Medina County Appraisal District

If you believe the Medina County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the legal right to protest that appraisal. Understanding the process and acting promptly can make a meaningful difference in your tax bill.

Know Your Deadline

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

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must submit a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) to the Medina County Appraisal District. The CAD is located in Hondo and can be reached by phone at 830-741-3035 or through their website at http://www.medinacad.org. Review the website for current submission instructions, as online filing may not be available and written or in-person filing may be required.

Build Your Case

Your protest will be heard by the Medina County Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel separate from the appraisal district. To make a strong case, gather evidence that supports a lower value — this could include a recent independent appraisal, comparable sales of similar properties in your area, photographs documenting property condition, repair estimates for structural or functional issues, or any factual errors in the appraisal record such as incorrect square footage or lot size.

The Hearing

At your ARB hearing, you and the appraisal district each present your evidence. The panel then determines whether an adjustment is warranted. Many protests are resolved through an informal settlement with a district appraiser before the formal hearing even takes place — it is worth requesting this option when you contact the CAD.

After the Hearing

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options exist, including binding arbitration or district court. However, most homeowners find resolution at the ARB level when they arrive with solid comparable data and documentation.

Chief Appraiser Johnette Dixon oversees the Medina County Appraisal District. Directing your initial inquiry to the district at 830-741-3035 is the best first step.

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

The deadline to file a protest with the Medina County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever date falls later. If you miss this window, you generally lose the right to contest your appraised value for that year. Watch for your notice in the mail and act quickly once it arrives.

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

You must submit a Notice of Protest to the Medina County Appraisal District before the deadline. Because an online filing portal is not currently listed as available, contact the district directly at 830-741-3035 or visit http://www.medinacad.org to confirm the accepted submission methods — which may include in-person delivery or written correspondence. Filing early gives you more time to gather supporting evidence and potentially reach an informal resolution before your formal ARB hearing.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Medina County?

Medina County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever provides the greater benefit — applied to your property's assessed value for qualifying primary residences. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive an additional $200,000 exemption on top of the general homestead amount. These exemptions can significantly reduce the taxable value of your home, so if you have not yet applied, contact the Medina County Appraisal District to obtain the appropriate application forms.

4. Are there property tax benefits for veterans in Medina County?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% are eligible for a $5,000 exemption on their property's assessed value in Medina County. The exemption amount scales with the severity of the disability rating under state law, with 100% disabled veterans potentially qualifying for a full exemption under a separate provision. Veterans or surviving spouses who believe they may qualify should contact the Medina County Appraisal District at 830-741-3035 to discuss eligibility and the application process.

Filing a property tax protest in Medina County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you approach the process with confidence.

Contact the CAD Early

As soon as you receive your appraisal notice, call the Medina County Appraisal District at 830-741-3035 or check http://www.medinacad.org for current filing instructions. Since online protest filing does not appear to be available through the district's portal, confirming the correct submission method in advance prevents costly errors.

Request Your Property Record

Ask the appraisal district for a copy of your property's appraisal record card. Review it carefully for factual errors — wrong square footage, incorrect bedroom or bathroom counts, or land size discrepancies. A documented factual error is one of the strongest grounds for a value reduction and requires no comparable sales data to support it.

Gather Comparable Sales

Research recent sales of properties similar to yours in Medina County — look for homes with comparable size, age, condition, and location that sold for less than your assessed value. The appraisal district's own data, county deed records, and public real estate databases can all be useful sources. Bring printed documentation to your hearing.

Document Property Condition

If your home has deferred maintenance, foundation issues, or other deficiencies that affect market value, photograph them and obtain repair estimates. The ARB considers condition evidence seriously, particularly when it is supported by contractor quotes or inspection reports.

Request an Informal Review

Before your formal ARB hearing, ask the district for an informal meeting with an appraiser. Many protests in Medina County are resolved at this stage, saving time for both parties. Come to that conversation with your evidence organized and a specific value in mind — not just a general objection.

Meet the Deadline

The protest window closes on May 15 or 30 days after your notice date. There is no grace period once that deadline passes.