Uvalde County Appraisal District

Uvalde County property owners who believe their appraised value is inaccurate have the right to formally challenge that value through the Uvalde County Appraisal District (UCAD). Understanding how the process works — and acting within the required deadlines — is essential to getting a fair result.

Know Your Deadline

The protest deadline in Uvalde County is May 15 or 30 days after the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Missing this window forfeits your right to protest for that tax year, so check your notice as soon as it arrives.

Initiating Your Protest

Because the Uvalde County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal, protests must be submitted by mail or in person. You can reach the district directly at 830-278-1106 or visit their website at http://www.uvaldecad.org/ for current office hours and mailing address. The district is led by Chief Appraiser Roberto Valdez.

To file, submit a written notice of protest — typically using Form 50-132 — clearly identifying the property in question and the basis for your disagreement. Common grounds include an appraised value that exceeds market value, unequal appraisal compared to similar properties, or an exemption that was incorrectly denied or omitted.

The Informal Review

After your protest is filed, the appraisal district will typically schedule an informal meeting before your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. This is an opportunity to present evidence directly to an appraiser and potentially resolve the dispute without going before the board. Bring documentation such as recent comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, repair estimates, or photographs of property condition issues.

The ARB Hearing

If the informal review does not produce a satisfactory result, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. The ARB panel will issue a written order, and if you remain unsatisfied, further appeal options include binding arbitration or district court.

Prepare Before You File

Gather your evidence before contacting the district. A well-supported protest — backed by comparable sales data or documented property issues — is far more likely to result in a reduced value than a protest filed without supporting documentation.

1. What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Uvalde County?

The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the Uvalde County Appraisal District mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever date falls later. The date your notice was mailed is printed on the notice itself. If you do not receive a notice but believe your value has changed, contact the Uvalde County Appraisal District at 830-278-1106 to confirm your appraisal and deadline.

2. How do I file a property tax protest in Uvalde County?

The Uvalde County Appraisal District does not currently offer an online filing portal. Protests must be submitted in writing, either by mail or in person. Use Texas Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) and submit it to the district before your deadline. You can find the district's mailing address and office information at http://www.uvaldecad.org/ or by calling 830-278-1106. Keep a copy of everything you submit, and if mailing, consider using certified mail to confirm delivery.

3. What homestead exemption is available to Uvalde County homeowners?

Uvalde County homeowners who occupy their property as a primary residence may qualify for a General Residence Homestead exemption. The current exemption is the greater of $140,000 or 20% of the property's appraised value, applied toward the school district portion of your tax bill. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or who qualify as disabled persons, are eligible for an additional $200,000 exemption. To claim these exemptions, you must file an application with the Uvalde County Appraisal District. Once approved, most exemptions renew automatically each year.

4. Does Uvalde County have special provisions for agricultural land?

Yes. Uvalde County has a significant ranching and farming presence, and landowners may qualify for an agricultural use appraisal under the 1-d-1 productivity valuation method. Under this designation, land is appraised based on its capacity to produce agricultural income rather than its market value, which can substantially reduce the taxable value. Eligibility requires that the land be actively used for agriculture and that an application be filed with the Uvalde County Appraisal District. Contact the district at 830-278-1106 to discuss qualification requirements specific to your property.

Filing a property tax protest in Uvalde County requires preparation, documentation, and attention to deadlines. The following practical steps can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact the district early. The Uvalde County Appraisal District can be reached at 830-278-1106 or through their website at http://www.uvaldecad.org/. Reaching out early in the season means shorter wait times and more opportunity to gather the information you need before your hearing.

Request your property's evidence file. Before your hearing, you are entitled to request the district's evidence package, which includes the data used to arrive at your appraised value. Review it carefully for errors in square footage, lot size, construction quality, or property features. Mistakes in the appraisal record are a straightforward basis for a value reduction.

Compile comparable sales data. Identify recent sales of properties similar to yours in Uvalde County — properties that are close in size, age, condition, and location. If those comparable properties sold for less than your appraised value, that gap is your core argument. County appraisal records are public and can help you build this comparison.

Document any property condition issues. If your property has structural problems, deferred maintenance, or other issues that affect market value, photograph them and obtain repair estimates. These can be compelling at both the informal review and the ARB hearing.

Submit your protest before the deadline. Since online filing is not available, mail your written protest using certified mail or deliver it in person. The protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after your notice date. Do not wait until the final days — postal delays or office closures can result in a missed deadline with no recourse.

Be specific in your protest grounds. Clearly state whether you are arguing that the value exceeds market value, that your property is appraised unequally compared to similar properties, or both. Vague protests are harder to resolve favorably at the informal stage.