Ector County Property Tax Protest, Texas

Travis Bunn·Updated July 25, 2026

Ector County is located in West Texas with Odessa as its county seat and largest city. The county has a population of approximately 174,000 residents and is part of the Midland-Odessa metropolitan area, known for its strong oil and gas industry. Property tax protests matter significantly here because Ector County's median effective property tax rate of 1.56% is notably higher than the national median of 1.02%, placing a heavier tax burden on homeowners. With a median home value ranging from $115,000 to $187,000 depending on the source and a median annual tax bill between $1,466 and $1,978, residents face high effective rates despite lower home values compared to the state median of $238,000.

Notable cities: Odessa, Goldsmith, West Odessa, Gardendale

Median Home

$115,000

Tax Rate

1.56%

Annual Tax

$1,466

Population

174,473

On the typical Ector County home, valued near $115,000 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.56%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you protest it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

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

This year's protest window has passed in most of Texas. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

The protest deadline in Ector County is the later of May 15, 2026 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is delivered. Your specific deadline is printed in the upper right corner of your Notice of Appraised Value that you receive in April or May. If you mail your protest, it must have a U.S. Post Office cancellation mark dated by midnight of the deadline. If you deliver it in person, it must arrive by 5:00 PM on the deadline date.

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White two-story Texas home with shade trees. Ector County protest guide.

How Ector County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Ector County Appraisal District (ECAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In Texas, property is assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1st each year. The Ector County Appraisal District uses an annual reappraisal cycle, comparing your property to similar properties that have sold recently. For example: If your home's market value is $115,000, at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $115,000, resulting in approximately $1,794 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.56%. Texas homeowners with a homestead exemption benefit from a 10% annual cap on assessed value increases, meaning your assessed value cannot rise more than 10% over the prior year regardless of market value changes.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Most ARB hearings occur in June and July and are conducted by a panel of three board members. The hearing is informal, and you'll present your evidence while the appraisal district presents theirs, with the ARB issuing a written decision binding for that tax year only.

Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives in April or May and check the protest deadline printed in the upper right corner of the notice.

Request an informal review with ECAD staff before filing a formal protest by calling (432) 332-6834. The appraiser may adjust your value, re-inspect your property, or maintain the original appraisal based on the evidence you provide.

If not satisfied after the informal review, file a formal written protest with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) using Form 50-132 or a written letter. Submit online at www.ectorcad.org, by mail to 1301 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX 79761, or in person by the deadline.

Gather evidence including comparable property sales from your neighborhood, photographs documenting any condition issues, contractor repair estimates, and an analysis demonstrating that your assessed value exceeds fair market value or that you are unequally appraised compared to similar properties.

Attend your ARB hearing, which typically occurs in June or July. The hearing is informal and conducted by a panel of three board members. Present your evidence while the appraisal district presents theirs. The ARB will issue a written decision that is binding for that tax year only.

If dissatisfied with the ARB decision, you may appeal to district court in Ector County, or if your property value is over $1,000,000, you may appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). You may also pursue binding arbitration if you meet certain criteria under Texas law.

Required form: Form 50-132 (Property Owner's Notice of Protest) or any written letter of protest

Filing Methods

online:File at https://www.ectorcad.org/protest or through the Property Records Search portal at www.ectorcad.org (Note: online portal closes after the May 15 deadline period)

mail:Mail to: Ector County Appraisal District, 1301 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX 79761

in-person:Deliver to: 1301 E. 8th Street, Suite 100, Odessa, TX 79761 (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

email:Contact ector@ectorcad.org for email filing options

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property sales from your neighborhoodPhotographs documenting property condition issues or defectsContractor repair estimates or inspection reportsUnequal appraisal analysis showing your per-square-foot value exceeds the median of similar propertiesPrior appraisal records and historical value data

Ector County Assessor Contact

Ector County Appraisal District (ECAD)

Phone: (432) 332-6834

Address: 1301 E. 8th Street, Suite 100, Odessa, TX 79761

Website: https://www.ectorcad.org

Online Portal: https://www.ectorcad.org/protest

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

Tax Exemptions in Ector County

Homestead Exemption (School District)

$140,000 (enacted via Proposition 13, November 2025)

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district taxes, providing the most significant property tax savings available to homeowners in Texas.

Eligibility: You must own and occupy your home as your principal residence on January 1st of the application year, and neither you nor your spouse can have claimed a residence homestead exemption on another property.Deadline: April 30 annually (first-time applicants)

Over-65 or Disabled Person Exemption (School District)

Additional $60,000 school district exemption (combined with the $140,000 general homestead exemption for a total of $200,000)

Provides an additional school district exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older or those who are disabled, reducing property tax burden for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals.

Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 and older on January 1st, or homeowners with a qualifying disability rating. Also provides a tax ceiling (freeze) on school taxes.Deadline: One year from the date you become 65 or disabled

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption

100% exemption from property taxes on the homestead

Provides full property tax exemption for disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or individual unemployability status from the Veterans Administration.

Eligibility: Veterans with a 100% disability rating or individual unemployability status from the VA. Property must be the veteran's primary residence.Deadline: By April 30 of the tax year

General Homestead Exemption (County/City)

Up to 20% exemption with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000

Optional exemption offered by Ector County and local taxing units that can reduce taxable value by up to 20% with a guaranteed minimum amount.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your principal residence on January 1st of the tax year.Deadline: April 30 annually (first-time applicants)

Ector County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

50-80%

Ector County Protest Packet · $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Ector County for 2026?

The protest deadline in Ector County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later. Your specific deadline is printed in the upper right corner of your Notice of Appraised Value that you receive in April or May. If you mail your protest, it must have a U.S. Post Office cancellation mark dated by midnight of the deadline. If you deliver it in person to 1301 E. 8th Street in Odessa, it must arrive by 5:00 PM on the deadline date. Missing this deadline means you cannot protest your property value for that tax year.

How do I file a property tax protest online in Ector County?

To file online, visit www.ectorcad.org and use the Property Records Search in the navigation bar to find your property. Once you locate your property, select the 'File Protest for this Parcel' button located below Preliminary Values. Click the Login button under Online Protest Sign-In and complete the Submit a New Protest form with your property information and reasons for protesting. You can also upload supporting documentation like comparable sales or photos. Note that the online protest portal closes after the May 15 deadline period each year, so file early. If the online system is closed, you can still mail or hand-deliver your written protest to 1301 E. 8th Street, Odessa, TX 79761.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Ector County for 2026?

In Ector County, the general residence homestead exemption for school districts is $140,000, enacted via Proposition 13 in November 2025. This significantly reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district taxes, which make up the largest portion of your property tax bill. Seniors aged 65 and older or disabled homeowners receive an additional $60,000 school exemption under Proposition 11 (2025), for a combined total of $200,000 in school district exemptions. Local taxing units like Ector County and cities may also offer optional exemptions of up to 20% with a guaranteed minimum of $5,000. You must file Form 50-114 with ECAD by April 30 to apply for the homestead exemption.

What happens at an ARB hearing in Ector County?

Most ARB hearings in Ector County occur in June and July and are conducted by a panel of three board members appointed by the local administrative district judge. The hearing is informal, and you'll present your evidence showing why your property value should be reduced while the appraisal district presents their evidence supporting the appraised value. You should bring comparable sales data, photographs of property condition issues, repair estimates, and any unequal appraisal analysis. The ARB will issue a written decision that is binding for that tax year only. If you're not satisfied with the ARB decision, you have the right to appeal to district court, binding arbitration, or the State Office of Administrative Hearings if your property exceeds $1,000,000 in value.

How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Ector County?

Savings depend on how much your property value is reduced through the protest process. According to available data, 50-80% of property tax protests in Ector County are successful, with the Ector County Appraisal District reporting that CAD owners reduce their property taxes by an average of 9% through protests. For example, if your home is valued at $115,000 with an effective tax rate of 1.56% ($1,794 annual taxes), a 9% reduction would save you approximately $161 per year. Over time, these savings compound because your assessed value starts from a lower base each year, subject to the 10% homestead cap on annual increases. Even modest reductions can result in significant long-term savings, especially if you successfully protest multiple years in a row.

What evidence do I need for an Ector County property tax protest?

The strongest evidence for an Ector County protest includes comparable property sales from your neighborhood showing similar homes sold for less than your appraised value. You should gather 5-10 comparable properties and show that your per-square-foot appraised value exceeds the median, which supports an unequal appraisal argument under Texas Tax Code Section 41.43(b)(3). Additional evidence includes photographs documenting property condition issues, defects, or deferred maintenance; contractor repair estimates or inspection reports showing needed repairs; and historical appraisal data showing inconsistent valuation methods. Recent comparable sales are typically the most persuasive evidence at ARB hearings in Ector County. You can access comparable property data through the ECAD website's Property Records Search tool.

Can I request an informal review before filing a formal protest in Ector County?

Yes, the Ector County Appraisal District encourages property owners to request an informal review with appraisal staff before filing a formal protest with the ARB. You can call (432) 332-6834 to schedule an informal appointment where you'll discuss your concerns with the appraiser responsible for your property. During the informal review, the appraiser may adjust your value, schedule a re-inspection of your property, or maintain the original appraisal based on the evidence you provide. This informal process can save time and potentially resolve the issue without going through a formal ARB hearing. If you're not satisfied with the result of the informal review, you still have the right to file a formal protest with the Appraisal Review Board by the May 15 deadline.

Does Ector County offer any property tax relief for seniors or disabled homeowners?

Yes, Ector County offers significant property tax relief for seniors and disabled homeowners. Homeowners aged 65 and older automatically receive an additional $60,000 school district exemption on top of the standard $140,000 homestead exemption, for a combined total of $200,000 in exemptions from school taxes. This was enacted through Proposition 11 in 2025. Seniors and disabled persons also benefit from a tax ceiling (freeze) on school district taxes once the exemption is granted, meaning your school taxes cannot increase even if property values rise. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating or individual unemployability status from the VA qualify for a 100% exemption from all property taxes on their homestead. You must apply for these exemptions with ECAD by filing the appropriate forms by April 30.

Official Resources

Ector County Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property records, exemption applications, protest forms, file online protests, view appraised values, and check tax payment status.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Assistance Division →

Official state resource for property tax information, exemption details, protest procedures, downloadable forms, and taxpayer rights.

Ector County Online Protest Portal →

File your property tax protest online through ECAD's citizen protest portal with supporting documentation (available until May 15 deadline).

Texas Property Tax Code and Laws →

Legal resources including the complete Texas Property Tax Code, property tax laws, rules, and educational videos on the protest and appeals process.

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://www.ectorcad.org | https://lonestarprotest.com/texas/property-tax/ector/ | https://www.appealdesk.com/appeals/texas/ector | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/ector-county | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ector_County,_Texas

Last verified: 2026-07-25