AppealDesk

Ellis County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 23, 2026

Ellis County is located in north central Texas, approximately 30 miles south of Dallas, with Waxahachie serving as the county seat. The county encompasses 939 square miles and has experienced rapid growth, with a 2026 population estimated at over 250,000 residents. Property taxes in Ellis County are significantly higher than national averages, with a median effective tax rate of 1.33% compared to the national median of 1.02%, making property tax protests especially important for homeowners seeking relief from the substantial tax burden.

Notable cities: Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, Red Oak, Glenn Heights

Median Home

$332,264

Tax Rate

1.33%

Annual Tax

$4,181

Population

250,513

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

The standard deadline is May 15, 2026. However, if Ellis CAD mails your appraisal notice after April 15, you have 30 days from the mailing date to file your protest, whichever date is later. The protest must arrive at Ellis CAD by the deadline—postmarks do not count.

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

How Ellis County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Ellis Central Appraisal District (ECAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April through early May

Texas law requires all property in Ellis County to be appraised at 100% of market value as of January 1 each year. This means your assessed value equals your market value with no assessment ratio reduction. For example, if your home's market value is $332,264 (the county median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $332,264, resulting in approximately $4,419 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.33% before any exemptions are applied.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). After filing your protest, you'll typically go through two stages: an informal review with an Ellis CAD appraiser (May-June) where you can present evidence and negotiate a settlement, and if unresolved, a formal ARB hearing (June-July) where a three-member citizen panel reviews your case and makes a final determination.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives in April or May. Check the market value, assessed value, and any exemptions applied to your property.

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Step 2: File your protest before the deadline (May 15, 2026, or 30 days after notice is mailed, whichever is later). You can file online through Ellis CAD's website, by mail, or in person. Select both 'market value' and 'unequal appraisal' as reasons to maximize your chances of success.

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Step 3: Gather evidence to support your protest, including recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, photos documenting property condition issues, repair estimates for defects, and your recent purchase price if you bought within the last year.

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Step 4: Attend the informal review meeting with an Ellis CAD appraiser (typically May-June). Present your evidence showing why your property value should be reduced. Many cases are resolved at this stage when strong evidence is presented.

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Step 5: If the informal review doesn't resolve your case, your protest advances to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), typically scheduled in June-July. Present your case to the three-member citizen panel.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the ARB decision, you can appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) through binding arbitration or file a judicial appeal in district court within specific timeframes.

Required form: Notice of Protest Form or online protest submission

Filing Methods

online:File through Ellis CAD's online portal at www.elliscad.com or www.elliscad.org
mail:Ellis Central Appraisal District, P.O. Box 878, Waxahachie, TX 75168-0878
in-person:400 Ferris Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar propertiesProperty condition photos showing defects or issuesContractor repair estimates for foundation, roof, or other problemsRecent closing statement if purchased within the past yearEquity comparisons showing similar properties with lower assessments

Ellis County Assessor Contact

Ellis Central Appraisal District (ECAD)

Phone: (972) 937-3552 or (866) 348-3552

Address: 400 Ferris Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Website: https://www.elliscad.org

Online Portal: https://www.elliscad.com

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

Tax Exemptions in Ellis County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 for school district taxes (increased from $100,000 in 2026); cities and counties may offer optional exemptions up to 20% of appraised value (minimum $5,000)

Texas school districts are required to provide a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district taxes.

Eligibility: You must own the home, occupy it as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax year, and not claim a homestead exemption on any other propertyDeadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 2 years after the February 1 delinquency date)

Over-65 Exemption

Additional $60,000 exemption for school districts (for a total of $200,000 combined with general homestead); local taxing units may offer at least $3,000 additional exemption

Provides an additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older, plus a school tax ceiling that freezes school district taxes at the amount paid when you first qualified.

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older, own and occupy the property as primary residence. A surviving spouse age 55 or older may continue receiving the exemption.Deadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 1 year after the February 1 delinquency date)

Disabled Person Exemption

Additional $10,000 exemption for school districts; local taxing units may offer at least $3,000 additional exemption

Provides an additional exemption for homeowners who meet Social Security disability criteria, plus a school tax ceiling that freezes school district taxes.

Eligibility: Must meet the federal definition of disabled for Social Security disability benefits and occupy the property as your primary residenceDeadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 1 year after the February 1 delinquency date)

100% Disabled Veteran Exemption

100% exemption from all property taxes; partial exemptions also available based on disability percentage ratings from 10% to 90%

Provides a total property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans with a 100% VA disability rating or unemployability status.

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with a VA service-connected disability rating of 100% or individual unemployability determinationDeadline: Apply with Ellis Central Appraisal District; contact the office for specific documentation requirements

Official Resources

Ellis Central Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property records, file protests online, apply for exemptions, and view assessment information for Ellis County properties.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for property tax laws, exemption forms, taxpayer rights, and statewide property tax information.

Ellis County Tax Office →

Pay property taxes, set up payment plans, view tax statements, and access tax rate information for Ellis County.

Ellis CAD Property Search Tool →

Search and view detailed property information including assessed values, exemptions, property characteristics, and ownership records.

Ellis County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

67%

Avg Reduction

$474

% Who Protest

21%

Check Your Ellis County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Ellis County for 2026?
The deadline to file your property tax protest in Ellis County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever date is later. If Ellis CAD mails your notice after April 15, you automatically receive 30 days from the mailing date. It's critical to note that your protest must arrive at Ellis CAD by the deadline—postmarks do not count. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to protest for the entire 2026 tax year.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Ellis County?
You can file your protest online through the Ellis Central Appraisal District website at www.elliscad.com or www.elliscad.org. The online system allows you to submit your protest, select your grounds for protest (choose both 'market value' and 'unequal appraisal' for best results), upload supporting evidence, and track your case status. Online filing provides immediate confirmation that your protest was received, unlike mail filing which requires processing time. The online portal is available 24/7 and is the fastest, most convenient filing method.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Ellis County in 2026?
In Ellis County, the school district homestead exemption increased to $140,000 for the 2026 tax year, up from $100,000 in 2025. This exemption applies only to school district taxes, which typically represent the largest portion of your property tax bill. If you're age 65 or older or disabled, you receive an additional $60,000 exemption (for a total of $200,000), plus a school tax ceiling that freezes your school taxes at the amount you paid when you first qualified. Cities and counties may also offer optional homestead exemptions of up to 20% of your home's value, with a minimum of $5,000.
What happens at an ARB hearing in Ellis County?
At an Ellis County Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing, you present your case to a three-member citizen panel who will determine whether your property's appraised value should be reduced. The hearing typically lasts 15-20 minutes and takes place in June or July. You'll present evidence such as comparable sales data, property condition photos, and repair estimates. The appraisal district representative may also present their evidence supporting the current value. The ARB panel will ask questions, review all evidence, and issue a written determination typically within a few weeks. You have the right to appeal the ARB's decision to the State Office of Administrative Hearings or district court if you disagree with the outcome.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Ellis County?
Ellis County property owners who successfully protest save an average of $474 per account, according to 2023 data, with a 67% success rate at the Appraisal Review Board level. Individual savings vary widely depending on your property's value and the amount of reduction achieved. For example, if you reduce your assessed value by $30,000 and your total tax rate is 2.5%, you would save $750 annually. Over time, these savings compound significantly. With Ellis County's median tax bill at $4,181, even a 10% reduction would save over $400 per year, which adds up to thousands of dollars over the life of homeownership.
What evidence do I need for a successful Ellis County property tax protest?
The strongest evidence for an Ellis County protest includes recent comparable sales from the past 6-12 months of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your appraised value. You should also gather photos documenting any property condition issues like foundation problems, roof damage, outdated systems, or deferred maintenance. Contractor estimates for needed repairs add credibility to condition-based arguments. If you purchased your home recently, bring your closing statement showing the actual sale price. Finally, compile equity comparisons showing similar properties in your area that are assessed at lower values per square foot, which supports an unequal appraisal claim.
Can my property taxes increase if I file a protest in Ellis County?
No, your property taxes cannot increase solely because you filed a protest in Ellis County. Texas law protects property owners from retaliatory increases. The worst-case scenario is that your appraised value stays the same as originally proposed by Ellis CAD. The Appraisal Review Board can only reduce your value or leave it unchanged—they cannot raise it above what was on your original notice. This makes protesting a risk-free proposition. Even if your protest is unsuccessful, you'll simply pay the taxes originally assessed, with no penalty or increase for exercising your legal right to challenge the appraisal.
Do I need to protest my Ellis County property taxes every year?
Yes, you should protest every year in Ellis County, even if you received a reduction last year. Property values and market conditions change annually, and Ellis CAD reappraises all properties each year as required by Texas law. A successful protest one year does not prevent the appraisal district from increasing your value the following year. With Ellis County experiencing rapid growth and rising property values—particularly in cities like Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Red Oak—annual protests are essential to keeping your assessed value fair and minimizing your tax burden. Consistent protesting over multiple years can save you thousands of dollars in cumulative tax savings.

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)Brazos County (Bryan)Cameron County (Brownsville)Collin County (McKinney)
← All Texas property tax protest info

Sources: https://www.elliscad.org | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/ellis-county | https://www.ballardpropertytaxprotest.com/post/ellis-county-property-tax-protest-deadlines | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/ | https://www.poconnor.com/ellis-county/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_County,_Texas

Last verified: 2026-02-23