Kendall County Appraisal District

Kendall County homeowners who believe their property has been overvalued have the right to formally protest that assessment through the Kendall County Appraisal District (KCAD). Understanding the process before your notice arrives puts you in a stronger position to challenge an inaccurate valuation.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Kendall County is May 15 or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, contact KCAD directly at 830-249-8012 to confirm your current assessed value and deadline.

Filing Your Protest

Kendall County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted in writing, either by mail or in person. You can reach the district at 830-249-8012 or visit their website at http://www.kendallad.org/ for current mailing address information and any procedural updates. Your written protest must clearly identify the property and state the basis for your disagreement — typically that the appraised value exceeds market value or is unequal compared to similar properties.

Building Your Case

Before your hearing, gather evidence that supports a lower valuation. This includes recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood, a recent independent appraisal, photographs documenting condition issues, contractor repair estimates, or any factual errors in the appraisal district's property records. The Kendall County Appraisal District, led by Chief Appraiser Nelia Zapata, will schedule an informal review before your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Many protests are resolved at the informal stage if you present clear, credible evidence.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not produce a satisfactory result, your case advances to the ARB — an independent panel authorized to adjust values. Present your evidence calmly and factually. The burden is on you to demonstrate the district's value is incorrect. If you remain unsatisfied after the ARB ruling, further appeal options include binding arbitration or district court.

Starting the process early and staying organized significantly improves your outcome.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Kendall County Appraisal District is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed — whichever date falls later. This deadline is firm. If you miss it, you lose the right to contest your appraised value for that tax year. Mark your calendar as soon as your notice arrives and do not wait until the final days to file.

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

Because Kendall County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in writing by mail or delivered in person. Contact the district at 830-249-8012 or check http://www.kendallad.org/ for the current submission address and any updated instructions. Your written protest should identify the property by account number and clearly state the grounds for your challenge.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Kendall County?

Kendall 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. To receive these benefits, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and file an application with the Kendall County Appraisal District.

4. How does Kendall County's rapid population growth affect property assessments?

Kendall County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, with a population approaching 47,000 and sustained demand for residential property in communities like Boerne. Strong buyer activity in the region has driven appraised values upward in recent years. This makes it especially important for homeowners to review their annual notice carefully — rapid appreciation in a market does not automatically mean the district's specific valuation of your property is accurate. Comparing your assessed value against recent sales of genuinely comparable homes in your immediate area is the most effective way to identify a protest-worthy discrepancy.

Because the Kendall County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and timing matter more than they might in counties with digital submission options. These practical steps will help you file effectively and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Act immediately after your notice arrives. The protest window is May 15 or 30 days from the notice date. Do not set the notice aside — contact KCAD at 830-249-8012 or visit http://www.kendallad.org/ to confirm the exact deadline for your property and obtain the correct mailing address for your protest letter.

Put your protest in writing and keep a copy. Since filing is done by mail or in person, your written protest is your official record. Include your property account number, owner name, and a clear statement that you are protesting the appraised value. Send by certified mail if submitting by post so you have delivery confirmation.

Gather comparable sales data before your informal hearing. Kendall County's active real estate market means there are generally enough recent transactions to find meaningful comparables. Focus on homes that sold within the past 12 months within your neighborhood or subdivision, with similar square footage, age, and condition. The appraisal district's own property records, available through their website, can help you identify what data they used.

Document any condition issues thoroughly. If your home has deferred maintenance, foundation concerns, or other physical deficiencies that reduce its market value, photograph them and obtain written repair estimates. These are persuasive at both the informal review and the ARB hearing.

Request your property's appraisal card. Before your hearing, ask KCAD for the property record card used to calculate your value. Errors in square footage, bedroom count, or improvement classifications are not uncommon and can be corrected without a formal hearing.

Staying organized and communicating directly with KCAD staff gives you the best foundation for a productive protest.