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Brazos County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 23, 2026

Brazos County, located in east-central Texas, has Bryan as its county seat and is home to College Station, the site of Texas A&M University. The county has a population of approximately 233,849 residents and covers 591 square miles. Property tax protests are particularly important here due to the county's effective tax rate of 1.80%, which is significantly higher than both the Texas state median of 1.67% and the national median of 0.99%. With the median home value at $278,820, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $4,919, exceeding the national median of $2,690 by over $2,200 per year.

Notable cities: Bryan, College Station

Median Home

$278,820

Tax Rate

1.80%

Annual Tax

$4,919

Population

233,849

2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later

Texas law gives property owners until May 15 or 30 days from the date your notice was mailed, whichever is later, to file a protest. Appraisal notices are typically mailed in April, with most homestead properties receiving notices by April 15. Missing this deadline forfeits your right to dispute the assessed value for that tax year.

Property in Brazos County, Texas — local tax assessment and protest guide

How Brazos County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April (typically mailed by April 15)

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning your assessed value equals your market value. For example, if your home's market value is $278,820 (the county median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $278,820. At the county's effective rate of 1.80%, this results in approximately $5,019 in annual taxes before any exemptions. This is why homestead exemptions are crucial to reducing your tax burden in Brazos County.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). At the ARB hearing, you will present your case to a panel of appointed board members who are independent from the appraisal district. The hearing is semi-formal and typically lasts 10-20 minutes. You'll present your evidence, the appraisal district will present theirs, and the board will make a determination based on the evidence. Focus on facts, comparable sales data, and documented property issues rather than emotional arguments about tax burden.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value carefully when it arrives in April. Check for errors in property details such as square footage, lot size, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, or property condition that could inflate your valuation.

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Step 2: File your Notice of Protest (Form 50-132) with the Brazos Central Appraisal District by May 15, 2026, or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later. You can file online at https://eprotest.brazoscad.org/, by mail, in person, or via email.

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Step 3: Gather evidence to support your protest, including comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood (within the last 6-12 months), photos documenting property condition issues, repair estimates for needed work, and any documentation of errors in the appraisal district's records.

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Step 4: Attend the informal hearing with a Brazos CAD appraiser (optional but highly recommended). In 2023, 98% of informal protests in Brazos County were successful, with homeowners saving $5 million. This is often the fastest way to resolve your protest without a formal hearing.

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Step 5: If the informal hearing doesn't resolve your protest satisfactorily, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Present your evidence clearly, focus on factual data and comparable sales, and be prepared to explain why your property's value should be lower. In 2023, 82% of ARB protests in Brazos County were successful.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you have three appeal options: (1) file a lawsuit in state district court, (2) request binding arbitration for properties under $5 million, or (3) appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) if you meet specific criteria.

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Step 7: Receive the ARB's written Order Determining Protest by email or certified mail. If successful, the reduced value will be reflected in your tax bill, and any overpayment will be refunded if taxes were already paid.

Required form: Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) or a written letter of disagreement

Filing Methods

online:File through the Brazos CAD online portal at https://eprotest.brazoscad.org/ - new user accounts required for 2024 and later
mail:Mail to: Brazos Central Appraisal District, 4051 Pendleton Drive, Bryan, TX 77802
in-person:Deliver in person at 4051 Pendleton Drive, Bryan, TX 77802 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
email:Email protests to: protest@brazoscad.org (protests, affidavits, or information relevant to a protest only)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data (recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood)Photographs documenting property condition, needed repairs, or functional obsolescenceRepair estimates or contractor bids for needed workIndependent appraisal report (if obtained)Documentation of errors in appraisal district records (incorrect square footage, lot size, etc.)Market analysis showing declining property values in your area (if applicable)

Brazos County Assessor Contact

Brazos Central Appraisal District

Phone: 979-774-4100

Address: 4051 Pendleton Drive, Bryan, TX 77802

Website: https://brazoscad.org

Online Portal: https://eprotest.brazoscad.org/

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Brazos County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 for school taxes (mandatory); varies by taxing unit for optional local exemptions

The most common exemption for primary residences in Texas. School districts must provide a mandatory $140,000 exemption from the home's appraised value. Local taxing units may also offer optional exemptions of up to 20% of the property's appraised value (minimum $5,000).

Eligibility: You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Your driver's license or state ID address must match the property address. You cannot claim a homestead exemption on another property in or outside of Texas.Deadline: Generally by April 30, but late applications may be accepted

Age 65 or Older Exemption

Additional $10,000 exemption for most taxing units; school tax ceiling freezes taxes at qualifying year amount

Additional exemption for homeowners who are 65 or older. This exemption also provides a school tax ceiling that freezes the school taxes at the amount for the year you qualify, protecting against future increases. Surviving spouses may continue to receive this benefit.

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older as of January 1 of the tax year, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, and have a valid homestead exemption.Deadline: By April 30 of the year you turn 65, but late applications accepted

Disability Exemption

Additional $10,000 exemption for most taxing units; school tax ceiling freezes taxes at qualifying year amount

Additional exemption for homeowners who are disabled as defined by the Social Security Administration. Similar to the age 65 exemption, this provides a school tax ceiling that freezes school taxes at the amount for the year you qualify.

Eligibility: Must be recognized as disabled by the Social Security Administration, own and occupy the property as your primary residence, and provide a letter from SSA stating the date you became disabled.Deadline: Generally by April 30

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption

100% exemption (complete waiver of all property taxes on residence homestead)

A total exemption from all property taxes on the residence homestead for veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA or those receiving 100% disability compensation due to unemployability. This is one of the most valuable exemptions available in Texas.

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with a 100% service-connected disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or a 100% disability rating due to individual unemployability. Must own and occupy the property as primary residence. Surviving spouses may also qualify if they have not remarried.Deadline: Generally by April 30, but contact BCAD for specific requirements

Disabled Veteran Partial Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 (10-29% disabled) to $12,000 (70-100% disabled) depending on disability percentage

Partial exemptions based on disability percentage for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA. The exemption amount increases with higher disability ratings.

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Must provide documentation of disability rating.Deadline: Generally by April 30

Official Resources

Brazos Central Appraisal District Official Website →

The official BCAD website with property search, exemption applications, forms, and general information about property appraisal in Brazos County.

Brazos CAD Online Protest Filing Portal →

File your property tax protest online, view your property details, upload evidence, and track the status of your protest through this secure portal.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Division →

Official state resource providing information on property tax laws, exemptions, protest procedures, and property owner rights under Texas law.

Texas Comptroller Appraisal Protests and Appeals Guide →

Comprehensive guide explaining how to protest property appraisals, what to expect at ARB hearings, appeal options, and taxpayer rights in Texas.

Brazos County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

82% at ARB hearings; 98% at informal hearings (2023 data)

Avg Reduction

$575

% Who Protest

14% (2023 data, up from 9% in 2021)

Check Your Brazos County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Brazos County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Brazos County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to you, whichever is later. Most homestead property notices are mailed by April 15, giving you at least 30 days to file. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to protest your valuation for the 2026 tax year, potentially costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars. You can file online through the Brazos CAD portal at https://eprotest.brazoscad.org/, by mail, in person, or via email to ensure your protest is timely.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Brazos County?
To file a property tax protest online in Brazos County, visit the Brazos Central Appraisal District's online protest portal at https://eprotest.brazoscad.org/. You'll need to create a new user account (note that old login credentials from before 2024 no longer work due to a new system). Once logged in, you can access your property details, review your Notice of Appraised Value, and submit your protest electronically. The online system allows you to upload supporting documentation such as comparable sales, photos, and repair estimates. You'll receive confirmation of your filing and can track the status of your protest through the portal. The online filing option is available to most properties appraised by BCAD and is the fastest, most convenient way to initiate your protest.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Brazos County?
In Brazos County, the mandatory school district homestead exemption is worth $140,000 off your home's appraised value, which typically saves homeowners approximately $1,960 to $2,520 annually in school taxes alone (depending on the specific school district rate). Additionally, local taxing units including the county, cities, and special districts may offer optional homestead exemptions of up to 20% of your property's value or a minimum of $5,000. On a median-valued home of $278,820 in Brazos County, the total homestead exemption can reduce your annual tax bill by $2,500 to $3,500 or more. If you're 65 or older or disabled, you qualify for an additional $10,000 exemption and a school tax ceiling that freezes your school taxes at the current amount, protecting you from future increases.
What happens at an Appraisal Review Board hearing in Brazos County?
At an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Brazos County, you'll present your case to a panel of independent board members appointed by the Brazos Central Appraisal District Board of Directors. The hearing is semi-formal and typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes. You'll have the opportunity to present your evidence, including comparable sales data, photographs of your property, repair estimates, and any documentation of errors in the appraisal records. The appraisal district representative will also present their evidence supporting their valuation. The ARB panel will ask questions, review the evidence from both sides, and make a determination based on the facts presented. In 2023, 82% of ARB hearings in Brazos County resulted in successful reductions for property owners. You'll receive a written Order Determining Protest by email or certified mail with the board's decision, usually within a few weeks of your hearing.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Brazos County?
The average property owner who successfully protests in Brazos County saves approximately $575 per year based on 2023 data, though savings vary significantly depending on your property value and the strength of your evidence. For a typical home valued at $280,000, a 10% reduction in assessed value saves approximately $504 annually at the county's 1.80% effective tax rate. Higher-value properties see even more dramatic savings—homeowners in areas like Traditions or Stone Gate with properties assessed above $400,000 have saved $1,500 to $3,200 per year through successful protests. In 2023 alone, Brazos County property owners saved a total of $29 million through the protest process, with informal hearings accounting for $5 million and formal ARB hearings adding another $2 million in savings. Given that 82% of ARB protests and 98% of informal protests were successful in 2023, the odds strongly favor property owners who take the time to file.
What evidence do I need for a Brazos County property tax protest?
For a successful property tax protest in Brazos County, you need strong comparable sales evidence showing similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your appraised value within the last 6 to 12 months. Adjust these comparables for differences in square footage, lot size, condition, age, and features to create an accurate comparison. Photograph any property condition issues such as foundation problems, roof damage, outdated systems, or needed repairs, and obtain contractor estimates or bids for the cost to fix these issues. Document any errors in the Brazos CAD's records, such as incorrect square footage, wrong number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or features your property doesn't have. If you obtained an independent appraisal, include that report. Organize your evidence clearly with a summary sheet showing your proposed value and how you calculated it. The Brazos CAD appraisers and ARB panel respond best to factual, data-driven presentations rather than emotional arguments about tax burden or inability to pay.
Should I attend the informal hearing or go straight to the ARB in Brazos County?
You should absolutely attend the informal hearing with a Brazos CAD appraiser before proceeding to a formal ARB hearing. In 2023, an impressive 98% of informal protests in Brazos County were successful, saving homeowners $5 million collectively. The informal process is faster, less formal, and often more flexible than an ARB hearing. During the informal meeting, you can present your evidence directly to an appraiser, discuss your concerns one-on-one, and often reach a mutually agreeable value without the time and preparation required for a formal hearing. Many property owners find this approach less intimidating and more collaborative. If you're not satisfied with the outcome of the informal hearing, you haven't waived any rights—you can still proceed to a formal ARB hearing. However, if you reach an agreement at the informal level, the matter is resolved quickly and your reduced value is finalized without further proceedings.
Can I still protest if I didn't receive a notice of appraised value in Brazos County?
Yes, you can still protest your property taxes in Brazos County even if you didn't receive a Notice of Appraised Value, but failure to receive a notice doesn't affect the validity of the tax or extend your deadline. Texas law requires the appraisal district to mail notices by April 1 for residence homesteads or May 1 for other properties if the value increased from the previous year, but property owners are ultimately responsible for knowing their protest deadlines. You should file your protest by May 15 or 30 days from the date the notice was mailed (even if you didn't receive it), whichever is later. To verify your property's appraised value and the notice mailing date, visit the Brazos CAD property search at https://esearch.brazoscad.org/ or call their office at 979-774-4100. Make sure your mailing address is correct in the appraisal district's records to ensure you receive all future notices. It's always wise to proactively check your property value each spring rather than waiting for a notice to arrive.

For state-wide protest information including Texas's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Texas Property Tax Protest Guide →

Considering professional help with your protest? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Protest Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Texas Counties

Bell County (Killeen)Bexar County (San Antonio)Brazoria County (Pearland)Cameron County (Brownsville)Collin County (McKinney)Comal County (New Braunfels)
← All Texas property tax protest info

Sources: https://brazoscad.org | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/county-directory/brazos.php | https://www.ownwell.com/en-US/trends/texas/brazos-county | https://www.tax-rates.org/texas/brazos_county_property_tax | https://www.kbtx.com/2025/05/13/brazos-county-closing-property-tax-protest-window-how-you-can-get-help/ | https://www.poconnor.com/brazos-county/ | https://brazoscountypropertytaxtrends.com/

Last verified: 2026-02-23