Madison County Appraisal District

If you believe the Madison County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to protest. Filing a protest is a straightforward process, but timing and preparation are everything.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Madison County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to challenge your appraised value for that tax year, so mark your calendar as soon as your notice arrives.

How to File Your Protest

Madison County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. That means you will need to file your protest by mail or in person. Contact the district directly at 936-348-2783 or visit their website at http://www.madisoncad.org/ to obtain the appropriate protest form (Form 50-132). Submit the completed form to the appraisal district office before the deadline. Chief Appraiser Randy Dudley oversees the district, and staff can answer procedural questions about your filing.

Build Your Case Before the Hearing

Once your protest is accepted, you will receive a hearing date before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears property owner disputes. To make the strongest argument, gather evidence that supports a lower value:

• Recent sales of comparable properties in your neighborhood
• A recent independent appraisal of your home
• Photographs documenting damage, deferred maintenance, or conditions that reduce market value
• Any errors in the appraisal district's property records, such as incorrect square footage or wrong number of bedrooms

At the Hearing

Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB is not affiliated with the appraisal district — they are there to evaluate both sides impartially. Stick to factual comparisons and documented conditions rather than general disagreement with the tax burden.

If You Are Unsatisfied

If the ARB ruling does not resolve your dispute, you may appeal further through binding arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court, depending on the type and value of your property.

Acting early and coming prepared gives you the best chance of a successful outcome.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Madison County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days from the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you miss this window, you generally lose the right to contest your appraised value for that year. Always check the notice date carefully, since late-mailed notices can shift your personal deadline beyond May 15.

2. How do I file a protest since there is no online portal?

Because Madison County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing option, you must submit your protest by mail or in person. Download or request Form 50-132 (the Notice of Protest), complete it, and deliver it to the district before your deadline. You can reach the office at 936-348-2783 or find additional guidance at http://www.madisoncad.org/. It is a good idea to send any mailed protest by certified mail so you have proof of timely delivery.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Madison County?

Madison County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever is greater — applied to your appraised value for school district taxation purposes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional exemption of $200,000. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce your taxable value, so confirm with the appraisal district that your property has all applicable exemptions on file.

4. Who oversees the Madison County Appraisal District, and how can I reach them?

The Madison County Appraisal District is led by Chief Appraiser Randy Dudley. The district handles property valuations for all taxing units within Madison County, a rural county with a population of approximately 13,574. For questions about your appraisal, exemption eligibility, or the protest process, contact the office directly at 936-348-2783 or visit the district's website at http://www.madisoncad.org/.

Because Madison County Appraisal District does not offer an online protest portal, a little extra preparation goes a long way toward a smooth filing experience.

Contact the District Early

Call 936-348-2783 or check http://www.madisoncad.org/ as soon as your appraisal notice arrives. Confirm the exact form you need, where to submit it, and whether the office has specific hours for in-person drop-offs. Staff can clarify procedural requirements before you invest time building your case.

Use Certified Mail if Filing by Mail

Without an electronic submission option, mailed protests carry the risk of delivery disputes. Send your completed Form 50-132 via USPS certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep the tracking number and the green return card — these serve as proof that your protest was received before the May 15 or 30-day deadline.

Document Property Conditions Thoroughly

In a smaller, rural county like Madison, comparable sales data can be harder to find than in urban markets. Supplement your evidence with dated photographs of any property defects, repair estimates from licensed contractors, and a written description of conditions that affect value. If you have had a private appraisal done recently, bring that report to your hearing.

Verify Your Exemptions First

Before focusing entirely on the appraised value, confirm that all exemptions you qualify for are already applied to your account. The homestead exemption alone reduces your taxable value by $140,000 or 20%, and the over-65 or disabled person exemption adds another $200,000 reduction. An unapplied exemption can be corrected separately from — and sometimes more easily than — a full protest.

Keep Records of Everything

Maintain a file with your appraisal notice, your protest form, proof of submission, and all supporting evidence. If your protest advances to an ARB hearing or beyond, having an organized paper trail protects your position at every stage.