Mason County Appraisal District

If you believe the Mason County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process can make a meaningful difference in what you ultimately owe.

Know Your Deadline

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

Contact the Mason County Appraisal District

The Mason County Appraisal District (MCAD) is the starting point for all protests. Chief Appraiser Christel B. Lively oversees the office, which can be reached by phone at 325-347-5989 or through the district's website at masoncad.org. Because Mason County is a small rural county with a population under 4,000, the appraisal office tends to be accessible — calling directly to ask questions or request an informal review is a reasonable first step.

File Your Protest

At this time, MCAD does not offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted in writing, typically using a Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132), which is available from the appraisal district directly. Submit your completed form before the deadline, and keep a copy for your records. If mailing, use certified mail to establish a delivery date.

Pursue an Informal Review First

Before your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing, request an informal conference with an MCAD appraiser. In many cases, disagreements over value can be resolved at this stage without a formal hearing. Bring documentation — comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, repair estimates, or photographs of property condition — anything that supports a lower valuation.

Attend Your ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not resolve the dispute, your case proceeds to the ARB, an independent panel that hears evidence from both you and the appraisal district. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written order after the hearing.

If you remain unsatisfied after the ARB decision, further appeal options include binding arbitration or district court, depending on the value of your property.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Mason County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed — whichever date falls later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you can still file a protest before the deadline. Contact MCAD at 325-347-5989 or visit masoncad.org to confirm your property's current appraised value and notice date.

2. How do I file a protest in Mason County if there is no online portal?

Because MCAD does not currently offer an online filing option, protests must be submitted in writing. You can obtain a Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132) directly from the Mason County Appraisal District by calling 325-347-5989 or visiting the office in person. Once completed, return the form by mail or in person before the protest deadline. If mailing, certified mail with return receipt is strongly recommended so you have proof of timely submission.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Mason County?

Mason County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption that reduces your property's taxable value by $140,000 or 20%, whichever is greater, for qualifying homeowners. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional exemption of $200,000 off their appraised value. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To apply, contact the Mason County Appraisal District and submit the appropriate exemption application along with supporting documentation.

4. Does agricultural land receive special treatment in Mason County?

Yes. Mason County's economy has deep agricultural roots, and landowners who use property for farming, ranching, or open-space purposes may qualify for a 1-d-1 agricultural appraisal. Under this designation, land is taxed based on its productive agricultural value rather than its market value — a distinction that can result in substantially lower taxes for qualifying parcels. Applications and eligibility requirements are handled through the Mason County Appraisal District; contact the office at 325-347-5989 for details on qualifying uses and deadlines.

Filing a property tax protest in a small county like Mason requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you make the most of the process.

Act immediately when your notice arrives. The protest window opens the moment your appraisal notice is mailed. With a deadline of May 15 or 30 days from the notice date, you may have less time than you think. Do not set the notice aside.

Call the office before filing. Because MCAD does not have an online portal, a phone call to 325-347-5989 is often the most efficient first move. Staff can confirm your appraised value, explain the current year's process, and let you know whether an informal review is available before a formal hearing is scheduled.

Gather comparable sales data. In a rural county with relatively few transactions, finding direct comparable sales can be challenging but not impossible. Look for sales of similar acreage, land type, and improvements within the past 12 to 24 months. The MCAD website at masoncad.org may provide access to property records that help you identify relevant comparables.

Document property condition thoroughly. If your property has deferred maintenance, structural issues, or other factors that affect value, photograph and document them before your hearing. Written repair estimates from licensed contractors carry significant weight.

Submit your protest form with proof of delivery. Since filing must be done by mail or in person, use certified mail with return receipt if you are not hand-delivering your form. Keep the signed receipt and a copy of everything submitted.

Be concise at your ARB hearing. ARB members review many cases. A focused presentation — two or three strong data points rather than a large volume of loosely related documents — is generally more effective. State your requested value clearly and explain specifically why the evidence supports it.