Knox County Appraisal District

If you believe the Knox County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to protest that appraisal. The process is straightforward, but meeting the deadline is critical.

Know Your Deadline

You must file your protest by May 15 or within 30 days of the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to challenge the appraisal for that tax year, so act as soon as you receive your notice.

Contact the Knox County Appraisal District

Knox County Appraisal District, led by Chief Appraiser Mitzi Welch, handles all appraisal and exemption matters for the county. You can reach the office at 940-459-3891 or visit the district's website at https://knoxcad.com/ for current information on forms and procedures. Given the county's small size, direct communication with the appraisal office is often the most efficient first step.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must submit a completed Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) to the Knox County Appraisal District. Because Knox County does not currently offer an online filing portal, you will need to file by mail or in person at the appraisal district office. Contact the office directly at 940-459-3891 to confirm the current mailing address and any available drop-off options.

Prepare Your Evidence

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

• Recent sales of comparable properties in your area
• A recent independent appraisal of your property
• Photographs documenting physical defects or deterioration
• Repair estimates for any structural issues

The Appraisal Review Board Hearing

Once your protest is filed, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) — an independent panel separate from the appraisal district — will schedule a hearing. You will present your evidence, the district will present its valuation, and the ARB will issue a ruling. In a smaller county like Knox, informal negotiations with the appraisal office before a formal hearing can sometimes resolve disputes efficiently.

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options include binding arbitration or district court.

1. What is the deadline to protest my property tax appraisal in Knox County?

The protest deadline in Knox County is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the Knox County Appraisal District mails your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever date falls later. The postmark date on your notice determines when that 30-day window begins. Do not wait until the last moment; if you are unsure of your deadline, call the appraisal district at 940-459-3891 to confirm.

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

Knox County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, so protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person. You will need to complete a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132), which is available through the Texas Comptroller's office or at https://knoxcad.com/. Contact the district at 940-459-3891 to confirm submission procedures and office hours before filing.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Knox County?

Knox County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption valued at $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater, applied toward school district taxes. 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 apply, submit Form 50-114 to the Knox County Appraisal District.

4. Does agricultural land receive special tax treatment in Knox County?

Yes. Knox County recognizes agricultural and open-space land under the 1-d-1 productivity valuation, which is a provision in Texas law that taxes qualifying land based on its productive agricultural value rather than its market value. This distinction can result in a substantially lower tax burden for ranchers and farmers in the county. Eligibility requirements include active agricultural use and a history of that use. Contact Knox County Appraisal District at 940-459-3891 or visit https://knoxcad.com/ to learn about the application process and qualifying criteria.

Because Knox County Appraisal District does not offer an online protest filing option, preparation and direct communication are especially important. Here is how to make the process go smoothly.

Call Before You File

Contact the appraisal district at 940-459-3891 before submitting anything. In a small county office, a brief phone call with staff can clarify current procedures, confirm mailing addresses, and help you avoid procedural errors that could delay your protest.

Use Certified Mail

If you are submitting your Notice of Protest by mail, send it via certified mail with return receipt requested. This gives you documented proof of the submission date, which matters if your deadline is close. Keep copies of everything you send.

Gather Comparable Sales Data Early

Knox County is a rural area with a limited number of property transactions. Finding valid comparable sales — properties similar in size, type, and location that sold recently — may require more research than in urban counties. Check county deed records and the appraisal district's own data at https://knoxcad.com/ to identify recent sales that support your position.

Document Property Condition Thoroughly

If your protest is based on the physical condition of your property rather than comparable sales, photograph every relevant defect — foundation issues, roof damage, plumbing problems — and obtain written repair estimates from licensed contractors. The more specific and documented your evidence, the stronger your case before the Appraisal Review Board.

Don't Overlook Exemptions

Before filing a protest, verify that all exemptions you qualify for are already applied to your account. If a homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemption is missing, correcting that may reduce your tax burden without requiring a formal protest hearing. The appraisal district can confirm your current exemption status by phone.