The filing deadline is the absolute last day you can file a property tax protest or appeal for the current tax year. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to challenge your assessment for that year—you'll be stuck paying taxes on the county's valuation regardless of whether it's accurate.
In Texas, the standard protest deadline is May 15 (or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later). If you never received a notice or your value didn't change, you may still have until May 15 of the following year.
In California, assessment appeal applications must be filed between July 2 and November 30 for regular annual assessments, or within 60 days for supplemental assessments.
The filing deadline is non-negotiable. Miss it, and you have no recourse—you'll pay taxes on the full assessed value with no ability to challenge it.
Protect your rights:
• Mark May 15 on your calendar every year
• File your protest as soon as you receive your notice
• Don't wait until the deadline—file early
• Keep proof of filing (confirmation number, receipt, etc.)
• If filing by mail, send certified with return receipt
What happens if you miss the deadline:
• Your protest won't be accepted
• You lose your right to challenge this year's value
• You're stuck paying taxes on the county's assessment
• You can try filing a late protest if you qualify for an exception
• You can still protest next year's assessment
Filing takes minutes. Missing the deadline costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. When in doubt, file—you can always withdraw later.
Texas protest filing deadlines:
Standard deadline: May 15
Most homeowners must file by May 15 to protest their current year's value.
30-day rule: If your appraisal notice is mailed after April 15, you have 30 days from the mail date to file (whichever is later than May 15).
Late filing exceptions:
You may file a late protest if:
• You never received an appraisal notice
• Your value didn't change from prior year
• The chief appraiser determined you're subject to appraisal
Late protests for these reasons can be filed until before the appraisal review board approves the appraisal roll (typically July-August).
California appeal deadlines:
• Regular assessments: July 2 - November 30
• Supplemental assessments: 60 days from notice
The appraisal district may still accept it if you have good cause—but don't count on it. Texas law provides limited exceptions for late protests. If you're late, file anyway and explain the circumstances, but the district isn't obligated to accept late filings.
Yes. In Texas, if you didn't receive a notice or your value didn't change, you can file a late protest until the appraisal roll is approved (usually by July). However, it's better to check your value online around April-May and file by May 15 regardless.
In Texas, the May 15 standard deadline applies statewide, though the 30-day rule can extend it depending on when your notice was mailed. In California, the July 2 - November 30 window is statewide for regular assessments. Always verify with your local appraisal district.