Oldham County Appraisal District

Challenging your property tax assessment in Oldham County begins with the Oldham County Appraisal District (OCAD), the local authority responsible for valuing all taxable property within the county. Chief Appraiser Leann Voyles oversees the appraisal process, and her office can be reached directly at 806-267-2442 or through the district's website at https://oldhamcad.org/.

When you receive your Notice of Appraised Value, review it carefully. That notice triggers your right to protest. The deadline to file a protest is May 15 or 30 days after the date printed on your notice, whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to challenge the appraisal for that tax year, so act promptly.

To initiate a protest, you must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Oldham County Appraisal District. Because Oldham County does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or in person at the appraisal district office. Contact the office at 806-267-2442 to confirm current submission procedures and office hours before making a trip, as Oldham County is a rural county with limited staffing resources.

Your protest should clearly state the grounds for your challenge. The two most common bases are that the appraised value exceeds the property's actual market value, or that the value is unequal compared to similar properties in the area. Gather supporting evidence before your hearing — recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, photographs documenting the property's condition, or repair estimates for known issues all strengthen your case.

Once your protest is filed, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) — an independent panel separate from the appraisal district — will schedule a hearing. You will have the opportunity to present your evidence directly. In many cases, an informal settlement with an OCAD appraiser may be offered before the formal ARB hearing, which can resolve the matter more quickly.

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, further appeal options exist through binding arbitration or district court, though these paths involve additional costs and timelines.

1. What is the deadline to protest my property tax assessment in Oldham County?

The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever date falls later. If May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Because Oldham County is a small rural district with limited administrative capacity, it is wise to file well before the deadline rather than waiting until the final days.

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

Oldham County does not currently offer an online protest filing portal, so protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person to the Oldham County Appraisal District. You can reach the office at 806-267-2442 or visit https://oldhamcad.org/ for address and procedural details. Use Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest), clearly stating the reason for your challenge, and retain a copy for your records along with any proof of delivery.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Oldham County?

Oldham County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against the school district portion of your tax bill. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, receive 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, contact the Oldham County Appraisal District at 806-267-2442 — exemption applications generally must be filed by April 30 of the tax year.

4. What should I expect at an Appraisal Review Board hearing in Oldham County?

Given Oldham County's small population of roughly 2,100 residents, ARB hearings tend to be less formal than those in larger urban counties, but the process follows the same legal framework. You will present your evidence — comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or documentation of property deficiencies — and the appraisal district will present its valuation data. The ARB panel then issues a determination. In many cases, an informal resolution with an OCAD appraiser is offered before the formal hearing, which can save time for both parties.

Because Oldham County does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and direct communication with the Oldham County Appraisal District are essential to a smooth protest process.

Start by calling the appraisal district at 806-267-2442 before submitting anything. In a county this size, staffing is lean, and confirming current office hours, mailing address, and any procedural updates before you file can prevent unnecessary delays or a missed deadline.

When completing Form 50-132, be specific about your grounds for protest. Vague language such as "value too high" is less persuasive than citing a specific dollar discrepancy supported by evidence. Attach your supporting documentation directly to the form when submitting by mail, and send it via certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of timely filing.

Gather your evidence before you file, not after. Useful materials include recent sales of comparable properties in Oldham County, a licensed appraisal, repair estimates for structural or mechanical issues, and photographs that document the property's current condition. Because the local real estate market in rural Oldham County may have limited comparable sales data, any documentation of unique property characteristics or deferred maintenance is particularly valuable.

If you have applied for a homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemption, verify with the appraisal district that your exemption is correctly reflected in your current assessed value before the hearing. An exemption that was not properly applied can independently reduce your tax liability without a formal protest.

Finally, keep a complete file of all correspondence, submission receipts, and hearing notices. Even in a small county, having a documented paper trail protects your rights at every stage of the process. Contact the district at https://oldhamcad.org/ or 806-267-2442 with any procedural questions.