Montague County Appraisal District

If you believe the Montague County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process and timeline is essential to protecting your tax liability.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Montague County is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to challenge the assessed value for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

Contact the Montague County Appraisal District

The Montague County Appraisal District is the starting point for any protest. Chief Appraiser Kim Haralson oversees the office, which can be reached by phone at 940-894-6011. You can also access property records and appraisal data through the district's website at https://iswdataclient.azurewebsites.net/webindex.aspx?dbkey=montaguecad&time=202105131421006. Note that an online filing portal is not currently available, so contact with the district must be made by phone, mail, or in person.

File a Notice of Protest

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Montague County Appraisal District. This form can be obtained directly from the district office or downloaded from the Texas Comptroller's website. Submit it before the deadline and retain a copy for your records. Because online filing is not available, submitting by certified mail or in person is advisable to confirm receipt.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you present. Gather documentation that supports a lower market value, including recent comparable sales of similar properties in the area, a recent independent appraisal, photographs documenting condition issues, repair estimates, or any factual errors in the district's property records such as incorrect square footage or lot size.

Attend Your Hearing

After filing, you will receive a hearing date before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that evaluates protests. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB will issue a written determination, and if you remain unsatisfied, further appeal options exist through district court or binding arbitration.

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

The deadline to file a protest with the Montague County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days from the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you receive your notice after April 15, the 30-day window effectively extends your deadline beyond May 15. Do not assume the standard May 15 date applies without checking the mailing date on your notice.

2. How do I file a property tax protest in Montague County?

Because the Montague County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be filed by submitting a completed Notice of Protest form in person or by mail. Contact the district at 940-894-6011 to confirm the current mailing address, obtain the appropriate form, or ask procedural questions. Sending your protest by certified mail with return receipt is strongly recommended so you have documented proof of timely filing.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Montague County?

Montague County property owners who occupy their home as a primary residence may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption. The available exemption is the greater of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, which can meaningfully reduce the taxable value of your home. To apply, submit a completed Application for Residential Homestead Exemption (Form 50-114) to the Montague County Appraisal District. The application deadline is generally April 30, though late applications may be accepted in certain circumstances.

4. Are there exemptions available for veterans or older residents in Montague County?

Yes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, may receive an additional exemption of $200,000 off their appraised value. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% are eligible for a $5,000 exemption. These exemptions are applied on top of the general homestead exemption where applicable, and each requires a separate application filed with the Montague County Appraisal District.

Filing a property tax protest in Montague County requires attention to detail and advance preparation. These practical steps will improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Call the district early. Since online filing is not available, your primary point of contact is the Montague County Appraisal District by phone at 940-894-6011. Call as soon as you receive your appraisal notice to ask about current procedures, confirm the correct mailing address for your protest form, and inquire whether informal review meetings are offered before your formal ARB hearing.

Document everything in writing. Because you cannot file electronically, keep a paper trail. Send your Notice of Protest by certified mail and retain the tracking confirmation and signed return receipt. Note the date you mailed it and keep copies of all documents submitted.

Pull comparable sales data before your hearing. Review the district's online property search at the CAD website to identify recently sold properties similar to yours in size, age, condition, and location. If comparable homes sold for less than your assessed value, that data is among the most persuasive evidence you can present to the Appraisal Review Board.

Check your property record for errors. Access your property details through the district's website and verify that the recorded square footage, number of rooms, lot size, and property class are accurate. Factual errors in the appraisal record can result in an inflated value and are often corrected without a formal hearing.

Don't miss the deadline. The protest window closes on May 15 or 30 days after your notice date. There is no grace period once the deadline passes. Mark the date immediately upon receiving your notice and submit your protest well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications with mail delivery or office availability.