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Guadalupe County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 23, 2026

Guadalupe County is located in south-central Texas with Seguin as the county seat. Major population centers include Schertz, Cibolo, Seguin, New Braunfels (partial), Selma, and Marion, with the county's growing connection to the San Antonio metro area driving rapid development. Property tax protests matter significantly here because Guadalupe County has one of the highest property tax burdens in Texas, with a median effective rate of 1.69% compared to the national median of 1.02%. The median home value in Guadalupe County is approximately $288,797, and the median annual property tax bill is $4,783, which is $2,383 higher than the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Seguin, Schertz, Cibolo, Selma, Marion, New Braunfels

Median Home

$288,797

Tax Rate

1.69%

Annual Tax

$4,783

Population

Approximately 175,000

2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice of assessed value is mailed, whichever is later

Property owners must file their protest by May 15th or within 30 days of receiving the Notice of Appraised Value from the Guadalupe Appraisal District, whichever date is later. This deadline is strictly enforced, and missing it means you lose your right to protest for that tax year.

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

How Guadalupe County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Guadalupe Appraisal District (Guadalupe CAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring, typically by mid-April through mid-May

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of market value for property tax purposes. The market value is what your property would sell for in the open market, and this becomes your assessed value. For example, if your home's market value is $288,797 (the county median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $288,797, resulting in approximately $4,881 in annual taxes at Guadalupe County's effective rate of 1.69% before any exemptions are applied.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB hearing is a formal but straightforward process where you present your evidence to an independent panel of board members. You'll have the opportunity to explain why you believe your property is overvalued, present comparable sales data, and respond to questions from the board and the appraisal district representative.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value carefully when it arrives in April or May. Compare your property's appraised value to recent sales of comparable homes in your neighborhood and note any discrepancies in property characteristics.

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Step 2: File your Notice of Protest with the Guadalupe Appraisal District by May 15th or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later. You can file online at guadalupead.org, by mail to 3000 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155, or in person at either the Seguin or Schertz office.

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Step 3: Gather evidence to support your protest, including comparable sales data from similar properties in your area that sold for less, photographs showing property condition issues, repair estimates for needed work, and documentation of any errors in the appraisal district's property description.

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Step 4: Attend the informal review with a Guadalupe CAD appraiser (optional but highly recommended). This meeting provides an opportunity to present your evidence and potentially reach a settlement without proceeding to a formal hearing. Approximately 93% of informal appeals in Guadalupe County result in reduced valuations.

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Step 5: If the informal review doesn't resolve your protest satisfactorily, present your case at a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is an independent panel that will hear evidence from both you and the appraisal district and issue a written decision, typically between May and August.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you have additional appeal options including binding arbitration for properties under $5 million, filing an appeal with the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or pursuing a judicial appeal in district court within specified deadlines.

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

Filing Methods

online:File through the Guadalupe Appraisal District online portal at https://guadalupead.org
mail:Mail to: Guadalupe Appraisal District, 3000 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155-7320
in-person:Deliver to: Main office at 3000 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155 or Schertz office at 1052 FM 78, Suite 103, Schertz, TX 78154
email:Contact exemptions@guadalupead.org for guidance on email submissions

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood that sold recentlyPhotographs documenting property condition issues, deferred maintenance, or features that reduce valueRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed repairsIndependent appraisal if availableDocumentation of property description errors made by the appraisal district

Guadalupe County Assessor Contact

Guadalupe Appraisal District

Phone: (830) 303-3313

Address: 3000 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155-7320

Website: https://guadalupead.org

Online Portal: https://esearch.guadalupead.org

Hours: Monday-Friday, contact office for specific hours. Closed for major holidays.

Tax Exemptions in Guadalupe County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

Varies by jurisdiction: School districts provide $140,000 exemption; Guadalupe County provides 1% ($5,000 minimum) exemption; cities and other taxing units may offer additional local option exemptions up to 20% of appraised value

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence and limits annual assessed value increases to 10%

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1st. You can only claim one homestead exemption. You must provide a copy of your driver's license or state-issued ID with an address matching the property.Deadline: April 30th (late applications accepted up to one year after the delinquency date with penalty)

Over-65 Exemption

Guadalupe County provides an additional $10,000 exemption for seniors over 65 (in addition to the general homestead exemption). School taxes are frozen at the amount paid the year you qualify.

Additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older, plus a freeze on school district taxes

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older as of January 1st and have a homestead exemption on the property. The exemption transfers if you move to a new homestead.Deadline: April 30th of the year you turn 65 or acquire the property

Disabled Person Exemption

Additional $10,000 exemption plus school tax freeze

Provides the same benefits as the over-65 exemption for homeowners who are disabled

Eligibility: Must qualify as disabled under Social Security Administration standards and have a homestead exemption on the propertyDeadline: April 30th

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 (10-29% disabled) up to total exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Veterans with 100% disability rating receive total exemption from all property taxes on their homestead.

Partial to total exemption based on disability rating from the VA or armed services

Eligibility: Must be a disabled veteran with a disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or a branch of the armed services. Some disabled veteran exemptions apply to homesteads while others can apply to any property owned.Deadline: April 30th

Surviving Spouse Exemption

Same as the exemption the deceased spouse was receiving

Allows surviving spouses of disabled veterans or persons over 65 to retain the exemptions

Eligibility: Must be the surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran or person who was over 65, have not remarried, and maintain the property as your primary residenceDeadline: April 30th

Official Resources

Guadalupe Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property records, file protests online, apply for exemptions, and find forms and deadlines for Guadalupe County.

Guadalupe County Property Search Portal →

Look up your property's current appraised value, assessment history, and property characteristics in the official county database.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for Texas property tax laws, exemption information, protest procedures, and downloadable forms.

Texas Property Tax Exemptions Guide →

Comprehensive information about all available property tax exemptions in Texas, including eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Guadalupe County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

82-93%

Avg Reduction

$1,336

% Who Protest

24% (2024), up from 5% in 2023

Check Your Guadalupe County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Guadalupe County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Guadalupe County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after you receive your Notice of Appraised Value from the Guadalupe Appraisal District, whichever date is later. The appraisal district typically mails assessment notices in April through mid-May. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to protest your property value for the 2026 tax year, so it's critical to mark your calendar as soon as you receive your notice. You can file online at guadalupead.org, by mail, or in person at their Seguin or Schertz offices.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Guadalupe County?
To file a property tax protest online in Guadalupe County, visit the Guadalupe Appraisal District website at guadalupead.org and access their online protest filing system. You'll need your property account number from your Notice of Appraised Value and basic information about why you believe your property is overvalued. The online system allows you to submit your Notice of Protest electronically and track the status of your appeal. Alternatively, you can download Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) from the Texas Comptroller's website or the district's website, complete it, and submit it by mail to 3000 N. Austin St., Seguin, TX 78155-7320, or deliver it in person to either the Seguin or Schertz office.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Guadalupe County?
The homestead exemption value in Guadalupe County varies by taxing jurisdiction. School districts are required to provide a $140,000 exemption on your home's appraised value, which is the most substantial benefit. Guadalupe County itself provides a 1% exemption with a $5,000 minimum off the taxable value. Cities and other local taxing units may offer additional local option exemptions of up to 20% of the property's appraised value, though the minimum exemption cannot be less than $5,000. For a home valued at the county median of $288,797, the school district exemption alone could save you approximately $2,366 annually. Homeowners who are 65 or older receive an additional $10,000 exemption from Guadalupe County plus a freeze on their school taxes.
What happens at an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Guadalupe County?
At a Guadalupe County ARB hearing, you'll present your case to an independent panel of board members who will determine whether your property's appraised value is accurate. The hearing typically lasts 15-30 minutes and follows a structured format where you present your evidence first, including comparable sales data, photos, and documentation of any errors. The appraisal district representative will then present their evidence supporting the current valuation. Board members may ask questions of both parties before deliberating. The Taxpayer Liaison Officer, Ms. Tavie Murphy, is available on hearing days to assist property owners with questions. After the hearing, the ARB issues a written decision that is binding unless you pursue further appeals through arbitration, the State Office of Administrative Hearings, or district court.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Guadalupe County?
Guadalupe County property owners who successfully protest their assessments save an average of $1,336 per year according to 2023 data, though individual savings vary widely based on the property's value and the amount of reduction achieved. With the county's 1.69% effective tax rate, a $20,000 reduction in assessed value translates to approximately $338 in annual tax savings, while a $60,000 reduction saves roughly $1,014 per year. In 2021, Guadalupe County property owners saved a combined $800,540 through informal appeals alone, with a 93% success rate. The success rate for all ARB appeals in the county is approximately 82%, meaning most property owners who protest receive some reduction. Over ten years, even a modest reduction can save thousands of dollars in cumulative property taxes.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax protest in Guadalupe County?
The most effective evidence for a Guadalupe County property tax protest includes recent comparable sales data from homes in your neighborhood that are similar in size, age, and condition but sold for less than your appraised value. You should gather at least 3-5 comparable properties that sold within the past year and make mathematical adjustments for any differences in square footage, lot size, features, or condition. Photographs documenting deferred maintenance, foundation issues, roof damage, or outdated features that reduce your home's value are also persuasive. Repair estimates from licensed contractors provide concrete dollar figures for needed work. If the appraisal district's records contain errors about your property's square footage, number of rooms, or other characteristics, bring documentation proving the correct information. An independent appraisal, while not required, can be powerful supporting evidence.
Can I protest my Guadalupe County property taxes if I just bought my home?
Yes, new property owners in Guadalupe County can and should protest their property taxes if the appraised value exceeds what they paid for the home. Your recent purchase price is strong evidence of the property's market value, especially if you bought the home within the past year in an arm's-length transaction between a willing buyer and seller. Bring your closing statement, purchase agreement, and any appraisal conducted by your mortgage lender to your ARB hearing. The Guadalupe Appraisal District must consider recent sales data, and your purchase is one of the most relevant comparable sales available. However, be prepared to explain any special circumstances if your purchase price was unusually low due to foreclosure, family sale, or other non-market conditions. Filing a protest is especially important for new homeowners because it establishes a lower baseline for future years.
What is the difference between an informal review and an ARB hearing in Guadalupe County?
An informal review in Guadalupe County is an optional meeting with a staff appraiser from the Guadalupe Appraisal District before your case goes to the ARB. This meeting is less formal, typically takes 15-20 minutes, and provides an opportunity to present your evidence and potentially negotiate a settlement without a formal hearing. Approximately 93% of informal appeals in Guadalupe County result in reduced values, making this an extremely effective first step. If you reach an agreement during the informal review, your case is resolved without needing to appear before the ARB. An ARB hearing occurs if the informal review doesn't resolve your protest or if you skip the informal stage. The ARB hearing is more formal, with testimony presented to an independent board panel that issues a binding written decision. While the informal review is highly recommended because of its high success rate, you retain all your rights to proceed to the ARB if you're not satisfied with the informal outcome.

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://guadalupead.org | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/guadalupe-county | https://www.poconnor.com/guadalupe-county/ | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ | https://guadalupecountypropertytaxtrends.com/tax-protests-filed/

Last verified: 2026-02-23