La Salle County Appraisal District

La Salle County property owners who believe their appraised value is inaccurate have the right to formally protest that value before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Understanding the process and timeline is essential to preserving that right.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in La Salle County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your notice of appraised value is mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline typically means forfeiting your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

Contact the La Salle County Appraisal District

All protests begin with the La Salle County Appraisal District (CAD), led by Chief Appraiser Bobby Peregoy. You can reach the district by phone at 830-879-4756 or visit their website at http://www.lasallecad.com. Because La Salle County is a smaller, rural county, direct contact with the appraisal office is often the most efficient way to get questions answered and forms obtained.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the CAD. At this time, there is no online filing portal available for La Salle County, so property owners should submit their protest by mail or in person at the appraisal district office. Confirm the mailing address and office hours directly with the district before submitting.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of a protest depends on the evidence you present. Useful materials include recent comparable sales in the area, an independent appraisal, photographs documenting property condition, or documentation of errors in the district's property records — such as incorrect square footage or lot size.

The ARB Hearing

Once your protest is filed, you will receive a hearing date before the Appraisal Review Board. This is a formal but accessible proceeding where you present your evidence and the CAD presents theirs. The ARB then issues a binding determination. If you disagree with the outcome, further appeal options exist through district court or binding arbitration.

Acting early, gathering solid comparable data, and communicating directly with the La Salle County Appraisal District will give you the best chance of a successful outcome.

1. What is the protest deadline for La Salle County property owners?

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the La Salle County Appraisal District is May 15 or 30 days after the date your notice of appraised value is mailed, whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you may still have the right to protest — contact the CAD at 830-879-4756 to confirm your status before the deadline passes.

2. How do I file a protest in La Salle County?

Because La Salle County does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the La Salle County Appraisal District. You will need to complete a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132), available from the district or through the Texas Comptroller's website. Contact the CAD at 830-879-4756 or visit http://www.lasallecad.com for current office hours and mailing address details before submitting your form.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in La Salle County?

La Salle County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value — whichever is greater — providing meaningful relief for qualifying owner-occupied homes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To apply, contact the La Salle County Appraisal District directly, as exemption applications are processed through the CAD office.

4. Does agricultural land receive special valuation treatment in La Salle County?

Yes. La Salle County's economy has deep roots in ranching and agricultural use, and qualifying land may be eligible for agricultural or open-space (1-d-1) productivity valuation under Texas law. This method values land based on its capacity to produce agricultural income rather than its market value, which can substantially reduce the taxable value. Property owners interested in this designation should contact Chief Appraiser Bobby Peregoy at the La Salle County Appraisal District to determine eligibility and application requirements.

Filing a property tax protest in La Salle County requires preparation and attention to detail, particularly because the district does not offer an online submission option. Here is practical guidance to help you navigate the process effectively.

Reach Out to the CAD Early

Contact the La Salle County Appraisal District at 830-879-4756 as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Staff can confirm your current appraised value, explain how it was determined, and provide the forms you need. Early contact also gives you more time to gather evidence before your ARB hearing.

Get Your Protest Form in Writing

Since there is no online portal, request or download Form 50-132 and submit it with enough lead time to confirm receipt before the May 15 deadline. If mailing, consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of timely filing.

Gather Locally Relevant Comparables

La Salle County is a sparsely populated, rural area. Finding comparable sales can be more challenging than in urban counties, but it is not impossible. Look for recent sales of similar properties — particularly ranch land, agricultural tracts, or residential properties in Cotulla — and document them carefully. County deed records and the CAD's own property data at http://www.lasallecad.com can be useful starting points.

Document Property Condition

Photographs of your property, records of needed repairs, or documentation of any factors that negatively affect value can support a lower appraisal. Be specific and organized when presenting this material at your ARB hearing.

Confirm Exemptions Are Applied

Before your hearing, verify with the CAD that all exemptions you qualify for — including the homestead exemption or the over-65 exemption — are already reflected in your assessed value. An unapplied exemption can be corrected separately from the protest process and may resolve the issue without a formal hearing.