Refugio County Appraisal District

If you believe the Refugio County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Refugio County is May 15, or 30 days after the date your appraisal notice was mailed — whichever is later. Missing this deadline almost always means forfeiting your right to protest for that tax year, so mark the date as soon as your notice arrives.

File Your Protest

Refugio County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online protest filing portal. Property owners must file a Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) directly with the district. You can contact the CAD by phone at 361-526-5994 or visit their website at http://www.refugiocad.org/ for current instructions on how to submit your protest. Filing by certified mail with a return receipt is a reliable way to document that your protest was received on time.

Prepare Your Evidence

The strength of your protest depends on the evidence you bring. Gather recent sales data for comparable properties in your area, photographs documenting any condition issues, independent appraisals, repair estimates, or any other documentation that supports a lower value. The appraisal district's own records — including the property detail sheet — are public information and can help you identify errors in square footage, lot size, or property characteristics.

The Informal and Formal Hearing Process

Most protests begin with an informal meeting with an appraisal district staff member. Many cases are resolved at this stage without proceeding further. If you cannot reach an agreement informally, your case moves to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel that hears evidence from both sides and issues a binding determination.

After the Hearing

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you may pursue further appeal through binding arbitration or district court, depending on the property value and type. Chief Appraiser Phillip Gonzales oversees the district's operations, and his office can direct you to the appropriate next steps if needed.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Refugio County Appraisal District is May 15 of the tax year, or 30 days after the date printed on your appraisal notice — whichever date falls later. If you received your notice after April 15, the 30-day window likely gives you more time than the fixed May 15 date. Either way, do not wait. Late filings are almost universally rejected, and you would lose your opportunity to challenge the value for that year.

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

Because Refugio County does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted directly to the Refugio County Appraisal District in person or by mail. Contact the district at 361-526-5994 or check http://www.refugiocad.org/ for the most current submission instructions. Use Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) and, if mailing, send it via certified mail so you have documented proof of the submission date.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Refugio County?

Refugio County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption of $140,000 or 20% of the property's appraised value — whichever is greater — applied toward the school district tax burden. 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 claim any of these exemptions, you must file an application with the Refugio County Appraisal District and provide the required supporting documentation.

4. What role does agricultural land designation play in Refugio County property taxes?

Refugio County is predominantly rural, and the 1-d-1 open-space agricultural appraisal is an important tool for landowners with qualifying agricultural operations. Under this designation, land is appraised based on its productive agricultural value rather than its market value — a distinction that can result in dramatically lower assessed values and tax bills. Eligibility requires that the land has been used for agriculture for at least five of the preceding seven years. Applications are filed with the Refugio County Appraisal District, and Phillip Gonzales's office can provide guidance on qualifying uses and documentation requirements.

Filing a property tax protest in Refugio County requires preparation and attention to detail. These practical steps can help you make the most of the process.

Contact the CAD Early

Reach out to the Refugio County Appraisal District at 361-526-5994 as soon as you receive your appraisal notice. Staff can confirm the correct filing procedure, provide the protest form, and clarify what supporting documentation is most useful. Visiting http://www.refugiocad.org/ beforehand may also give you access to current forms and announcements.

Document Everything in Writing

Since online filing is not available, submit your protest by certified mail with a return receipt requested, or deliver it in person and ask for a date-stamped copy. Keep copies of everything — your protest form, your evidence, and any correspondence with the district.

Build a Specific, Evidence-Based Argument

Vague objections rarely succeed. Focus your protest on concrete, verifiable facts: recent sales of comparable properties, errors in the district's property records, or documented physical conditions that reduce value. Pull the property record card from the appraisal district to verify that the square footage, year built, and property features on file are accurate. Even small errors in recorded data can meaningfully affect your assessed value.

Understand the Exemptions You Already Have

Before protesting the value itself, confirm that all applicable exemptions are reflected on your account. The homestead exemption ($140,000 or 20%), the over-65 or disabled person exemption ($200,000), and the disabled veteran exemption ($5,000) must each be applied for separately. If any are missing from your account, contact the Refugio County Appraisal District to file the appropriate application — correcting an exemption gap may resolve your concern without a formal protest.

Be Ready for the Hearing

Organize your evidence clearly and be prepared to present it concisely. Appraisal Review Board hearings are relatively brief, so prioritize your strongest comparables and most compelling documentation.