Dallas County Property Tax Protest Guide: Deadlines, DCAD Filing & How to Win

If you own property in Dallas County, Texas, you have the legal right to protest your property’s appraised value every year. A properly handled Dallas County property tax protest can reduce your taxable value and lower your annual tax bill, but deadlines, evidence, and local procedures matter.

This guide explains:

• The Dallas County protest deadline
• How the DCAD protest process works
• How to file a protest online
• What evidence actually leads to reductions
• When hiring a property tax consultant makes sense

Dallas County Property Tax Protest Deadline

The Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD) follows Texas state law for protest deadlines.

The deadline to file is:

• May 15, or
• 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is mailed
  whichever is later

Missing this deadline may eliminate your right to protest for the year.

Why filing early matters in Dallas County

• Dallas County has one of the highest protest volumes in Texas
• DCAD portals slow significantly near the deadline
• Evidence submission windows are stricter later in the season
• Early filing preserves maximum negotiation leverage

How to File a Property Tax Protest in Dallas County

Dallas County offers multiple filing options, but online filing through DCAD is strongly recommended.

Option 1: File a DCAD Protest Online (Recommended)

Most Dallas County homeowners file using the DCAD online protest system.

What you need:

• Property account number
• PIN or passcode from your Notice of Appraised Value
• Selected protest reason or reasons

Steps:

1. Log in to the DCAD online protest portal
2. Enter your property account number and PIN
3. Select market value, unequal appraisal, or both
4. Submit your protest before the deadline
5. Receive confirmation and scheduling information

Online filing allows faster processing, easier evidence uploads, and earlier access to hearings.

Official DCAD filing and protest procedures:
https://www.dallascad.org/Forms/Protest.aspx

Option 2: File by Mail or In Person

DCAD also accepts protests by mail or in person using the official Notice of Protest form. These methods are valid but carry higher risk of delays, especially close to May 15.

Learn How Property Tax Protests Work in Texas

For a complete explanation of deadlines, evidence standards, and hearings statewide, read our guide here: Texas Property Tax Protest Guide

Official Dallas County Appraisal District Resources

For official filing portals, forms, and protest procedures, visit:
Dallas Central Appraisal District (DCAD)
https://www.dallascad.org

Dallas County Appraisal District (DCAD) Protest Procedures and What to Expect

While Texas law governs the overall protest framework, DCAD procedures and timelines are county-specific.

Filing and Confirmation

Once your protest is submitted, DCAD will confirm receipt and place your property into the protest queue. High protest volume means processing timelines vary, especially during peak months.

Evidence Exchange and Informal Review

After filing, DCAD may make appraisal evidence available, including:

• Comparable sales used by DCAD
• Market data supporting the appraised value
• Property record information on file

Many Dallas County protests are resolved during an informal review, which is a negotiation with DCAD appraisal staff before any formal hearing occurs.

Submitting strong evidence early often improves outcomes.

ARB Hearing Process in Dallas County

If no agreement is reached informally, DCAD schedules a hearing before the Dallas County Appraisal Review Board (ARB).

ARB hearings:

• Are conducted by independent board members
• Require timely and properly submitted evidence
• Allow both DCAD and the property owner or representative to present arguments

Property owners are not required to attend and may appoint a representative to appear on their behalf.

What Evidence Wins Dallas County Property Tax Protests

Filing preserves your rights. Evidence determines results.

The most effective evidence includes:

Comparable Sales

• Recent sales near your property
• Similar size, age, and condition
• Adjustments for differences

Unequal Appraisal

• Proof your property is assessed higher than similar properties
• One of the strongest arguments under Texas law
• Especially effective in Dallas County due to mass appraisal variance

Property Condition Issues

• Deferred maintenance
• Structural or functional problems
• Photos and repair estimates significantly strengthen claims

Dallas County valuations rely heavily on mass appraisal models that often overlook individual property characteristics.

Dallas County Property Tax Protest Timeline

Typical Dallas County protest flow:

• January 1: Valuation date
• March to April: Notices of Appraised Value mailed
• May 15: Protest deadline for most properties
• May through July: Informal reviews and ARB hearings
• Summer: Final values issued

Timelines can vary based on filing date and protest volume.

Common Dallas County Property Tax Protest Mistakes

• Missing the protest deadline
• Filing without comparable sales
• Submitting irrelevant or outdated evidence
• Missing DCAD evidence deadlines
• Accepting the first offer without review

These mistakes often result in higher tax bills than necessary.

Why Hire a Dallas County Property Tax Consultant?

Professional representation improves outcomes while saving time.

Benefits of professional representation

• Access to strong comparable sales data
• Unequal appraisal analysis
• Experience negotiating with DCAD
• Representation at informal reviews and ARB hearings
• No time commitment from you

Ballard Property Tax Protest approach

• No upfront fees
• You only pay if we reduce your value
• Dallas County specific strategies
• Annual review and representation

Let Ballard Property Tax Protest handle your Dallas County property tax protest. No reduction, no fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas County Property Tax Protests

Can protesting increase my property taxes?

No. Texas law does not allow appraisal districts to raise your value solely because you protested.

Do I need to attend a DCAD ARB hearing?

No. You may appoint a representative to attend on your behalf.

Can I protest every year in Dallas County?

Yes. Texas law allows annual protests.

How long does the Dallas County protest process take?

Most protests resolve within weeks to a few months, depending on volume.

Is DCAD online filing secure?

Yes. DCAD’s online system is secure and preferred.

Get Help With Your Dallas County Property Tax Protest

If you want to maximize your chances of success without gathering evidence, managing deadlines, or attending hearings, professional representation can make a meaningful difference.

Ballard Property Tax Protest manages the entire Dallas County protest process from filing through resolution.

Start your Dallas County property tax protest today.