How to protest your property tax value in DFW
Your appraisal notice isn't the final word. Here's the deadline, the evidence that works, and what happens at each step.
Published 2026-10-21 · 5 min read · Source: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Property Tax Protests and Appeals (comptroller.texas.gov). Deadlines and procedures can vary slightly by district; check your notice.
Each spring, DFW appraisal districts mail a notice of appraised value for your home. If the value looks too high, you can protest it. It's free, and you don't need a lawyer or a paid service to do it.
The deadline
May 15, or 30 days after the appraisal district delivered your notice, whichever is later. Put the date on your calendar the day your notice arrives.
How to file
- Easiest: your appraisal district's online portal. Many districts review online protests and may send a settlement offer you can accept without a hearing.
- Or mail Form 50-132, the Property Owner's Notice of Protest. A written note that names you, the property and what you disagree with also counts.
- Typical reasons to check: the value is over market value, or it's unequal compared with similar homes.
Evidence that works
- Sales of similar homes nearby that closed close to January 1 of the tax year.
- Photos and repair estimates for real problems, like foundation, roof or an original kitchen.
- Your closing statement, if you bought the home recently.
- Corrections to the record: wrong square footage, a pool you don't have, a bathroom count that's off.
- Skip arguments about affordability or how much taxes went up. The board can only consider value.
What happens next
- Informal review: you can talk with a district appraiser first, and many protests are settled here.
- Formal hearing: if you don't settle, the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hears your case in person, by phone or video, or by written affidavit. You'll get at least 15 days' notice.
- After the ARB: if you still disagree, a homestead can go to binding arbitration (request within 60 days of the ARB order), or you can file in district court within 60 days.
Before you protest, check two things
- Your homestead exemption is on the account. If not, file it (see our homestead guide).
- The details on your property record are right. Errors are the easiest win.
Where to file in DFW
Dallas CAD (dallascad.org), Collin CAD (collincad.org), Denton CAD (dentoncad.com), Tarrant Appraisal District (tad.org), Rockwall CAD (rockwallcad.com).
Want comparable sales for your protest? Kohl can pull recent nearby sales for your home at no cost.