Tom Green County Appraisal District

If you believe the Tom Green County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to formally protest that value. Understanding the process and timeline is essential to mounting an effective challenge.

Know Your Deadline

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

Filing Your Protest

Tom Green County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, which means protests must be submitted by mail or delivered in person. You can reach the district at 325-658-5575 or visit their website at http://www.tomgreencad.com/ for forms and mailing instructions. Your written protest should clearly identify your property and state the basis for your disagreement — typically that the appraised value exceeds market value or is unequal compared to similar properties.

The Informal Hearing

After filing, most property owners are offered an informal meeting with an appraisal district staff member before any formal hearing takes place. This is an opportunity to present your evidence directly and potentially resolve the dispute without going before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Bring documentation such as recent sales of comparable properties, a recent independent appraisal, repair estimates for property defects, or photographs that support a lower valuation.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not produce a satisfactory result, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing. The ARB is an independent panel that reviews evidence from both you and the appraisal district. Present your case clearly, stick to factual comparisons, and submit all supporting documents in advance if required.

After the Hearing

If you disagree with the ARB's determination, further appeal options include binding arbitration or district court. Chief Appraiser Tyler Johnson oversees the district, and his office can answer procedural questions before or after your hearing.

Starting early, gathering strong comparable sales data, and meeting every deadline are the most reliable ways to achieve a meaningful reduction.

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

The deadline to file a property tax protest with the Tom Green County Appraisal District is May 15, or 30 days after the appraisal notice is mailed to you — whichever date falls later. If your notice arrives after April 15, the 30-day window effectively extends your deadline beyond May 15. Do not wait to receive a notice if you already know your appraised value has increased; file as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

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

Because Tom Green County Appraisal District does not currently operate an online filing portal, protests must be submitted in writing by mail or in person. Download the protest form from http://www.tomgreencad.com/ or call the district at 325-658-5575 to request one. Your submission must identify the property in question and state the grounds for your protest. Keep a copy of everything you submit and, if mailing, use a method that provides delivery confirmation.

3. What homestead exemptions are available in Tom Green County?

Tom Green County offers a General Residence Homestead exemption worth $140,000 or 20% of appraised value — whichever is greater — reducing the taxable value of your primary residence. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, may receive an additional $200,000 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating between 10% and 100% qualify for a $5,000 exemption. To claim any of these, you must file an application with the Tom Green County Appraisal District and provide supporting documentation.

4. What evidence is most effective at an ARB hearing in Tom Green County?

The most persuasive evidence at an Appraisal Review Board hearing is recent sales data from properties genuinely comparable to yours — similar square footage, age, condition, and location within the San Angelo area. Appraisal district records are publicly searchable, allowing you to pull sales and assessed values for nearby homes. If your property has structural issues, deferred maintenance, or other factors that reduce its market appeal, repair estimates and photographs can support a downward adjustment. An independent appraisal from a licensed Texas appraiser carries significant weight but is not required.

Since the Tom Green County Appraisal District does not offer an online filing portal, preparation and attention to detail in your paper submission matter more than in counties with digital options. These practical steps will help you file correctly and build a strong record.

Request your property record card early. Contact the district at 325-658-5575 or visit http://www.tomgreencad.com/ to obtain the appraisal card for your property. Review it for errors in square footage, bedroom and bathroom counts, lot size, and property class. A factual error alone can be grounds for a value reduction.

Submit your protest form with a written statement. When mailing your protest, attach a brief written statement explaining why you believe the value is incorrect. Vague protests are harder to resolve informally. Specificity — citing comparable sales prices or identifying a specific factual error — gives the district's staff something concrete to work with before your hearing.

Use certified mail. Because there is no electronic timestamp for paper filings, send your protest via certified mail with return receipt requested. This protects you if there is any dispute about whether your protest was received before the May 15 or 30-day deadline.

Organize your comparables before the informal hearing. Pull three to five recent sales of properties similar to yours in the same neighborhood or zip code. Present them in a simple table showing address, sale date, sale price, and square footage. The cleaner your presentation, the easier it is for a staff appraiser to recognize a legitimate discrepancy.

Follow up by phone. After filing, call 325-658-5575 to confirm receipt and ask about expected hearing timelines. Staying in contact with the district keeps your case moving and ensures you do not miss a scheduled hearing date.

Acting promptly after receiving your appraisal notice gives you the most time to gather evidence and engage with the district before any deadlines pass.