Jackson County Appraisal District

If you believe the Jackson County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that assessment. Understanding the process from start to finish gives you the best chance of achieving a fair outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Jackson County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so treat the notice date seriously the moment it arrives.

File Your Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must submit a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) to the Jackson County Appraisal District. The CAD does not currently offer an online filing portal, so property owners should file by mail or in person. Contact the district directly at 361-782-7115 or visit their website at http://www.jacksoncad.org/ to confirm current submission procedures and obtain the necessary forms. Chief Appraiser Damon D. Moore oversees the district, and staff can answer procedural questions before your deadline.

Build Your Case

The strongest protests are evidence-based. Gather documentation that supports a lower valuation, including recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, a private appraisal, photographs of property damage or deferred maintenance, and any repair estimates for structural issues. The appraisal district values your property as of January 1 of the tax year, so evidence should reflect market conditions around that date.

The Informal Hearing

Most protests begin with an informal review, where you meet with an appraisal district staff member to present your evidence. Many cases are resolved at this stage without proceeding further. If you reach an agreement, you will sign a settlement and the matter is closed.

The Formal ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not produce a satisfactory result, your case advances to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) — an independent panel that hears evidence from both you and the appraisal district. Present your documentation clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written decision after the hearing.

If you disagree with the ARB's ruling, further appeal options exist through binding arbitration or district court.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Jackson County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you did not receive a notice but believe your property has been reappraised, you may still have the right to protest. Contact the district at 361-782-7115 to verify your status before the deadline passes.

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

Jackson County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing option. Property owners must submit their Notice of Protest by mail or in person. Visit http://www.jacksoncad.org/ to download the required form or call 361-782-7115 to request that one be mailed to you. Make sure your submission is postmarked or received before the applicable deadline, and keep a copy for your records.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Jackson County?

Jackson County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value — whichever is greater — applied against your school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To claim any of these exemptions, you must file an application with the Jackson County Appraisal District and provide supporting documentation.

4. Does Jackson County offer agricultural appraisal for rural landowners?

Yes. Jackson County, situated in the Texas Coastal Bend region, has a significant agricultural land base, and qualifying landowners may apply for a 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal. Under this designation, land is valued based on its agricultural productivity rather than its market value, which can substantially reduce a property's taxable value. Common qualifying uses include row crop farming, cattle grazing, and hay production. Contact the Jackson County Appraisal District directly to discuss eligibility requirements and the application process.

Because the Jackson County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and timing are especially important. Follow these practical steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case.

Confirm your deadline immediately. Check the mailing date on your appraisal notice as soon as it arrives. Your deadline is May 15 or 30 days from that date, whichever is later. Do not assume you have until May 15 if your notice arrived late in the season.

Request forms early. Call the district at 361-782-7115 or visit http://www.jacksoncad.org/ to obtain the Notice of Protest form. Waiting until the final week risks delays if mail is slow or staff are handling high call volume near the deadline.

Send your protest by certified mail. Since filing must be done by mail or in person, certified mail with return receipt provides proof of timely delivery. Keep the receipt and a copy of the completed form in a dedicated file for this tax year.

Gather focused, local evidence. Concentrate on comparable property sales within Jackson County from the months surrounding January 1 of the tax year. Sales from neighboring counties or significantly different property types carry less weight before the Appraisal Review Board.

Document physical conditions. If your property has drainage issues, foundation concerns, or other deficiencies common in the Gulf Coast region, photograph them thoroughly and obtain written repair estimates. These details can meaningfully support a reduced valuation.

Be responsive after filing. Once your protest is on file, the district may contact you to schedule an informal hearing. Missing that appointment can result in your case being dismissed. Keep contact information current with the district and respond promptly to any correspondence from Chief Appraiser Damon D. Moore's office.