Hays County Property Tax Protest Deadlines and Evidence Tips
Missing the Hays County protest deadline means losing your only chance to challenge your property tax assessment for the entire year. With property values in Hays County continuing to rise rapidly, understanding the protest timeline and preparing strong evidence can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your tax bill.
This guide covers everything Hays County homeowners need to know:
- The exact protest deadline for 2026
- Key dates in the property tax calendar
- How to file a protest with Hays CAD
- What evidence you need to win
Whether you live in San Marcos, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, or Buda, this guide will help you navigate the Hays Central Appraisal District protest process successfully.
Why Hays County Protest Deadlines Matter
Hays County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, driving property values and tax bills higher each year. The Hays Central Appraisal District (Hays CAD) determines your property's market value, which directly affects how much you pay in taxes.
Here's why deadlines are critical:
- No extensions: Texas law sets firm protest deadlines with very limited exceptions
- One chance per year: You can only protest your property value once per tax year
- High success rates: 80% of informal protests in Hays County result in value reductions
- Significant savings: Successful protests can reduce your tax bill by hundreds of dollars annually
Missing the deadline locks you into the appraised value Hays CAD assigned, regardless of whether it accurately reflects your property's true market value.
Key 2026 Deadlines for Hays County
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Valuation date for 2026 tax year |
| April 15 | Notices of Appraised Value mailed (approximate) |
| April 30 | Exemption application deadline |
| May 15 | Protest deadline (or 30 days after notice) |
| May - July | Informal reviews and ARB hearings |
| Mid-July | ARB approves appraisal records |
| October | Tax bills mailed |
| January 31 | Tax payment deadline |
The May 15 Deadline
The deadline to file a property tax protest is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later.
Hays CAD typically mails notices around mid-April. Your notice includes your property's proposed market value, prior year value, account number, and protest instructions. If your value didn't change significantly, you may not receive a notice. Check the Hays CAD website to verify your current assessment.
Mark May 15 on your calendar. There are no automatic extensions.
How to File a Hays County Property Tax Protest
Hays CAD offers multiple ways to file your protest.
Option 1: Online Filing (Recommended)
Filing online is the fastest method with immediate confirmation.
Portal: hayscad.com/protest-info
Steps:
- Create an account on the Hays CAD portal
- Enter your property account number
- Select your protest reason (market value, unequal appraisal, or both)
- Upload supporting evidence
- Request an informal conference
- Submit your protest
Online protests can be reviewed by a Hays CAD appraiser for possible informal resolution without requiring a formal hearing.
Option 2: Email Filing
Email your Notice of Protest to protests@hayscad.com. Include your property account number, contact information, and supporting evidence as PDF attachments. Protests are processed in the order received.
Option 3: Mail Filing
Mail Form 50-132 (Property Owner's Notice of Protest) to:
Hays Central Appraisal District 21001 N. IH 35 Kyle, TX 78640-4795
Use certified mail with return receipt. Download Form 50-132 from the Texas Comptroller website.
Option 4: In-Person Filing
Visit Hays CAD at 21001 N. IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640-4795. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What Happens After You File
Informal Conference
If you requested an informal conference:
- A Hays CAD appraiser contacts you via email (time permitting)
- If not reached beforehand, informal review happens the day of your ARB hearing
- Many protests are resolved at this stage with agreed value reductions
If you reach a settlement, your formal hearing is cancelled.
Formal ARB Hearing
If informal review doesn't resolve your protest:
- You'll receive a hearing notice via email or mail
- Hearings are conducted via Zoom or in person
- You present evidence to an independent three-member panel (not Hays CAD employees)
- The board makes a binding determination
- Most hearings last 15-30 minutes
Evidence Tips for Winning Your Protest
Strong evidence is the key to winning your Hays County protest.
Most Effective Evidence Types
| Evidence Type | Purpose | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Comparable sales | Shows similar homes sold for less | Very strong |
| Unequal appraisal data | Proves similar properties assessed lower | Very strong |
| Professional appraisal | Independent valuation opinion | Strong |
| Property condition photos | Documents defects affecting value | Moderate to strong |
| Contractor repair estimates | Supports condition-related value reduction | Moderate |
Comparable Sales
For a deeper dive into building your evidence package, see our Hays County property tax protest evidence guide. If you're wondering what's driving your higher appraisal in the first place, our guide on why Hays County property taxes are increasing breaks down the key factors.
Use sales from the past 6-12 months of properties similar in size (within 10-15% of square footage), age, condition, and construction type. Look for properties in your neighborhood or subdivision. Find comps through Hays CAD property search, real estate websites (Zillow, Redfin), or MLS data through a real estate agent.
Unequal Appraisal Evidence
Texas Property Tax Code Section 42.26(a)(3) allows you to argue your property is assessed higher than comparable properties. Compare assessed values (not sales prices) of similar homes in your area. This strategy is particularly effective in Hays County due to rapid growth creating valuation inconsistencies.
Property Condition Documentation
Document any issues affecting value:
- Take clear photographs of foundation cracks, roof damage, or other defects
- Get written repair estimates from licensed contractors
- Obtain inspection reports if available
Request Hays CAD's Evidence
Under Texas Property Tax Code Section 41.461, Hays CAD must provide their evidence at least 14 days before your hearing. Request their comparable sales data, valuation methodology, and equity grids to identify weaknesses in their case.
Hays County Protest Success Rates
Hays County homeowners achieve excellent results when protesting:
| Stage | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Informal protests | 80% |
| ARB hearings | 78% |
In 2024, 43,780 accounts were protested in Hays County (35% of all parcels), saving property owners approximately $45 million in tax reductions.
What If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss May 15:
- Your protest will likely be dismissed
- You'll be locked into the proposed appraised value for 2026
- Your tax bill will reflect the unchallenged assessment
Late protests require documented "good cause" (serious illness, military deployment, death in family, never received notice) and must be filed before the ARB approves records in mid-July. Contact Hays CAD at 512-268-2522 if you believe you qualify.
Hays County Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 512-268-2522 |
| Address | 21001 N. IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640-4795 |
| Protest Email | protests@hayscad.com |
| Website | hayscad.com |
| Online Protest Portal | hayscad.com/protest-info |
| Office Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hays County property tax protest deadline for 2026?
The deadline is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Most homeowners should plan to file by May 15.
How do I file a Hays County property tax protest online?
Visit hayscad.com/protest-info, create an account, enter your property information, select your protest reason, and submit. Online filing provides immediate confirmation.
Can I file a Hays County protest by email?
Yes. Email your Notice of Protest to protests@hayscad.com with your property account number, contact information, and supporting evidence.
What evidence works best for Hays County protests?
Comparable sales data and unequal appraisal evidence are most effective. Focus on recent sales (past 6-12 months) of similar properties and look for nearby homes assessed lower than yours.
What is the success rate for Hays County property tax protests?
80% of informal protests and 78% of ARB hearings result in value reductions. In 2024, Hays County property owners saved approximately $45 million through protests.
What happens if I miss the protest deadline?
Your protest will be dismissed, and you'll be locked into the appraised value for the year. Late protests require documented "good cause" and must be filed before mid-July.
How long do Hays County ARB hearings take?
Most hearings last 15-30 minutes. You present evidence to a three-member independent panel who makes a binding determination.
Get Professional Help With Your Hays County Protest
Understanding deadlines and evidence requirements is essential, but winning your protest requires proper documentation, strong presentation skills, and knowledge of Hays CAD procedures.
At Ballard Property Tax Protest, we help Hays County homeowners meet filing deadlines, gather compelling evidence, navigate informal reviews, and represent you at ARB hearings.
Ready to protest your Hays County property taxes? Visit our Hays County page or contact Ballard Property Tax Protest today to get started.