Lee County Appraisal District

If you believe the Lee County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that assessment. Understanding the process and acting promptly can make a meaningful difference in your tax bill.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Lee 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 challenge the valuation for that tax year, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Protest

Lee County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted by mail or in person. Contact the district directly at 979-542-9618 or visit their website at http://www.lee-cad.org/ for current instructions on submitting a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132). The chief appraiser, James Orr, oversees the district's operations and can be reached through the same contact channels.

Gather Your Evidence

A protest without supporting evidence is unlikely to succeed. Before your hearing, compile documentation that challenges the district's assessed value. Useful evidence includes:

• Recent sales of comparable properties in your area
• A licensed appraisal of your property conducted close to January 1, the appraisal date
• Photographs documenting physical condition issues, damage, or deferred maintenance
• Repair estimates from contractors for significant defects

The Informal and Formal Hearing Process

After filing, you will typically be offered an informal meeting with an appraisal district staff member. Many protests are resolved at this stage. If you cannot reach an agreement, you proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that reviews the evidence from both sides and issues a binding determination.

After the ARB Decision

If the ARB rules against you and you still believe the valuation is incorrect, further appeal options include binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or district court. Each path has its own deadlines and requirements.

Acting early and arriving prepared gives you the strongest possible position throughout the protest process.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Lee County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed to you — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice, the May 15 deadline still applies, so it is important to monitor your property record on the district's website at http://www.lee-cad.org/ each spring.

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

Because Lee County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing portal, you must submit your Notice of Protest by mail or deliver it in person to the district office. You can call 979-542-9618 to confirm current submission procedures, office hours, and mailing address. Filing early gives you more time to prepare evidence and schedule an informal conference with appraisal staff before any formal ARB hearing.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Lee County?

Lee County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater, applied toward your 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, file Form 50-114 with the Lee County Appraisal District. You only need to apply once — the exemption renews automatically as long as you continue to qualify.

4. What is the agricultural land valuation option in Lee County?

Lee County landowners who use their property for qualifying agricultural purposes may apply for a 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal. Under this provision, the land is valued based on its productive agricultural capacity rather than its market value, which can result in significantly lower assessed values and tax bills. This designation is particularly relevant in Lee County given the area's rural character and active farming and ranching operations. Contact the Lee County Appraisal District at 979-542-9618 or visit http://www.lee-cad.org/ to obtain the required application and learn about qualification criteria.

Because the Lee County Appraisal District does not offer an online protest filing option, preparation and direct communication with the district are especially important. Here is how to approach the process effectively.

Contact the District Early

Call 979-542-9618 as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Confirm the correct mailing address for protest submissions, ask about available informal conference dates, and request any forms you need. Chief Appraiser James Orr's office can answer procedural questions and help you understand what documentation is most relevant to your specific situation.

Send Your Protest with Proof of Delivery

Since you cannot file online, send your Notice of Protest by certified mail with return receipt requested. This creates a dated record that your protest was submitted before the May 15 deadline, protecting you if any delivery issue arises.

Build a Focused Evidence Package

Keep your evidence package concise and directly relevant to value. Two or three strong comparable sales that support a lower valuation are more persuasive than a large volume of loosely related materials. If your property has condition issues, photographs and written contractor estimates are straightforward and credible.

Review Your Exemptions Before Filing

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 if you qualify — are already reflected on your account. Errors in exemption records are separate from valuation disputes but can significantly affect your final tax liability. Check your property record at http://www.lee-cad.org/ to verify.

Respond Promptly to All Notices

After filing, watch for correspondence from the ARB scheduling your hearing. Missing a scheduled hearing date typically results in dismissal of your protest, so respond to all communications quickly and confirm any appointments in writing.