The protest deadline is the final date you can submit a Notice of Protest to challenge your property's assessed value. Miss this date, and you lose your right to protest for the entire tax year—no exceptions.
In Texas, the deadline is May 15 OR 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. Your notice shows the mailing date, so check it carefully.
California's deadline varies by county but typically falls around September 15 for the Assessment Appeals Board. Some counties have earlier deadlines, so verify with your local assessor.
The protest deadline is the most important date in your property tax calendar. Every other strategy—gathering evidence, hiring help, preparing arguments—means nothing if you miss the deadline.
Mark it now:
• Check your notice for the mailing date
• Calculate your deadline
• Set calendar reminders (multiple)
• File early to avoid last-minute problems
Pro tip: You don't need evidence to file. Just submit the Notice of Protest to preserve your rights. Gather evidence afterward.
Filing takes 5 minutes. Missing the deadline costs you a full year of potential savings.
How to find your Texas protest deadline:
Step 1: Find your Notice of Appraised Value
Step 2: Look for "Date Mailed" (example: April 20)
Step 3: Add 30 days (May 20)
Step 4: Compare to May 15
Step 5: Your deadline is the LATER date (May 20 in this example)
If your notice was mailed April 1, your deadline is May 15 (since May 1 is earlier than May 15).
If your notice was mailed May 1, your deadline is May 31 (30 days later).
When in doubt, file early.
You lose your right to protest for that tax year. There are very limited exceptions (like proving you didn't receive your notice), but they're difficult to qualify for. Don't risk it—file on time.
Yes. In Texas, you can file a protest anytime after January 1 for the current tax year. Filing early ensures you don't miss the deadline, even if your notice is delayed.
Your deadline is 30 days from the mailing date shown on your notice, even if that's after May 15. The later date always applies. Keep your notice as proof of the mailing date.