Motley County Appraisal District

Motley County is one of Texas's least populous counties, with just over 1,200 residents spread across a largely rural, agricultural landscape. Despite its small size, property owners here have the same legal right to protest their appraised values as homeowners in any major Texas metro — and the process is worth understanding.

The Motley County Appraisal District (CAD), led by Chief Appraiser Jim Finley, is responsible for assigning appraised values to all taxable property in the county. If you believe your property has been overvalued or that an error has been made in your appraisal record, you have the right to formally protest that determination before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

Protest Deadline Your protest must be filed by May 15 or within 30 days of the date your notice of appraised value was mailed — whichever date is later. Missing this deadline typically forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so act promptly once your notice arrives.

How to File Because Motley County Appraisal District does not currently maintain a public website or online filing portal, protests must be initiated by contacting the district directly. Reach the office by phone at 806-983-5256 to request a protest form or ask about submission procedures. You can also visit the office in person to file your written protest or submit it by mail. Confirm the mailing address and office hours when you call.

What Happens After You File Once your protest is received, the ARB will schedule a hearing. Before that hearing, you may have an opportunity to meet informally with an appraiser to discuss your evidence and potentially resolve the protest without a formal proceeding. Bring documentation that supports your position — comparable sales, independent appraisals, photographs of property condition, or records of any errors in the property description.

What to Expect in a Small County In a county this size, the ARB process tends to be less formal than in urban counties, but the same standards of evidence apply. Presenting clear, factual comparables from the local market gives you the strongest possible case. Keep records of all communications and filings throughout the process.

1. What is the deadline to protest my property tax appraisal in Motley County?

The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the date your notice of appraised value was mailed, whichever is later. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, you should still contact the Motley County Appraisal District at 806-983-5256 to confirm your appraisal status and whether a protest is warranted. Filing late — or failing to file at all — means you lose the right to challenge that year's value.

2. How do I file a protest since there is no online portal?

Motley County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing option. To protest, call the district directly at 806-983-5256 to request a protest form and confirm current submission procedures. You may be able to submit your completed form in person or by mail. When you call, ask about office hours and the correct mailing address to ensure your protest is received and documented before the deadline.

3. What homestead exemptions are available to Motley County property owners?

Motley County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against school district taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, 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 apply for any of these exemptions, contact the Motley County Appraisal District at 806-983-5256 to obtain the appropriate application forms.

4. Does agricultural land receive special appraisal treatment in Motley County?

Yes. Given the county's predominantly rural, ranching-based economy, agricultural and open-space land may qualify for productivity appraisal under the 1-d-1 designation established in the Texas Constitution. Under this method, land is appraised based on its capacity to produce agricultural income rather than its market value — which can significantly reduce the taxable value of qualifying acreage. Contact the Motley County Appraisal District directly to learn about eligibility requirements and the application process for agricultural appraisal.

Filing a property tax protest in a small rural county like Motley County requires a bit more direct communication than in counties with online portals and automated systems. Here is how to approach the process effectively.

Call Before You File Since the Motley County Appraisal District does not operate a public website or online filing system, your first step should be a phone call to 806-983-5256. Confirm current office hours, ask how to obtain a protest form, and verify the correct mailing address if you plan to submit by mail. Getting this information directly from the district prevents avoidable errors.

Document Your Evidence Early The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you present. Gather recent sales data for comparable properties in the area, any independent appraisal you have obtained, photographs showing the condition of your property, and a copy of your current appraisal record. In a county with limited comparable sales data, even a small number of relevant transactions can carry significant weight.

Check Your Appraisal Record for Errors Request a copy of your property's appraisal card from the district. Errors in square footage, the number of structures, land acreage, or property classification are not uncommon and can directly inflate your appraised value. If you find a factual error, document it clearly and present it as part of your protest.

Track Your Deadlines Write down your protest deadline — May 15 or 30 days from your notice date — and do not wait until the last moment to file. In a small office, processing time may be limited, and submitting early gives you more flexibility if questions arise.

Keep Copies of Everything Retain copies of your completed protest form, any supporting documents, and written confirmation that your protest was received. This paper trail protects you if any dispute arises about whether your protest was properly filed.