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Jefferson County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 23, 2026

Jefferson County is located in Southeast Texas along the Gulf Coast, with Beaumont serving as the county seat. The county encompasses major cities including Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, Port Neches, and Groves, with a population of approximately 251,496 as of 2023. Property tax protests matter significantly here because Jefferson County has an effective property tax rate of 2.24%, substantially higher than the national median of 1.02% and above the Texas state average. With a median home value of $130,101 and a median annual property tax bill of $2,803, Jefferson County homeowners pay $403 more than the national median of $2,400, making property tax protests an essential tool for reducing the local tax burden.

Notable cities: Beaumont, Port Arthur, Nederland, Port Neches, Groves

Median Home

$130,101

Tax Rate

2.24%

Annual Tax

$2,803

Population

251,496

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

Texas property owners must file their protest by May 15 or within 30 days of receiving their Notice of Appraised Value, whichever date comes later. If May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. Missing this deadline may permanently waive your right to protest for that tax year.

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

How Jefferson County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Jefferson Central Appraisal District (JCAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Mid-April

In Texas, property is assessed at 100% of its market value, meaning there is no reduction between what your property is worth and what it's taxed on. For example, if your home's market value is $130,000, at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $130,000. At Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 2.24%, this would result in approximately $2,912 in annual taxes before exemptions. After applying a typical $40,000 homestead exemption for school taxes, your taxable value decreases, resulting in lower overall property taxes.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). After filing your protest, a JCAD appraiser will contact you for an informal review to discuss your valuation concerns and potentially reach a settlement. If unresolved, you will receive at least 15 days notice of your formal ARB hearing where you can present evidence and arguments to an independent panel that will issue a binding decision on your property's value.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives in mid-April and compare the assessed value to recent sales of similar properties in your area and your prior year's value.

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Step 2: File a written Notice of Protest by May 15, 2026, or within 30 days of receiving your notice (whichever is later) through JCAD's online portal, by mail, or in person. Include your property ID, contact information, and reason for protest.

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Step 3: Gather evidence to support your protest including comparable property sales from January 1 of the tax year, photographs of property defects, repair estimates, independent appraisals, or documentation of incorrect property characteristics in the appraisal records.

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Step 4: Attend an informal review with a JCAD appraiser who will contact you after receiving your protest. This is an opportunity to present your evidence and potentially reach a settlement without proceeding to a formal hearing.

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Step 5: If the informal review does not resolve your protest, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). You will receive at least 15 days advance notice of the hearing date, time, and location. Present your evidence and argument to the ARB panel.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you may appeal to district court within 60 days of receiving the ARB's written decision, or pursue binding arbitration for residential homesteads or properties valued at $5 million or less.

Required form: Notice of Protest form (provided with Notice of Appraised Value) or any written protest containing property ID, owner information, and reason for protest

Filing Methods

online:Jefferson Central Appraisal District Online Protest System available at jcad.org
mail:P.O. Box 21337, Beaumont, TX 77720-1337
in-person:4610 S. Fourth St., Beaumont, TX 77705-4547 (office hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property sales (similar size, age, location, and construction type)Recent purchase documents or independent appraisalsPhotographs of property defects or damageRepair estimates or contractor assessmentsDocumentation of incorrect property characteristics in appraisal recordsSworn statements from real estate professionals

Jefferson County Assessor Contact

Jefferson Central Appraisal District

Phone: 409-840-9944 or 409-727-4611

Address: P.O. Box 21337, Beaumont, TX 77720-1337 (Physical: 4610 S. Fourth St., Beaumont, TX 77705-4547)

Website: https://jcad.org

Online Portal: https://jcad.org (Online Protest System available on website)

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

Tax Exemptions in Jefferson County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$40,000 minimum for school district taxes; varies by taxing entity

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, with the amount varying by taxing entity. School districts must provide at least $40,000 exemption, while counties, cities, and special districts may offer up to 20% of appraised value (minimum $5,000).

Eligibility: Property must be your principal residence as of January 1, you must own the property, and you cannot claim another homestead exemption in or outside Texas.Deadline: April 30 (general deadline for most exemptions is between January 1 and May 1 annually)

Over-65 Homestead Exemption

$10,000 additional exemption for school taxes (beyond general homestead); taxing entity amounts vary

Additional exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older that provides extra tax relief and freezes school district taxes at the amount paid in the first year the exemption is received. Jefferson County and the City of Port Arthur also offer tax freezes.

Eligibility: Homeowner or spouse must be 65 years or older. Only one spouse needs to qualify. Exemption applies for the entire year in which you turn 65.Deadline: Can be filed any time after turning 65 for that tax year

Disability Homestead Exemption

$10,000 for school taxes (beyond the $40,000 general homestead); some taxing units offer an additional $3,000

Additional exemption for disabled homeowners that reduces taxable value and provides a tax ceiling for school districts, Jefferson County, and the City of Port Arthur, preventing increases unless improvements are made to the property.

Eligibility: Must qualify as disabled under Social Security Administration guidelines and receive disability benefits. Property must be your principal residence.Deadline: Between January 1 and May 1 annually

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 to $12,000 based on disability percentage (10%-100%); 100% disabled veterans receive total exemption on residence homestead

Partial or total property tax exemption based on disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans with 100% disability compensation and 100% rating or individual unemployability receive a total exemption on their residence homestead.

Eligibility: Must be a disabled veteran with a service-connected disability rating from the VA, or surviving spouse/child of disabled veteran or armed services member killed on active duty. Must be Texas resident.Deadline: Between January 1 and May 1 annually

Surviving Spouse Exemption

Same exemption amount and tax freeze as deceased spouse received

Allows surviving spouse of a person who qualified for over-65 or disability exemption to continue receiving the exemption and maintain the tax ceiling if they were 55 or older when their spouse died.

Eligibility: Surviving spouse must be 55 years or older at time of deceased spouse's death, deceased spouse must have been 65 or older or disabled, and surviving spouse must maintain ownership and continue living in the home.Deadline: Must apply after spouse's death; contact JCAD for specific requirements

Official Resources

Jefferson Central Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property information, file protests online, apply for exemptions, and view appraisal district forms and resources.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Assistance →

Comprehensive information about Texas property tax laws, exemptions, protest procedures, and taxpayer rights from the state comptroller.

Jefferson County Tax Office →

Pay property taxes online, view tax rates, access payment options, and find contact information for tax collection services.

Texas Comptroller Taxpayer Rights and Remedies →

Detailed guidance on filing property tax protests and appeals, including forms, deadlines, and hearing preparation resources.

Jefferson County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

36% of informal protests and 51% of ARB protests achieve reductions

Avg Reduction

$2,244

% Who Protest

9% (as of 2024, increased from 6% in 2020)

Check Your Jefferson County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Jefferson County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Jefferson County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed to you, whichever date is later. If May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. It is crucial to file by this deadline because missing it may permanently waive your right to protest for the 2026 tax year. You can file your protest online through JCAD's Online Protest System, by mail to P.O. Box 21337, Beaumont, TX 77720-1337, or in person at 4610 S. Fourth St., Beaumont, TX during office hours (8:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday).
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Jefferson County?
Property tax protest savings in Jefferson County can be substantial. According to recent statistics, property tax protests in Jefferson County resulted in average savings of $2,244 per account protested in 2023, with total savings reaching $32.19 million across all protests. In 2024, informal protests had a 36% success rate and ARB protests achieved a 51% success rate in obtaining reductions. With Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 2.24% and median home value of $130,101, even a modest reduction in assessed value can result in hundreds of dollars in annual tax savings. The actual savings depend on factors such as your property's assessed value, the strength of your evidence, and comparable property values in your area.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Jefferson County, and how do I apply?
In Jefferson County, the homestead exemption provides significant tax relief for your primary residence. School districts are required to provide at least a $40,000 exemption, which is the largest component. Counties, cities, and special districts may offer additional exemptions of up to 20% of your home's appraised value (with a $5,000 minimum). For example, if your home is appraised at $130,000 and you receive a $40,000 school exemption, your taxable value for school taxes drops to $90,000, saving you approximately $896 annually at the school tax rate. To apply, you must file a homestead exemption application with Jefferson Central Appraisal District between January 1 and April 30. Applications can be obtained from JCAD's website at jcad.org, by calling 409-840-9944 or 409-727-4611, or by visiting their office in person. You must include a copy of your driver's license or state-issued ID with your application.
What happens at an ARB hearing in Jefferson County?
An Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Jefferson County is a formal proceeding where you present evidence to an independent panel to challenge your property's assessed value. You will receive at least 15 days advance written notice of your hearing date, time, and location. At the hearing, you can appear in person, by telephone, by videoconference, or by submitting a written affidavit with evidence. You should bring comparable property sales, photographs, repair estimates, independent appraisals, or other evidence supporting your claim that your property is overvalued. The ARB will also review evidence from the Jefferson Central Appraisal District. ARB hearings in Jefferson County typically occur between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM with half-hour time slots. After considering all evidence, the ARB will issue a written decision either upholding the appraisal district's value or reducing it based on your evidence. The ARB's decision is binding unless you appeal to district court or pursue binding arbitration within 60 days.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Jefferson County?
To file a property tax protest online in Jefferson County, visit the Jefferson Central Appraisal District website at jcad.org and access their Online Protest System. You will need your property identification number (PID) or account number, which can be found on your Notice of Appraised Value. The online system allows you to submit your protest electronically before the deadline (May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later). Your protest must include the property ID, your mailing address, telephone number, and the reason for your protest. Online filing is available 24 hours a day and provides immediate confirmation of submission. If you did not receive a Notice of Appraised Value, you can still file a protest online by requesting your PIN through the system or by contacting JCAD at 409-840-9944 or 409-727-4611 to obtain your property information.
What evidence do I need for a successful Jefferson County property tax protest?
For a successful property tax protest in Jefferson County, you need strong evidence demonstrating that your property is overvalued compared to its actual market value. The most effective evidence includes recent sales of comparable properties (similar in size, age, location, and construction type) that sold close to January 1 of the tax year. You should also gather documentation of any property defects such as foundation issues, roof damage, plumbing problems, or other conditions that negatively affect value. Photographs clearly showing these defects, contractor repair estimates, and independent appraisals strengthen your case. Additionally, verify that JCAD's property records are accurate by checking the square footage, lot size, age, and features listed. If the records overstate your property's characteristics, provide blueprints, surveys, or deed records as corrections. Jefferson Central Appraisal District will provide you with the comparable sales they used to determine your value upon request, which you can analyze to identify weaknesses in their appraisal methodology.
Can I transfer my over-65 tax ceiling if I move to another home in Jefferson County?
Yes, you can transfer your over-65 tax ceiling (frozen school taxes) if you move to another qualified homestead in Texas, though the rules vary by taxing entity. For school district taxes, you may transfer the same percentage of school taxes paid to your new homestead anywhere in Texas. For Jefferson County and the City of Port Arthur, which have optionally elected to allow tax freezes for over-65 homeowners, the freeze may only be transferred to another qualified homestead within that same taxing unit (meaning within Jefferson County boundaries or within Port Arthur city limits, respectively). To transfer your tax ceiling, you must contact Jefferson Central Appraisal District to obtain the necessary forms and complete the transfer process. It's important to note that while the general homestead exemption remains with the property you sold for the remainder of the year, the over-65 exemption transfers to your new home, causing taxes on the sold property to be prorated at a higher amount from the date of sale.
What is the difference between an informal review and a formal ARB hearing in Jefferson County?
An informal review in Jefferson County is a less formal meeting with a Jefferson Central Appraisal District appraiser that occurs after you file your protest but before a formal ARB hearing. During the informal review, the appraiser will contact you to discuss your property's assessment in a casual setting where you can present evidence such as comparable property sales, photographs, or documentation of property defects. The appraiser has the authority to make value adjustments at this stage, and many protests are resolved through this process, avoiding the need for a formal hearing. A formal ARB hearing, on the other hand, is a structured proceeding before the independent Appraisal Review Board where you present your case in a more official setting with specific procedures. You receive at least 15 days advance notice of the formal hearing, and the ARB panel reviews evidence from both you and the appraisal district before issuing a binding written decision. The informal review is intended to allow JCAD to make necessary corrections early in the process, while the formal ARB hearing provides due process and an independent review when disputes cannot be resolved informally.

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://jcad.org | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/jefferson-county | https://www.poconnor.com/jefferson-county/ | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ | https://jeffcotax.com/property-tax/

Last verified: 2026-02-23