Martin County Appraisal District

If you believe the Martin County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that assessment. Understanding the process helps you make the most of that right.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Martin County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window means forfeiting your right to challenge that year's value, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Martin County Appraisal District. The CAD can be reached by phone at 432-756-2823 or through their website at http://www.martincad.org/. Because no online filing portal is currently available for Martin County, you will need to submit your protest by mail or in person at the appraisal district office. Confirm the office address and any submission requirements directly with the CAD before filing.

Build Your Case

Your protest should be grounded in evidence. Gather recent comparable sales of similar properties in your area, photographs documenting any physical deficiencies, repair estimates for structural issues, or an independent appraisal if the value discrepancy is significant. The appraisal district's own records — available through their website — can also reveal inconsistencies in how your property was classified or measured.

The Informal Hearing

Most protests begin with an informal meeting between the property owner and an appraisal district staff member. This is your opportunity to present evidence and negotiate a settlement before proceeding to a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Many cases are resolved at this stage.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal meeting does not produce an acceptable result, your case advances to the ARB — an independent panel that reviews evidence from both you and the appraisal district. Present your documentation clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written order with its 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. Chief Appraiser April Salazar oversees the Martin County Appraisal District, and her office is your first point of contact throughout this process.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Martin County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the appraisal notice was delivered to you — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you can still file a protest by the May 15 deadline. Do not wait to confirm receipt; contact the CAD at 432-756-2823 if you are unsure whether a notice was issued.

2. How do I file a protest in Martin County?

Because Martin County does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the Martin County Appraisal District. Visit http://www.martincad.org/ for office information, or call 432-756-2823 to confirm the mailing address and any specific submission instructions. File as early as possible to allow time to gather supporting evidence and schedule hearings before the season closes.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Martin County?

Martin County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against your school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional exemption of $200,000. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce your taxable value, and applying for them through the Martin County Appraisal District costs nothing. You only need to apply once as long as you remain in the same home.

4. Are there exemptions available for veterans in Martin County?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% are eligible for a $5,000 exemption on their property taxes in Martin County. The exact amount of the exemption may increase with higher disability ratings under state law. Veterans or surviving spouses who believe they may qualify should contact the Martin County Appraisal District directly at 432-756-2823 to confirm eligibility requirements and obtain the appropriate application forms.

Filing a property tax protest in Martin County requires some advance preparation, especially since the process must be handled by mail or in person rather than through an online portal.

Contact the CAD Early

Reach out to the Martin County Appraisal District at 432-756-2823 or visit http://www.martincad.org/ as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Confirm the correct mailing address for protest submissions, ask whether a specific form is required, and find out the office's hours if you plan to deliver documents in person. Getting these details early prevents last-minute complications.

Document Everything

Since you cannot file online, keep a copy of every document you submit and consider sending protest forms by certified mail so you have proof of the filing date. The May 15 deadline — or 30 days from your notice date — is firm, and a missed postmark can cost you your protest rights for the year.

Gather Comparable Sales Data

Martin County is a small, rural community, which means comparable sales data may be limited. Pull whatever recent sales records you can find from the appraisal district's website, county deed records, or public real estate databases. Even a small number of well-matched comparables can support a strong case if the properties share similar size, condition, and location characteristics.

Know Your Exemptions

Before your hearing, verify that all applicable exemptions — including the $140,000 or 20% homestead exemption and the $200,000 over-65 or disabled person exemption — are already reflected in your notice. If any are missing, bring documentation to your hearing and raise the issue directly with appraisal district staff. Correcting a missing exemption can be as valuable as winning a value reduction.

Be Concise at Your Hearing

Whether you attend an informal meeting or a formal ARB hearing, present your evidence clearly and stick to the facts. Appraisal review panels respond to data, not frustration. Organized documentation and a straightforward argument give you the best chance of a favorable outcome.