<\/p>\n
The Travis Central Appraisal District will soon be sending appraisal notices to homeowners. If you think your property was appraised too highly, you have the right to protest it, but strict deadlines apply.<\/p>\n
JAY JANNER\/AMERICAN-STATESMAN<\/p>\n
Texas homeowners who want to challenge their property tax appraisals<\/a> in 2026 face a narrow but critical window\u00a0\u2014 and missing it could mean paying more than necessary.<\/p>\n Each year, county appraisal districts determine a home\u2019s market value as of Jan. 1, which becomes the basis for property taxes<\/a>.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n In Travis County, the Travis Central Appraisal District<\/a>\u00a0determines the appraised value of each property annually. The district does not set tax rates or collect payments; it values properties, manages exemptions and handles protests. Tax rates are set separately by local taxing entities.<\/p>\n Homeowners who believe their property was appraised too highly have the right to protest, but strict deadlines apply.<\/p>\n SIGN UP: Stay ahead of property tax protest deadlines with a new tool that lets you skip the consultant fees and protest yourself.<\/a><\/p>\n When are property tax protest filings due in Texas?<\/p>\n For most homeowners, the deadline to file a property tax protest is May 15, 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n If your appraisal notice arrives later in the spring, you have 30 days from the date the notice was mailed to submit a protest, even if that date is later than May 15.<\/p>\n That means some homeowners may effectively have more time depending on when their notice is sent. The exact deadline is typically printed on the appraisal notice.<\/p>\n If you miss that window, in most cases, you will lose your right to challenge your property\u2019s appraised value.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n In rare cases, the Appraisal Review Board can grant a late protest hearing to homeowners who miss the deadline if they can provide good cause for missing the deadline.<\/p>\n When will appraisal notices arrive?<\/p>\n Appraisal districts generally send out notices of appraised value between April and early May, triggering the protest countdown.\u00a0<\/p>\n Not every homeowner will receive one. If your property\u2019s value did not increase significantly\u00a0\u2014 often less than $1,000\u00a0\u2014 a notice may not be mailed, though you can still check your value online.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Other important property tax deadlines<\/p>\n The protest deadline gets the most attention, but it’s not the only date that matters<\/a>.<\/p>\n April 30:\u00a0Deadline to apply for homestead and other exemptions<\/a>.<\/p>\n May through summer:\u00a0Appraisal Review Board hearings take place after protests are filed.<\/p>\n Fall (October-November):\u00a0Tax bills are mailed once rates are set.<\/p>\n Jan. 31, 2027:\u00a0Deadline to pay property taxes without penalties.<\/p>\n How to file a protest in Texas<\/p>\n<\/p>\n