error in the property record.

Bring organized documentation to your hearing. Whether you attend an informal review or a formal ARB hearing, present your evidence in a logical order — comparable sales first, then condition issues, then any factual corrections. Clear, concise presentations are more persuasive than lengthy ones.

Acting early and staying organized gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome with the Hockley County Appraisal District.