An appraisal district is the local government office that assesses property values in your county. Every year, they determine how much your home is worthāand that number directly impacts your property tax bill.
In Texas, each county has a Central Appraisal District (CAD) that handles all property valuations. You'll receive a Notice of Appraised Value each spring showing your property's assessed value for the year.
California uses County Assessor's Offices instead of appraisal districts, but the function is similar. They determine assessed values, though California's Prop 13 limits annual increases to 2%.
Your appraisal district is also where you file a property tax protest if you believe your value is too high.
The appraisal district sets your assessed value. That's the number that determines your tax bill. If they overvalue your property, you pay more than you should.
Here's what most homeowners don't realize: Appraisal districts use automated mass appraisal systems. They're valuing hundreds of thousands of properties with limited individual inspection. Mistakes happen constantly.
That's why filing a protest matters. The appraisal district isn't infallibleāand Texas law gives you the right to challenge their numbers.
Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) is the largest in Texas, handling over 1.8 million properties. Each spring, HCAD sends notices to property owners showing their new assessed values.
If you're a Harris County homeowner and disagree with your assessed value, you file a Notice of Protest with HCAD. They'll schedule an informal hearing where you can present evidence. If you can't reach an agreement, you can escalate to a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board.
Many Harris County homeowners successfully reduce their assessments by 5-15% through this process.
Search for "[Your County] Appraisal District" or "[Your County] CAD." In Texas, you can also find your district through the Texas Comptroller's website. Each appraisal district has a website where you can view your property details, file protests, and find contact information.
In Texas, appraisal districts mail Notices of Appraised Value between April 1 and May 1 each year. You typically have until May 15 (or 30 days after receiving your notice, whichever is later) to file a protest.
Yes. Texas law allows you to file a property tax protest annually. Even if your value stays the same or increases slightly, you can still file if you believe the assessment is too high compared to market value or similar properties.