Houston County Appraisal District

If you believe the Houston County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to protest that assessment. Understanding the process before your deadline arrives can make the difference between a successful appeal and a missed opportunity.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Houston County is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever is later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you can still file a protest before the deadline. Missing this window forfeits your right to challenge the appraisal for that tax year.

Initiating Your Protest

Houston County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. To file your protest, contact the district directly by phone at 936-544-9655 or visit their website at http://www.houstoncad.org/ for current instructions and any updated filing procedures. You may also submit a written protest by completing a Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132) and delivering it to the CAD office before the deadline. The form requires your property identification number, your opinion of the property's correct value, and the grounds for your protest.

Preparing Your Case

Before your Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing, gather evidence that supports a lower valuation. Useful documentation includes a recent independent appraisal, comparable sales of similar properties in your area, photographs showing condition issues, repair estimates, or any factual errors in the district's property records — such as incorrect square footage or lot size. Chief Appraiser Carey Minter oversees the district, and in many cases, an informal meeting with appraisal staff before the formal ARB hearing can resolve disputes without requiring a full hearing.

At the Hearing

Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB panel will consider both the district's evidence and yours before issuing a written determination. If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you have additional options including binding arbitration or district court appeal, though those paths involve additional costs and timelines.

Acting early, gathering strong comparable evidence, and communicating directly with Houston County Appraisal District staff gives you the best chance of a favorable outcome.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Houston County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date on your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever date falls later. If your notice arrives close to or after May 15, the 30-day window from the notice date controls. Do not wait to receive a notice if you already know you want to protest — contact the CAD at 936-544-9655 or check http://www.houstoncad.org/ to confirm your property's current assessed value and initiate the process promptly.

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

Houston County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing portal. To initiate a protest, you must submit a written Notice of Protest — typically using Texas Form 50-132 — directly to the CAD office before the applicable deadline. You can reach the district by phone at 936-544-9655 or visit the website at http://www.houstoncad.org/ to obtain the most current filing instructions and office address. Filing in writing and keeping a copy for your records is strongly recommended.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Houston County?

Houston County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption that provides either a $140,000 reduction or 20% of the appraised value — whichever is greater — from your property's taxable value for school district purposes. 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, so filing for them promptly after purchasing a qualifying home is worthwhile.

4. Are there property tax exemptions available for veterans in Houston 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 appraised value in Houston County. This exemption is separate from the homestead exemption and applies based on the veteran's disability rating as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To apply, contact the Houston County Appraisal District at 936-544-9655 and request the appropriate exemption application forms.

Because Houston County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and timely action are especially important. Here is practical guidance to help you file effectively.

Contact the CAD Early

Do not wait until May 15 to begin the process. Call 936-544-9655 or visit http://www.houstoncad.org/ as soon as you receive your Notice of Appraised Value. Asking staff about the current procedure, office hours, and any informal review options available before a formal ARB hearing can save you significant time.

Submit Your Protest in Writing

Since there is no online portal, use Texas Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) and deliver it in person or by certified mail. Certified mail provides a postmark record that protects you if a dispute arises about whether you filed on time. Keep a copy of everything you submit.

Build a Comparable Sales File

Houston County is a smaller, rural market, which means comparable sales data may be limited but also easier to identify. Search recent sales of properties with similar acreage, construction type, and condition in your immediate area. The CAD's own records, accessible through their website, can help you identify what the district is using as the basis for your value.

Document Property Condition

If your property has deferred maintenance, structural issues, or other condition factors that affect market value, photograph them thoroughly before your hearing date. Written repair estimates from licensed contractors add credibility to your argument.

Request the District's Evidence

You are entitled to request the appraisal district's evidence package before your ARB hearing. This shows you exactly what comparables and data the district relied upon — and gives you the opportunity to counter it with stronger evidence of your own.

Acting methodically and keeping direct contact with the Houston County Appraisal District staff throughout the process gives your protest the strongest possible foundation.