Travis County Property Tax Protest Guide: Deadlines, TCAD Filing & How to Win
If you own property in Travis County, Texas, you have the legal right to protest your property's appraised value every year. A properly handled Travis County property tax protest can reduce your taxable value and lower your annual tax bill—but deadlines, evidence, and local procedures matter.
This guide covers:
- The Travis County protest deadline
- How the TCAD protest process works
- How to file a protest online
- What evidence actually leads to reductions
- When hiring a property tax consultant makes sense
Travis County Property Tax Protest Deadline
The Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD) follows Texas state law for protest deadlines.
Deadline to file: May 15, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed—whichever is later.
Missing this deadline eliminates your right to protest for the year. No extensions are granted.
Why File Early in Travis County?
Travis County sees some of the highest protest volumes in Texas:
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Annual protests filed | 150,000+ |
| Filed by agents | 90% |
| Filed electronically | 72% |
Filing early gives you:
- Faster processing before the rush
- Better hearing dates with more flexibility
- Maximum negotiation leverage with TCAD staff
How to File a Property Tax Protest in Travis County
Travis County offers multiple filing options, but online filing through TCAD is strongly recommended.
Option 1: File Online (Recommended)
Most Travis County homeowners file using the TCAD online protest system.
What you need:
- Property account number
- Property owner ID and PIN (from your Notice of Appraised Value)
Steps to file online:
- Go to the TCAD online protest portal
- Enter your property owner ID and PIN
- Select your protest reason (market value, unequal appraisal, or both)
- Submit before the deadline
- Save your confirmation for your records
Online filing allows faster processing, easier evidence uploads, and earlier access to hearings.
Option 2: File by Mail or In Person
TCAD accepts protests using the official Notice of Protest form. Mail or deliver to the TCAD office. These methods work but risk delays near the May 15 deadline.
Official Resources
- TCAD Protest Portal: traviscad.org/protests
- TCAD Main Site: traviscad.org
- Texas Statewide Guide: Texas Property Tax Protest Guide
What to Expect: The TCAD Protest Process
While Texas law governs the overall framework, TCAD procedures and timelines are county-specific.
Step 1: Filing Confirmation
After submitting your protest, TCAD confirms receipt and places your property in the protest queue. Processing times vary based on volume.
Step 2: Evidence Exchange
TCAD makes appraisal evidence available through the online portal:
- Comparable sales used by TCAD
- Market data supporting your appraised value
- Property record information on file
To access this evidence, log in with your property owner ID and PIN from your Notice of Appraised Value.
Step 3: Informal Review
Many Travis County protests resolve during an informal meeting—a negotiation with TCAD appraisal staff before any formal hearing.
Pro tip: Submitting strong evidence early often improves outcomes at this stage.
Step 4: ARB Hearing (If Needed)
If no agreement is reached informally, your case goes to the Travis County Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
What to know about ARB hearings:
- Conducted by independent board members
- Held May through August
- Located at 850 E Anderson Lane, Austin
- You can appoint a representative to attend on your behalf
What Evidence Wins Travis County Property Tax Protests
Filing preserves your rights. Evidence determines results.
Comparable Sales
The most common and effective evidence type:
- Recent sales near your property
- Similar in size, age, and condition
- Properly adjusted for differences
Unequal Appraisal
One of the strongest arguments under Texas law:
- Shows your property is assessed higher than similar properties
- Especially effective in Travis County due to mass appraisal variance
- Often overlooked by property owners
Property Condition Issues
Document problems that affect value:
- Deferred maintenance
- Structural or functional problems
- Foundation issues, roof damage, etc.
Photos and repair estimates significantly strengthen these claims.
Travis County Property Tax Protest Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| January 1 | Valuation date (values assessed as of this date) |
| March–April | Notices of Appraised Value mailed |
| May 15 | Protest deadline for most properties |
| May–August | Informal reviews and ARB hearings |
| ~July 18 | Appraisal rolls certified |
| Summer | Final values issued |
Timelines vary based on filing date and protest volume.
Travis County Property Values: 2025 Market Data
Understanding market conditions helps inform your protest strategy:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median market value (homestead) | $519,677 |
| Median taxable value | $401,879 |
| Single-family value change | -3.4% |
| Total appraisal roll | $482 billion (+4.1%) |
The decline in single-family values creates opportunities for successful protests.
Common Travis County Protest Mistakes
Avoid these errors that lead to higher tax bills:
- Missing the deadline — No extensions granted
- Filing without comparable sales — Weakens your case significantly
- Submitting outdated evidence — Must reflect current market
- Missing TCAD evidence deadlines — Limits what you can present
- Accepting the first offer — Always review before agreeing
- Ignoring the online portal — Missing TCAD's own evidence
Why Hire a Travis County Property Tax Consultant?
Professional representation improves outcomes while saving you time.
Benefits of professional help:
- Access to comprehensive comparable sales data
- Expert unequal appraisal analysis
- Experience negotiating with TCAD staff
- Representation at informal reviews and ARB hearings
- No time commitment required from you
The Ballard Property Tax Protest approach:
- No upfront fees
- You only pay if we reduce your value
- Travis County-specific strategies
- Annual review and representation
Get professional help with your Travis County protest →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can protesting increase my property taxes?
No. Texas law prohibits appraisal districts from raising your value solely because you protested.
Do I need to attend a TCAD ARB hearing?
No. You can appoint a representative to attend on your behalf using TCAD's Appointment of Agent form.
Can I protest every year in Travis County?
Yes. Texas law allows property owners to protest annually.
How long does the Travis County protest process take?
Most protests resolve within weeks to a few months, depending on volume and whether you reach the ARB stage.
Is TCAD online filing secure?
Yes. TCAD's online system is secure and is the preferred filing method.
What if I miss the May 15 deadline?
Missing the deadline typically eliminates your protest rights for that tax year. No extensions are granted—file as early as possible.
Get Help With Your Travis County Property Tax Protest
If you want to maximize your chances of success without gathering evidence, managing deadlines, or attending hearings yourself, professional representation can make a meaningful difference.
Ballard Property Tax Protest manages the entire Travis County protest process—from filing through resolution.
No reduction, no fee.