ATX Untangled.

We deal with the city so you don't have to.

Tell ATX what happened. ATX prepares the request, you approve it, and ATX files it with the city and keeps the receipt where filing is supported.

Opening your page…

Reload this page

Resident guide · Checked against the source

How to protest a Travis County appraisal

A practical starting point for reviewing your appraisal notice, gathering evidence, and finding the official protest path.

Updated . Checked against the official source linked below.

By the ATX Untangled Research Desk. Researched and verified against Austin city code and the official sources linked below.

Short answer

If a Travis County appraisal or property record looks off, start with TCAD’s official protest guidance. Deadlines, evidence, informal review, and appraisal review board steps all depend on the current notice and TCAD’s instructions.

Next steps

  1. Match the property and tax year to the appraisal notice.
  2. List out factual errors, condition concerns, purchase evidence, or comparable-property questions.
  3. Review TCAD’s current evidence and protest instructions before you choose a response.
  4. Save the filing confirmation and every informal-review or hearing deadline.

Key facts

  • Deadline: file by May 15 or 30 days after the date on your TCAD appraisal notice, whichever is later (Tax Code §41.44).
  • Filing a protest with the Travis Central Appraisal District is free, online, by mail, or in person.
  • File first, gather evidence second: a timely filing preserves your rights while you collect comparable sales and condition photos.
  • Most Travis County protests settle at the informal review before any formal Appraisal Review Board hearing.
  • The protest is about the appraised value, not the tax rate.

Checked September 6, 2026 against the official source.

Common questions

Can I protest after the deadline?

Only in narrow cases, such as a notice mailed late or good cause approved by the Appraisal Review Board. File by May 15 or 30 days after your notice date, whichever is later, and keep the confirmation.

What evidence moves the number?

Three to five comparable sales near your home, dated photos of damage or wear, repair estimates, and a correction of any wrong square footage or room count on the appraisal record.

Does protesting risk a higher value?

The Appraisal Review Board can raise a value on the chief appraiser's motion, but the common outcomes are a reduction or no change. The informal review settles most Travis County cases.

Official source

Last reviewed September 6, 2026 against the official source.

Open the protest evidence checklist

Related resident guides

Browse every Austin resident guide

ATX Untangled is independent and does not determine eligibility or provide legal advice.