Tarrant County Property Tax Protest Deadlines Explained
Missing the Tarrant County protest deadline means losing your right to challenge your property tax assessment for the entire year. Every year, Tarrant County homeowners have a limited window to dispute their appraised value through the Tarrant Appraisal District (TAD).
This guide explains:
- The Tarrant County property tax protest deadline
- When appraisal notices are mailed
- Key dates in the protest timeline
- How to file online through TAD's portal
- What happens if you miss the deadline
For a complete overview of the process, see our Tarrant County property tax protest guide.
What Is the Tarrant County Property Tax Protest Deadline?
The deadline to file is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
For commercial accounts, the deadline is May 31 (or 30 days from mailing, whichever is later).
If May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
Late protests are only allowed for "good cause" and must be filed before the ARB approves appraisal records for the year (typically mid-July).
When Does Tarrant County Mail Appraisal Notices?
TAD typically mails Notices of Appraised Value beginning in April and continuing through summer for some property types.
- Residential notices: Begin mailing in April
- Commercial notices: Expected around May 1
Your notice includes:
- Proposed market value for your property
- Prior year assessed value
- Online PIN for electronic filing
- Instructions for filing a protest
Not all property owners receive a notice every year. If your value didn't change significantly, you may not receive one. Check the TAD website to verify your property's current assessment.
Tarrant County Property Tax Protest Timeline
Below is the typical timeline for property tax protests in Tarrant County.
January 1
- Valuation date
- Property value is based on market conditions as of this date
April 15
- Rendition extension deadline (for business personal property)
April - May
- Notices of Appraised Value mailed
- Online protest portal opens
April 30
- Exemption application deadline
May 15
- Residential protest deadline
- Must file by this date (or 30 days after notice, whichever is later)
May 31
- Commercial account deadline
May - July
- Informal reviews and ARB hearings
- Most hearings last no more than 15 minutes
Mid-July
- ARB approval date (approximately)
- Late protest deadline passes
October 1
- Tax bills mailed
February 1
- Penalty and interest begin on unpaid taxes
How to File a Tarrant County Property Tax Protest Online
TAD offers online filing through their dashboard system, which is the fastest and easiest method.
To file online:
- Visit www.tad.org and create an online account
- Add your property to your dashboard using your account number and PIN
- Select "File Protest" from your property options
- Choose your protest reason (market value, unequal appraisal, or both)
- Submit your protest
TAD also offers a Value Negotiation Tool that allows you to reach informal agreements without attending a formal hearing.
Alternative filing methods:
- Mail: Send certified mail with $5.04 cashier's check or money order to 2500 Handley-Ederville Road, Fort Worth, TX 76118
- In-person: Visit the TAD office during business hours
NOT accepted: Fax or email submissions
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the May 15 deadline:
- Your protest may be dismissed
- You may be locked into the proposed value for the year
- Your tax bill will be based on the unchallenged appraisal
Late protests require proof of "good cause" and must be filed before the ARB approves records (mid-July). Examples of good cause:
- Serious illness
- Military deployment
- Death in the family
- Never received a notice
Not knowing about the deadline is not considered good cause.
ARB Hearing Process in Tarrant County
If you file a protest, you may have a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Key facts about TAD ARB hearings:
- Independent board of citizens (not TAD employees)
- Most hearings last no more than 15 minutes
- You can attend in-person, by video conference, or by phone
- You can request evidence from TAD 14 days before your hearing
- The burden of proof typically falls on the appraisal district
Hearing options:
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| In-person | At TAD office |
| Video conference | Available through TAD system |
| Telephone | Call-in option available |
Should You File Early or Wait?
Filing early is strongly recommended in Tarrant County.
Benefits of early filing:
- Access to TAD's online Value Negotiation Tool
- More time for evidence preparation
- Better scheduling flexibility for informal reviews
- Reduced risk of technical issues
- Less congestion in TAD systems
Filing in the final days increases your chances of errors and missed deadlines.
Tarrant County Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 817-284-0024 |
| Address | 2500 Handley-Ederville Road, Fort Worth, TX 76118 |
| Website | www.tad.org |
| Online Portal | TAD Dashboard at www.tad.org |
Tarrant County Protest Success Rates
Tarrant County property owners achieve strong results when protesting:
| Stage | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Informal protests | 84% |
| ARB hearings | 72% |
TAD processes over 100,000 protests annually. The Value Negotiation Tool has improved settlement rates by making it easier to reach agreements without formal hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tarrant County property tax protest deadline for 2026?
The deadline is May 15, 2026 for residential properties, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Commercial properties have until May 31.
How do I file a Tarrant County property tax protest online?
Visit www.tad.org, create an account, add your property using your account number and PIN, and select "File Protest." TAD's dashboard system makes online filing straightforward.
What is TAD's Value Negotiation Tool?
The Value Negotiation Tool allows you to reach informal agreements with TAD online without attending a formal hearing. After filing, you can receive and respond to settlement offers through your TAD dashboard.
Can I file a Tarrant County protest by fax or email?
No. TAD does not accept protests by fax or email. You must file online, by mail (with certified mail and payment), or in person at the TAD office.
What happens at a Tarrant County ARB hearing?
You'll present evidence to an independent citizen panel (not TAD employees). Most hearings last 15 minutes or less. You can attend in person, by video conference, or by phone. The board makes a binding determination.
How This Fits Into the Texas Protest Process
Tarrant County follows Texas Property Tax Code procedures, but TAD has specific systems and timelines.
For statewide context on deadlines, evidence strategies, and hearing procedures, see our Texas property tax protest guide.
Get Help With Your Tarrant County Property Tax Protest
Understanding deadlines is the first step. Winning your protest requires strong evidence, proper filing, and negotiation strategy.
If you want help managing deadlines, preparing evidence, and navigating TAD procedures, professional representation can simplify the process and improve your results.
Learn more in our Tarrant County property tax protest guide, visit our Tarrant County page, or get started today with Ballard Property Tax Protest.