Understanding the deadline
The May 15 rule
In Texas, property owners must file their protest by May 15, or by the 30th day after the appraisal district mails your notice of appraised value — whichever is later. For most homeowners, the effective deadline is May 15.
What happens if you miss it
If you miss the deadline, you generally cannot protest your appraised value for this tax year. You'll pay taxes based on whatever the appraisal district says your property is worth, even if it's wrong. You'll have to wait until next year to protest.
Late filing options
Texas Tax Code does allow late protests in limited circumstances. You may be able to file late if:
- You never received a notice of appraised value (deadline extends to the day before your taxes become delinquent)
- Good cause: illness, military deployment, or other reasons beyond your control (must file before the appraisal review board approves the records)
- Clerical errors in the appraisal roll (can be corrected at any time)
County filing portals
File directly with your county appraisal district.