Llano County Appraisal District

If you believe the Llano County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that value — and doing so can result in meaningful tax savings. Here is what you need to know to navigate the process effectively.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Llano County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. Missing this deadline almost always means forfeiting your right to protest for that tax year, so mark your calendar as soon as your notice arrives.

Contact the Appraisal District

The Llano County Appraisal District is led by Chief Appraiser Mr. Scott Dudley. You can reach the office by phone at 325-247-3065 or visit their website at http://www.llanocad.net for additional information. Given that Llano County serves a relatively small population of approximately 22,000 residents, the appraisal district office can often provide direct, personalized assistance — do not hesitate to call with questions about your notice or the protest process.

How to File Your Protest

At this time, the Llano County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted in writing, either in person at the district office or by mail. Your written protest must clearly identify the property in question and state your reason for disagreeing with the appraisal — typically that the value is higher than the property's market value or that it is unequal compared to similar properties.

Prepare Your Evidence

Strong protests are built on evidence. Gather recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area, photographs documenting any condition issues, independent appraisals, or repair estimates for structural problems. The appraisal district's own records, accessible through their website, can help you identify comparable properties and check whether your property details are recorded accurately.

The Hearing

Once your protest is filed, you may first have an informal meeting with an appraiser to discuss your evidence. If that does not resolve the dispute, you proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board, an independent panel that will evaluate both sides and issue a binding determination.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Llano County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice, whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you are still entitled to protest by May 15. Acting promptly after your notice arrives gives you more time to gather evidence and prepare a compelling case.

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

Because the Llano County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in writing — either delivered in person to the district office or sent by mail. Your written notice of protest should identify the property and state your grounds for disagreement. You can contact the district at 325-247-3065 or check http://www.llanocad.net for current instructions and office hours before submitting.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Llano County?

Llano County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20%, whichever is greater, applied against your appraised value. Additionally, homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. These exemptions can substantially reduce the taxable value of your primary residence. To claim them, you must file an application with the Llano County Appraisal District and provide documentation confirming eligibility.

4. Does Llano County offer any property tax relief for veterans?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property's assessed value. The exemption amount scales with the severity of the disability rating under Texas law. Veterans should contact the Llano County Appraisal District at 325-247-3065 to obtain the appropriate application and confirm what documentation is required to establish eligibility.

Filing a property tax protest in Llano County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical tips will improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Submit Early and in Writing

Since the Llano County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, you must submit your protest by mail or in person. Do not wait until May 15 to act. Mailing your protest a week or more before the deadline protects you if there are postal delays. Keep a copy of everything you submit, and if delivering in person, ask for a date-stamped receipt.

Call Before You Visit

With a smaller operation serving a county of roughly 22,000 residents, the Llano County Appraisal District — reachable at 325-247-3065 — can often answer specific questions about your property record over the phone. Calling ahead lets you confirm office hours, find out whether an informal review is available before your formal hearing, and ask what evidence the district finds most persuasive.

Check Your Property Record for Errors

Visit http://www.llanocad.net and pull up your property's appraisal record. Verify the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, lot size, and any improvement details. Factual errors in the record are among the easiest grounds for a value reduction and require minimal additional evidence.

Build a Comparable Sales Argument

Llano County's Hill Country location means property values can vary significantly by proximity to the Llano River, Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, or other amenities. When selecting comparable sales to support your protest, focus on properties with similar characteristics — size, age, condition, and location — that sold in the months leading up to January 1 of the tax year. The closer the comparables are to your property, the stronger your case.

Bring Documentation to Your Hearing

Organize your evidence clearly: printed comparable sales, photographs, any independent appraisal, and a concise written summary. A well-organized presentation demonstrates credibility and makes it easier for the Appraisal Review Board to rule in your favor.