Jim Hogg County Appraisal District

If you believe the Jim Hogg County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that value — and doing so can directly reduce your tax bill. Understanding the process before the deadline is critical.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Jim Hogg County is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever is later. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so act as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Protest

Jim Hogg County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing portal. That means you will need to submit your protest in writing, by mail, or in person. Contact the appraisal district directly to confirm the preferred method and obtain the correct form:

• Phone: 361-527-4033
• Website: https://jimhogg-cad.org/
• Chief Appraiser (Interim): Celina Sauceda

Your written protest must clearly identify the property and state that you are contesting the appraised value. A simple statement — "I protest the appraised value of my property" — is legally sufficient to initiate the process.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Useful documentation includes:

• A recent independent appraisal of the property
• Comparable sales data for similar properties in the area
• Photographs showing physical defects, damage, or deferred maintenance
• Documentation of any conditions that negatively affect market value

In a small rural county like Jim Hogg, comparable sales data can be limited, which makes any available evidence more impactful. Pull records from the CAD's website and research recent deed transactions in the area.

The Appraisal Review Board Hearing

After filing, you will receive a hearing date before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that reviews protests. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written decision, and if you disagree with the outcome, further appeal options exist through binding arbitration or district court.

Starting early and staying organized gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Jim Hogg County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed — whichever date falls later. If you receive your notice after April 15, the 30-day window likely gives you more time than the fixed May 15 date. Do not wait, however, as the deadline is strictly enforced and late filings are generally rejected.

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

Because the Jim Hogg County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person. You can reach the appraisal district by phone at 361-527-4033 or visit the website at https://jimhogg-cad.org/ to obtain forms or confirm submission procedures. Interim Chief Appraiser Celina Sauceda oversees district operations. Submit your protest before the deadline and keep a copy of everything you send.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Jim Hogg County?

Jim Hogg County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value — whichever is greater — providing meaningful relief for qualifying homeowners. Additionally, 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 qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To claim any of these exemptions, you must file an application with the Jim Hogg County Appraisal District.

4. What should I expect at an Appraisal Review Board hearing in a small county like Jim Hogg?

Jim Hogg County has a population of under 5,000, which means the ARB process tends to be more straightforward than in large urban counties, but it is no less formal in its legal requirements. Comparable sales data may be sparse given the rural, low-transaction nature of the local market. Bring the best evidence available — independent appraisals, repair estimates, or any documentation showing your property's condition — and present it clearly. The ARB panel will weigh your evidence against the appraisal district's records and issue a binding determination.

Filing a property tax protest in Jim Hogg County requires extra attention to logistics since there is no online portal available. Follow these practical steps to protect your rights and build the strongest possible case.

Contact the CAD Early

Reach out to the Jim Hogg County Appraisal District as soon as your notice arrives. Call 361-527-4033 or visit https://jimhogg-cad.org/ to confirm current procedures, obtain the correct protest form, and ask about any informal review options that may be available before a formal ARB hearing. Speaking directly with staff under Interim Chief Appraiser Celina Sauceda can clarify what documentation is most useful.

Send Your Protest in Writing and Keep Proof

Since filing is done by mail or in person, send any mailed documents via certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a timestamped record that your protest was filed before the May 15 deadline. Keep copies of every document you submit.

Gather Hyperlocal Evidence

In a county as small as Jim Hogg, the pool of comparable sales is limited. Use the CAD's website to review recent sales records and appraisal data for properties similar to yours. If you have had a private appraisal done recently, bring that report. Photos documenting structural issues, deferred maintenance, or access limitations can also carry significant weight when market data is thin.

Review Your Exemptions Before the Hearing

Before your hearing, confirm that all applicable exemptions — including the General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20%, and the Over-65 or Disabled Person exemption of $200,000 — are already reflected in your appraisal notice. If an exemption you qualify for is missing, raise it with the appraisal district immediately, as correcting an exemption error can reduce your tax liability independently of the protest outcome.

Be Concise at the Hearing

ARB hearings move quickly. Organize your evidence in advance, lead with your strongest points, and state clearly what value you believe is accurate and why.