Midland County Appraisal District

Midland County property owners who believe their appraised value is too high have the right to formally protest that value with the Midland County Appraisal District (MCAD). Understanding the process gives you a real opportunity to reduce your tax burden.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Midland County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline typically means forfeiting your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

File Your Protest

MCAD does not currently offer an online protest filing portal. Property owners must file a protest by submitting a written notice to the Midland County Appraisal District. You can contact the district directly at 432-699-4991 or visit their website at http://www.midcad.org/ to obtain the appropriate forms and confirm current submission procedures. The protest notice must identify the property and state the basis for your objection — typically that the appraised value is unequal or exceeds market value.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Relevant documentation includes recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, a recent independent appraisal, photos documenting property condition issues, and any repair estimates for structural or functional problems. The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) weighs evidence from both you and MCAD staff, so organized, specific documentation carries more weight than general objections.

The Hearing Process

After filing, you may be offered an informal meeting with an MCAD appraiser before your formal ARB hearing. Many protests are resolved at this stage. If no agreement is reached, you present your case before the ARB — an independent panel that issues a binding determination. If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options exist through binding arbitration or district court.

Chief Appraiser Michelle Berdeaux oversees the appraisal district. For procedural questions or to request forms, contact MCAD at 432-699-4991 or visit http://www.midcad.org/.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Midland County Appraisal District is May 15 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value 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 by the May 15 deadline. Do not wait — late filings are generally not accepted without documented extenuating circumstances.

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

Because MCAD does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in writing directly to the district. Contact MCAD at 432-699-4991 or check http://www.midcad.org/ for current instructions on submitting your protest notice. Your written notice should identify the property in question and clearly state the grounds for protest, such as market value being too high or unequal appraisal compared to similar properties.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Midland County?

Midland County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% — whichever is greater — applied against your appraised value for school district taxation purposes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as a disabled person, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To claim any exemption, you must file an application with MCAD and provide required documentation.

4. What makes Midland County property tax protests particularly relevant for local homeowners?

Midland County's economy is closely tied to the oil and gas industry, which creates significant volatility in local real estate values. Property values can rise sharply during energy booms and soften during downturns. This means appraised values set during a high-market period may not accurately reflect current conditions when energy prices fall. Homeowners should compare their MCAD appraised value against recent actual sales of similar properties in their specific neighborhood, as value swings can vary considerably across different parts of the county.

Filing a successful protest with the Midland County Appraisal District requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps will help you make the most of the process.

Contact MCAD Early

Since online filing is not available, reach out to MCAD as soon as you receive your Notice of Appraised Value. Call 432-699-4991 or visit http://www.midcad.org/ to obtain the correct protest form and confirm submission requirements. Filing early gives you time to gather evidence and schedule an informal review before your formal hearing date.

Document Your Property's Condition

If your property has deferred maintenance, structural issues, or functional deficiencies, photograph everything before your hearing. Written repair estimates from licensed contractors add significant credibility to your case. The ARB considers condition evidence alongside comparable sales data.

Pull Comparable Sales Yourself

Do not rely solely on MCAD's analysis. Research recent sales of properties similar to yours in size, age, and location within Midland County. Sales from the prior calendar year carry the most weight. If comparable properties sold for less than your appraised value, document those differences clearly.

Request MCAD's Evidence in Advance

You have the right to request the appraisal district's evidence package before your hearing. This shows you what comparables and data MCAD intends to use, allowing you to prepare targeted counterarguments rather than responding blindly at the hearing.

Be Specific at Your Hearing

Whether you are in an informal meeting with an MCAD appraiser or presenting before the ARB, focus on specific dollar differences supported by evidence. Vague claims that your taxes are "too high" carry little weight. A clear, organized presentation referencing actual sales data and property-specific facts is far more persuasive. Chief Appraiser Michelle Berdeaux's office can answer procedural questions at 432-699-4991.