AppealDesk

Comal County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 24, 2026

Comal County is a rapidly growing county in Central Texas with New Braunfels as its county seat. As of the 2020 census, the population was 161,501, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. The county features a median home value of approximately $402,000 to $438,000 as of 2025-2026, with an effective property tax rate of 1.46%, significantly higher than the national average of 1.02%. Comal County's median annual property tax bill of approximately $5,871 is $3,471 higher than the national median of $2,400, making property tax protests particularly important for homeowners seeking relief from the high tax burden.

Notable cities: New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Garden Ridge, Bulverde, Schertz

Median Home

$420,000

Tax Rate

1.46%

Annual Tax

$5,871

Population

161,501 (2020 census)

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

The protest deadline in Comal County is May 15 or 30 days after receiving your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever comes later. Property owners typically receive notices in mid-April. Missing this deadline eliminates your right to protest for that tax year unless you qualify for a late protest under limited circumstances permitted by Texas law.

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

How Comal County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Comal Appraisal District

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April (typically mid-April around April 15)

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value as of January 1 each year. This means there is no assessment ratio reduction—the appraised value equals the market value. For example, if your home's market value is $420,000, at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $420,000. After applying the school district homestead exemption of $140,000, your taxable value would be $280,000, resulting in approximately $6,132 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.46% (before applying additional local exemptions).

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). After filing your protest, you'll first be offered an informal meeting with an appraiser where many cases are resolved. If unresolved, you'll proceed to a formal ARB hearing where a panel of appointed citizens reviews evidence from both you and the appraisal district to determine the property's fair market value.

1

Review your Notice of Appraised Value carefully when it arrives in April, checking for errors in square footage, property features, or condition that could indicate an inflated valuation.

2

File your protest by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your notice (whichever is later) through the Comal Appraisal District's online portal, by mail, email, or in person.

3

Gather supporting evidence including recent comparable home sales (within the last 6-12 months), photos showing property condition or defects, repair estimates for needed work, and any documentation of market trends showing declining values.

4

Attend the informal review meeting with a Comal Appraisal District appraiser, where approximately 74% of protests are resolved without needing a formal hearing.

5

If the informal review doesn't result in a satisfactory reduction, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), typically scheduled between May and July.

6

Present your evidence at the ARB hearing, emphasizing comparable sales data and any property-specific issues that justify a lower valuation.

7

If you disagree with the ARB decision, you can appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), pursue binding arbitration (for properties under $5 million or any homestead), or file a judicial appeal in district court.

Required form: Notice of Protest form (available online or written statement of disagreement)

Filing Methods

online:File through the Comal Appraisal District online portal at portal.comalad.org
mail:Mail to: Comal Appraisal District, 900 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130
email:Email completed forms to comalad@co.comal.tx.us
in-person:Deliver to: 900 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales (similar properties sold within the past 6-12 months)Photos showing property condition, damage, or defectsProfessional appraisals or property inspection reportsRepair estimates or contractor bids for needed workMarket trend reports showing declining values in your areaEvidence of unequal appraisal (similar properties assessed at lower values)

Comal County Assessor Contact

Comal Appraisal District

Phone: 830-625-8597

Address: 900 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130

Website: https://comalad.org

Online Portal: https://portal.comalad.org

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

Tax Exemptions in Comal County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 for school district taxes (mandatory statewide); local taxing units may offer additional exemptions up to 20% of appraised value or minimum $5,000

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district taxes. In 2023, Texas increased the mandatory school district exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year. Only one homestead exemption per person in Texas.Deadline: April 30 of the tax year (late applications accepted with good cause)

Over-65 Exemption

Additional $60,000 exemption for seniors (amount increased from $10,000 under recent legislation); plus a tax ceiling on school district taxes

Additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older. Also provides a tax ceiling that freezes school district taxes at the amount for the year the exemption is granted, protecting against future increases.

Eligibility: Homeowner must be 65 years or older and the property must be their primary residence.Deadline: Apply any time after turning 65; exemption begins the year you qualify

Disabled Person Exemption

$10,000 exemption for school district taxes; plus a tax ceiling on school taxes

Exemption for homeowners who are disabled as defined by federal Social Security disability standards. Also provides a school tax ceiling similar to the Over-65 exemption.

Eligibility: Must have a qualifying disability determination from the Social Security Administration or other federal agency and occupy the property as primary residence.Deadline: April 30 of the tax year (or within one year of qualifying)

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 (10-29% disability) to $12,000 (50-69% disability) up to 100% exemption for totally disabled veterans (100% rating)

Partial or full property tax exemption based on the veteran's disability rating. 100% disabled veterans receive a full exemption on their primary residence.

Eligibility: Veteran must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA or branch of service. For partial exemptions, can be applied to any property; 100% exemption applies only to primary residence.

Surviving Spouse Exemption

Continues the deceased spouse's exemption amount and tax ceiling

Allows surviving spouses of disabled veterans or individuals 65+ to continue receiving their deceased spouse's exemptions if they haven't remarried.

Eligibility: Surviving spouse must not remarry and must continue to occupy the property as their primary residence.Deadline: April 30 (or as soon as practicable after spouse's death)

Disaster Exemption

Proportional to the percentage of damage (minimum 15% damage required)

Temporary exemption for property damaged by a disaster in a declared disaster area.

Eligibility: Property must be at least 15% damaged by a disaster and located in a declared disaster area.Deadline: Within specified timeframe after disaster declaration

Official Resources

Comal Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property records, file exemptions, search property values, and find protest forms and deadlines.

Comal Appraisal District Online Portal →

File your property tax protest online, upload evidence, and manage your property tax accounts electronically.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for understanding Texas property tax laws, exemptions, and the protest process.

Comal County Property Search →

Search property records by owner name, address, or account number to view current and historical appraisal values.

Comal County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

71-75%

Avg Reduction

$1,350

% Who Protest

23%

Check Your Comal County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a property tax protest in Comal County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Comal County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date printed on your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Most homeowners receive their notices in mid-April, so May 15 is typically the operative deadline. Missing this deadline will eliminate your right to protest your property taxes for that year unless you qualify for a late protest under very limited circumstances permitted by Texas law. To avoid missing the deadline, it's recommended to file as early as possible after receiving your notice.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Comal County?
You can file your property tax protest online through the Comal Appraisal District's taxpayer portal at portal.comalad.org. You'll need your property's account number and PIN, which can be found on your Notice of Appraised Value or requested from the appraisal district by calling 830-625-8597 or emailing comalad@co.comal.tx.us. The online portal allows you to submit your protest, upload supporting evidence like comparable sales and photos, and track the status of your protest. E-filing is the preferred method and provides faster communication with the district throughout the process.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Comal County, Texas?
The mandatory school district homestead exemption in Comal County is $140,000, which was increased from $100,000 by Texas legislation in 2023. This means if your home is valued at $420,000 and you claim the homestead exemption, your taxable value for school taxes would be reduced to $280,000. Local taxing units in Comal County may also offer additional homestead exemptions—some offer up to 20% of your home's appraised value. For example, Comal ISD grants an additional 20% exemption on top of the state-mandated amount. These exemptions can result in annual savings of several thousand dollars, making it essential to apply by the April 30 deadline.
What happens at an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Comal County?
At an ARB hearing in Comal County, you'll present your case to a panel of appointed citizens who serve on the Appraisal Review Board. You'll have the opportunity to present evidence supporting your claim that your property is overvalued, including comparable sales, photos of your property's condition, repair estimates, or professional appraisals. The appraisal district will also present their evidence supporting their valuation. The hearing typically lasts 15-30 minutes and is relatively informal. After hearing both sides, the ARB will issue a written determination either upholding the appraisal district's value, accepting your proposed value, or setting a value somewhere in between. In 2024, approximately 75% of ARB hearings in Comal County resulted in a value reduction.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Comal County?
According to Comal Appraisal District data, the average property tax savings from successful protests in 2023 was $1,350 per account. However, savings can vary significantly based on your property's value and how much you're able to reduce your assessed value. For example, if you successfully reduce your home's assessed value by $50,000 and your total tax rate is 2.5% (including all taxing entities), you would save $1,250 annually. Over several years, these savings compound significantly. In 2024, 71-75% of protests in Comal County resulted in some level of value reduction, with informal hearings resolving approximately 74% of cases and formal ARB hearings resolving 75%.
What evidence do I need for a successful Comal County property tax protest?
The most compelling evidence for a Comal County property tax protest includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value within the past 6-12 months. You should also include photos showing any property damage, needed repairs, or features that negatively impact value. Professional appraisals, contractor repair estimates, and evidence of functional obsolescence (outdated features) strengthen your case. Additionally, if similar properties in your area are assessed at lower values, you can present evidence of unequal appraisal. The Comal Appraisal District uses mass appraisal techniques, so specific evidence about your individual property's condition and true market value is critical to overcoming their automated valuations.
Can I protest my Comal County property taxes every year?
Yes, Texas law allows property owners to file a property tax protest every year if they believe their property's appraised value is inaccurate or unequal compared to similar properties. In fact, protesting annually is recommended in fast-growing areas like Comal County, where property values and assessments can fluctuate significantly. About 23% of Comal County property owners filed protests in 2024, and with success rates around 71-75%, annual protests are an effective way to ensure you're not overpaying. There is no penalty or downside to protesting—the appraisal district cannot increase your value simply because you filed a protest. Even if you were unsuccessful one year, market conditions change and new comparable sales data becomes available each year.
What is the difference between the informal review and the formal ARB hearing in Comal County?
The informal review is the first step after filing your protest, where you meet with a Comal Appraisal District appraiser to discuss your case. This is a less formal negotiation where approximately 74% of Comal County protests are resolved without needing further action. The informal review typically happens earlier in the protest season and results in faster resolution. If you cannot reach an agreement during the informal review, your case proceeds to a formal ARB hearing before the Appraisal Review Board. The formal hearing is more structured, with both you and the appraisal district presenting evidence to an independent panel of citizens who make the final determination. About 75% of formal ARB hearings in Comal County result in value reductions.

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 →

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← All Texas property tax protest info

Sources: https://comalad.org/protest-information/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/comal-county | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/county-directory/comal.php | https://www.poconnor.com/comal-county/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comal_County,_Texas | https://www.redfin.com/county/2685/TX/Comal-County/housing-market

Last verified: 2026-02-24