How to File a Denton CAD Protest Online (eFile Portal Guide)

Reviewed November 4, 2026.

Quick answer: go to eprotest.dentoncad.com, sign in with the PIN printed on your appraisal notice, select the protest grounds that apply, such as value over market and unequal appraisal, enter your opinion of value and upload your evidence. File by Monday, May 17, 2027, or 30 days after your notice, whichever is later. For the full Denton County process, see our Denton County property tax protest guide.

General information, not legal advice. Portal screens change; follow what Denton CAD shows you.

Most Denton County owners file online

In 2025, 84.6% of Denton County's 143,285 protests were filed online (Comptroller 2025 survey). Denton CAD calls its portal the eFile system. It's where you file, upload evidence, see the district's evidence and answer settlement offers.

What to have ready

• Your notice. It has your property ID and the PIN you need to sign in.
• Your number. The value you think is right, and why.
• Your evidence. Recent sales of similar homes near January 1, a closing statement if you bought recently, a fee or bank appraisal, dated photos and repair estimates (Denton CAD notice insert).

Lost your PIN? Email helpdesk@dentoncad.com with the subject "Request Pin" plus your name, property ID and address.

How to file, step by step

1. Open the portal. Go to eprotest.dentoncad.com and enter your PIN.
2. Pick your reasons. Select “value is over market value” and/or “value is unequal compared with other properties” when those grounds apply. Keep the evidence for each argument clear.
3. Enter your opinion of value. Use a specific number you can back up. "Too high" isn't a number.
4. Upload evidence now. Don't wait for the hearing. The appraiser reviewing your file sees what's there.
5. Choose your hearing format. If you want a phone or video hearing, say so in your protest. Texas law lets you request it in writing up to the 10th day before your hearing.
6. Save your confirmation. Screenshot or download it. That's your proof you filed on time.

What happens after you file

• Settlement offer. Denton CAD may send an offer through the portal. You can accept it or decline it there. See should you accept the Denton CAD settlement offer.
• Informal review. Use the current Denton CAD notice to request an appraiser meeting. Do not confuse an appointment request with a timely filed protest.
• ARB hearing. If you don't settle, the Appraisal Review Board hears your case. You get at least 15 days' notice. See what to expect at a Denton County ARB hearing.

Mistakes we see

• Waiting for the perfect evidence. File on time first. You can add evidence later.
• Protesting the tax bill. The ARB rules on value, not on how high your taxes feel.
• Filing with the wrong district. Frisco, Carrollton and Prosper homes can be in another county. See which appraisal district you're in.
• Withdrawing by accident. Withdrawals happen in the portal or by emailing appeals@dentoncad.com. Make sure that's what you mean to do.

Rather not do it yourself?

TaxDrop's licensed Texas consultants file with Denton CAD, upload the evidence and handle the hearing. Start with the free over-assessment check at app.taxdrop.com.

Sources: Denton CAD protest process; Denton CAD notice insert; Tax Code §41.45; Tax Code §41.46; Tax Code §41.461; Comptroller 2025 operations survey.

Build your file with our Texas property tax protest evidence checklist. It explains how to organize comparable sales, appraisal comparisons and condition evidence.