How to Protest Your Austin Property Taxes in 2026 | RealtyHaus
Deadline · May 15, 2026

How to Protest Your Austin Property Taxes in 2026

The deadline is May 15. Here's exactly how to file, what to say, and why most homeowners who protest end up paying less.

Austin Tax Protest Data

The numbers are in your favor.

Filing Deadline May 15

File at traviscad.org. Don't miss it.

Success Rate ~70%

Of protests result in a reduction.

Cost to File $0

Free to file yourself. Takes minutes.

Alt Deadline 30 days

From notice date, whichever is later.

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Step by Step

How the Protest Process Works

Four steps, one deadline. Most homeowners settle at the informal hearing stage and never need to go further.

STEP 01

Get Your Notice of Appraised Value

Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) mails notices in April. This shows what they think your home is worth as of January 1, 2026. If you disagree — or if comparable homes sold for less — you have grounds to protest.

Pro Tip

Don't wait for the notice. You can file preemptively starting in January through TCAD's online portal.

STEP 02 · DEADLINE MAY 15

File Your Protest

File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) with the Appraisal Review Board. You can file online through TCAD's portal, by mail to P.O. Box 149012, Austin TX 78714, or in person at 850 East Anderson Lane.

What You Need

Your property ID and a reason for protesting. The most common reasons are unequal appraisal or market value too high.

STEP 03

Present Your Case at the Hearing

You can attend your ARB hearing in person, by phone, by video, or by submitting a written affidavit. Bring 3–5 comparable sales that support a lower value. Photos of property condition issues help too.

Option

You can appoint an agent (Form 50-162) to represent you. Many companies do this for a percentage of savings (typically 30–40%).

STEP 04

Accept or Appeal the Decision

If the ARB agrees to a lower value, your tax bill adjusts accordingly. If you're not satisfied, you can appeal to binding arbitration (for properties under $5M) or district court. Most homeowners settle at the informal or ARB hearing stage.

Build Your Case

You're probably overpaying — here's how to check

TCAD's appraisal doesn't account for your specific home's condition. Comparable sales data is your strongest evidence.

  • TCAD's appraisal doesn't account for your specific home's condition
  • Comparable sales data is your strongest evidence — we can help you find it
  • Filing is free and takes about 15 minutes online
  • Even if you use a service, the savings typically outweigh the cost
  • Homestead exemption + protest = maximum tax savings
Market Value Request
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Win Your Protest

Need comparable sales data for your protest?

We pull real MLS comps for your specific neighborhood and price range — the same data that wins protests.

Comps Request
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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

May 15, 2026 — or 30 days from the date your appraisal notice was mailed, whichever is later. If the deadline falls on a weekend, it extends to the next business day. Don't wait — the earlier you file, the earlier you get a hearing date.
Yes. You don't need to receive a notice to file a protest. You can file preemptively through TCAD's online portal or by mail starting in January. Check your property's appraised value at traviscad.org.
The strongest evidence is comparable sales — 3–5 homes similar to yours that sold for less than your appraised value. Photos of needed repairs, foundation issues, or condition problems also help. The ARB is comparing your home's appraised value to market reality.
It depends on your comfort level. Companies typically charge 30–40% of your tax savings and handle everything. If you're comfortable pulling comps and presenting your case, DIY protests work just as well. Either way, protesting is almost always worth it — the worst outcome is no change.
No. Your homestead exemption is completely separate from your protest. In fact, you should have both — the homestead exemption and a successful protest work together to lower your total tax bill. Check our insurance guide for more ways to save.
Your Move

Don't Overpay on Property Taxes This Year

The deadline is May 15. We'll pull your comps and show you what your home is actually worth — so you can protest with confidence.

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