Pecos County Appraisal District

If you believe the Pecos County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to protest that assessment. Understanding the process and acting within the required timeframe is essential to a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

Your protest must be filed by May 15 or within 30 days of the date on your appraisal notice, whichever is later. Missing this window forecloses your right to challenge the value for that tax year, so treat the notice date as a hard trigger for action.

Contact the Pecos County Appraisal District

The appraisal district is led by Chief Appraiser Sam Calderon III. You can reach the office by phone at 432-336-7587 or visit their website at http://www.pecoscad.org/ for additional information. Note that Pecos County does not currently offer an online filing portal, so property owners must file their protest by mail or in person.

How to File

Obtain a Notice of Protest form (Form 50-132) from the appraisal district office or download it from the Texas Comptroller's website. Complete the form, clearly stating your grounds for protest — typically that the appraised value exceeds market value or is unequal compared to similar properties. Submit it before the deadline via mail or in person at the CAD office.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on documentation. Gather recent comparable sales of similar properties in Pecos County, photographs of any property condition issues, independent appraisals if available, and any repair estimates for damage or defects. The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) will weigh your evidence against the district's records.

The Hearing

After filing, you may be offered an informal meeting with an appraiser before your formal ARB hearing. Take advantage of this — many protests are resolved at this stage without a formal proceeding. If you proceed to the ARB, present your evidence clearly and concisely. The board's decision is binding unless you pursue further appeal through district court or binding arbitration.

Acting early, staying organized, and making direct contact with the Pecos County Appraisal District will put you in the strongest position to achieve a fair assessment.

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

The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later. If your notice arrives after April 15, the 30-day window from that notice date will likely extend your deadline beyond May 15. Always check the date printed on your notice and calculate accordingly — the Pecos County Appraisal District can confirm your specific deadline by phone at 432-336-7587.

2. How do I file a protest since there is no online portal available in Pecos County?

Pecos County does not currently offer an online filing option. Property owners must submit their protest by completing a Notice of Protest form and delivering it to the Pecos County Appraisal District either in person or by mail. The form can be obtained directly from the CAD office or from the Texas Comptroller's website. Make sure to keep a copy of your submission and, if mailing, use certified mail to confirm receipt before the deadline.

3. What homestead exemption is available in Pecos County?

Pecos County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the appraised value, whichever is greater, applied against your school district taxes. Additionally, homeowners who are 65 or older or who qualify as disabled persons are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. These exemptions can meaningfully reduce the taxable value of your home, so if you have not yet applied, contact the Pecos County Appraisal District to obtain the appropriate application forms.

4. Are there property tax exemptions available for veterans in Pecos County?

Yes. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% qualify for a $5,000 exemption on their property taxes in Pecos County. The exact benefit scales with the severity of the disability rating under Texas law. Veterans should provide documentation of their VA disability rating when applying through the Pecos County Appraisal District. This exemption applies in addition to any homestead exemption the veteran may already receive.

Because Pecos County does not offer an online protest filing portal, preparation and timing matter more than in counties with digital submission options. Here is how to approach the process effectively.

Start as soon as your notice arrives. Do not wait until May 15. The moment your appraisal notice lands, note the date and calculate your 30-day window. Early filing gives you more time to gather evidence and schedule a meeting with the appraisal district.

Call the CAD directly. The Pecos County Appraisal District can be reached at 432-336-7587. A brief call can clarify your specific deadline, confirm the correct mailing address for your protest form, and let you know whether an informal review with an appraiser is available before your formal hearing.

Use certified mail if you cannot file in person. Since there is no online option, mailing your protest form is the most common alternative to hand delivery. Send it via USPS certified mail with return receipt requested so you have documented proof of timely submission.

Gather localized comparable sales data. Pecos County is a large, sparsely populated region in far west Texas, which means comparable sales can be limited. Pull any sales data you can find for similar properties in the area, and note any physical or locational factors that distinguish your property from the appraised value assigned.

Document property condition thoroughly. Photographs, contractor estimates, and any records of deferred maintenance or structural issues all strengthen your case before the Appraisal Review Board.

Confirm exemption status before your hearing. If you qualify for the homestead, over-65, or disabled veteran exemption and have not yet applied, do so immediately. Exemptions reduce your taxable value independent of the protest outcome and should be secured before your hearing date.

For all questions, the Pecos County Appraisal District website at http://www.pecoscad.org/ is the primary resource for forms and office information.