Limestone County Appraisal District

If you believe the Limestone County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. The protest process is governed by the Texas Property Tax Code, and understanding the steps specific to Limestone County can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

Your protest must be filed by May 15 or within 30 days of the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

How to File

Limestone County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Property owners must file their protest in writing by submitting a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) directly to the appraisal district. You can contact the district at 254-729-3009 or visit their website at http://www.limestonecad.com/ to confirm current submission procedures. The appraisal district is led by Chief Appraiser Leah Briggs.

Gather Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you present. Useful documentation includes recent sales of comparable properties in Limestone County, a recent independent appraisal, photographs showing property condition or damage, and any errors you've identified in the appraisal district's property records — such as incorrect square footage, lot size, or property classification.

The Informal Hearing

After filing, you will typically have an opportunity for an informal meeting with an appraisal district staff member. This is often where resolutions occur. Come prepared with organized, factual evidence and a clear argument for the value you believe is correct.

The Appraisal Review Board

If the informal meeting does not produce a satisfactory result, your protest advances to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This is an independent panel that reviews evidence from both you and the appraisal district and issues a binding determination.

After the ARB

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options include binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court. These paths involve additional costs and procedural requirements, so weigh them carefully against the potential tax savings.

1. What is the deadline to protest my property tax value in Limestone County?

The protest deadline in Limestone County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. The postmark date on your notice is the reference point for calculating the 30-day window. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, it is still your responsibility to file before the May 15 deadline. Contact the Limestone County Appraisal District at 254-729-3009 if you are uncertain whether a notice was issued for your property.

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

Limestone County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted in writing using the Notice of Protest form (Texas Form 50-132). You can obtain this form through the appraisal district's website at http://www.limestonecad.com/ or by calling the office directly at 254-729-3009. Submit your completed form to the district before the applicable deadline and retain a copy for your records. Filing by certified mail with return receipt provides documentation of timely submission.

3. What homestead exemption is available to Limestone County homeowners?

Limestone County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption that provides either a $140,000 reduction or 20% off the appraised value — whichever is greater — for qualifying properties. 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 apply, contact the Limestone County Appraisal District, as exemptions generally must be filed by April 30 of the tax year.

4. What types of evidence are most effective in a Limestone County protest hearing?

Because Limestone County is a largely rural county, comparable sales data can be limited or difficult to locate. The most persuasive evidence typically includes documented sales of similar properties within the county from the prior calendar year, a licensed appraisal conducted close to the January 1 appraisal date, and records of the property's physical condition. If the appraisal district's records contain factual errors — such as incorrect acreage, building size, or property classification — correcting those errors in writing with supporting documentation can be one of the most straightforward paths to a value reduction.

Start with the appraisal district's records. Before preparing your protest, request a copy of your property's appraisal card from the Limestone County Appraisal District. Call 254-729-3009 or check http://www.limestonecad.com/ to request this information. Review it carefully for errors in square footage, year built, number of rooms, or land acreage. Factual corrections are among the easiest wins in a protest.

File early. Even though the deadline is May 15 or 30 days from your notice date, filing as early as possible gives you more time to gather evidence and schedule an informal hearing at a less congested time. Appraisal district staff tend to have more availability earlier in the protest season.

Document everything in writing. Since Limestone County does not offer an online filing portal, all communications should be submitted in writing. Keep copies of every form, letter, and piece of evidence you submit. If mailing your protest, use certified mail so you have proof of the delivery date.

Use local comparable sales. Generic regional data carries little weight. Focus on sales of properties similar to yours within Limestone County, particularly those that closed between January 1 of the prior year and January 1 of the appraisal year. County deed records and local real estate listings can help you identify these sales.

Prepare a concise presentation. Whether you attend an informal meeting or a formal ARB hearing, present your evidence clearly and without unnecessary detail. Lead with your proposed value, explain why the evidence supports it, and let the data make your case. Appraisal review board members respond to factual, organized arguments rather than general complaints about tax levels.

Know your exemptions. If you have not yet applied for the homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemptions available in Limestone County, do so promptly — these can meaningfully reduce your taxable value independent of any protest outcome.