AppealDesk

Johnson County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 24, 2026

Johnson County is located in north-central Texas with Cleburne as its county seat, spanning 734 square miles with a population of approximately 179,927 as of 2020. Major cities include Burleson, Cleburne, Joshua, Alvarado, Grandview, and Keene. Property tax protests matter significantly here because Johnson County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in Texas at 2.20%, more than double the national median of 1.02%. With rapid development and growing demand in communities like Burleson and Joshua, property values are rising quickly, making it critical for homeowners to ensure their assessments are accurate and fair.

Notable cities: Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Alvarado, Grandview, Keene

Median Home

$225,000

Tax Rate

2.20%

Annual Tax

$4,339

Population

179,927

2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days from the date the notice was mailed, whichever is later

The protest deadline is May 15 or no later than 30 days from the date the Central Appraisal District mailed your notice of appraised value, whichever is later. If the deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it is postponed to the next business day.

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

How Johnson County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Central Appraisal District of Johnson County

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value as of January 1 each year. This means your assessed value equals the market value determined by the Central Appraisal District of Johnson County. For example, if your home's market value is $225,000, at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $225,000, resulting in approximately $4,950 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 2.20%.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). After filing your protest, you will first have an opportunity for an informal review with an appraisal district appraiser to try to resolve your concerns. If no agreement is reached, you'll receive notification of a formal ARB hearing date where you can present evidence and the board will review your case to determine the property's fair market value.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value from the Central Appraisal District, which is typically mailed in April or May. Check the appraised value, property details, and deadline for filing a protest.

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Step 2: File your protest by May 15, 2026 or within 30 days of the notice date (whichever is later) using Form 50-132 or a written notice. You can file online through the Johnson County portal, by mail, email, or in person at 109 N. Main St. in Cleburne.

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Step 3: Gather evidence to support your case, including comparable sales from the past 6-12 months, photos showing property condition, repair estimates for needed work, and a property description highlighting any deficiencies or outdated features.

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Step 4: Attend the informal review with a Johnson County Appraisal District appraiser. Most properties go through this step first, where you can present your evidence and negotiate a settlement before proceeding to a formal hearing.

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Step 5: If the informal review doesn't resolve your protest, attend your scheduled Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Present your evidence clearly and concisely, focusing on market data rather than personal financial circumstances.

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Step 6: Receive the ARB's written decision by email or certified mail. If you disagree with the outcome, you have the right to appeal to State District Court, State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or regular binding arbitration (RBA), depending on property type and value.

Required form: Form 50-132 (Property Owner's Notice of Protest) or written notice of disagreement

Filing Methods

online:Online protest portal available at https://johnsoncad.com/online-protest-portal/ (seasonal - opens during protest period)
mail:Mail to: Central Appraisal District of Johnson County, 109 N. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033
in-person:Deliver in person to 109 N. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
email:Email to arb@johnsoncad.net

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties sold within the past 6-12 monthsPhotos documenting property condition, defects, or deferred maintenanceRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed improvementsProperty description highlighting differences from newer or upgraded homesNotice of Appraised Value from Johnson County Appraisal DistrictMarket analysis showing declining values or property-specific disadvantages

Johnson County Assessor Contact

Central Appraisal District of Johnson County

Phone: (817) 648-3000

Address: 109 N. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033

Website: https://johnsoncad.com

Online Portal: https://johnsoncad.com/online-protest-portal/

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (except holidays)

Tax Exemptions in Johnson County

Homestead Exemption - School Districts

$100,000 (increased from $40,000 in 2023)

All Texas homeowners may receive a school district homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of their primary residence for school taxes.

Eligibility: Property owners who occupy the property as their primary residence on January 1 of the tax year and do not claim a homestead exemption on another property in or outside TexasDeadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to two years after the delinquency date)

County Homestead Exemption

5% of property's appraised value (minimum $5,000)

Johnson County offers an optional residence homestead exemption that reduces taxable value for county taxes.

Eligibility: Property owners who occupy the property as their primary residenceDeadline: April 30

City of Cleburne Homestead Exemption

10% or not less than $5,000

The City of Cleburne grants a percentage homestead exemption for city property taxes.

Eligibility: Homeowners residing in the City of Cleburne as their primary residenceDeadline: April 30

Over-65 Exemption

Additional reduction beyond standard homestead; varies by taxing unit

Additional exemption available to homeowners aged 65 or older that further reduces the assessed value and freezes school taxes for qualifying seniors.

Eligibility: Homeowners aged 65 or older as of January 1 of the tax year who occupy the property as their primary residenceDeadline: April 30 (apply in the year you turn 65 or anytime after)

Disabled Person Exemption

Additional reduction beyond standard homestead; varies by taxing unit

Exemption for homeowners who meet specific disability criteria as certified by a government agency, providing similar benefits to the over-65 exemption.

Eligibility: Property owners certified as disabled by the Social Security Administration or other qualifying agencyDeadline: April 30

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 to $12,000 for partial disabilities; 100% disabled veterans receive total exemption

Partial or total property tax exemption for disabled veterans based on their disability rating from the U.S. Veterans Administration or military branch.

Eligibility: Veterans with a service-connected disability rating, their surviving spouses, and surviving childrenDeadline: April 30

Official Resources

Central Appraisal District of Johnson County Website →

Official Johnson County appraisal district website with property search, exemption forms, and protest information.

Johnson County Online Protest Portal →

Online portal for filing property tax protests electronically during the protest season.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

State of Texas official property tax resources including exemption forms, protest procedures, and taxpayer rights.

Johnson County Property Search →

Search and view property records, assessed values, and property characteristics for Johnson County.

Johnson County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

47% informal, 39% ARB (2024 data)

Avg Reduction

$1,530

% Who Protest

6%

Check Your Johnson County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Johnson County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Johnson County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date the Central Appraisal District mailed your notice of appraised value, whichever is later. If the deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it is postponed to the next business day. It's critical to file by this deadline, as missing it could cost you the opportunity to challenge your valuation for the entire tax year. Mark your calendar as soon as you receive your Notice of Appraised Value to ensure you don't miss this important date.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Johnson County?
Johnson County offers an online protest portal during the protest filing season at https://johnsoncad.com/online-protest-portal/. To file online, create an account on the portal, enter your property information, and submit your protest electronically along with any supporting documentation. The portal is typically open from April through May 15 or later, corresponding with the protest deadline. Alternatively, you can file by mailing Form 50-132 to 109 N. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033, emailing arb@johnsoncad.net, or delivering your protest in person during business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Johnson County?
In Johnson County, the school district homestead exemption is worth $100,000 off your home's appraised value for school taxes, which was increased from $40,000 in 2023. Additionally, Johnson County offers a 5% county homestead exemption (minimum $5,000), and the City of Cleburne provides a 10% exemption (minimum $5,000) for residents. For a home valued at $225,000, these exemptions could reduce your taxable value by over $100,000, resulting in substantial annual savings. You must file for the homestead exemption by April 30, and once granted, it automatically renews each year as long as you continue to occupy the home as your primary residence.
What happens at an ARB hearing in Johnson County?
At an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Johnson County, you will present your case to an independent panel that reviews disputes between property owners and the appraisal district. You'll have the opportunity to present evidence such as comparable sales, photos of your property, repair estimates, and any documentation supporting your claim that your property is overvalued. The appraisal district will also present their evidence and valuation methodology. The ARB will consider both sides and issue a written decision by email or certified mail. Most protests go through an informal review with an appraiser first, where many cases are settled before reaching the formal ARB hearing stage.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Johnson County?
In Johnson County, property tax protests resulted in average savings of $1,530 per protested account in 2023, with total savings exceeding $33.71 million countywide. With an effective tax rate of 2.20%, even a modest reduction in your assessed value can lead to significant annual savings. For example, if you successfully reduce your home's valuation from $250,000 to $230,000, you would save approximately $440 per year. Success rates are favorable, with 47% of informal protests and 39% of ARB hearings resulting in reductions in 2024. Given that filing a protest is free and poses no risk of increasing your taxes, the potential savings make it worthwhile for most homeowners.
What evidence do I need for a Johnson County property tax protest?
To build a strong protest case in Johnson County, you need recent comparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood that sold within the past 6-12 months, focusing on homes with similar size, age, and condition. Take clear photos documenting your property's condition, including any defects, outdated features, or deferred maintenance that might reduce its value. Obtain repair estimates or contractor quotes for needed improvements to demonstrate the cost to bring your property up to market standards. Include your Notice of Appraised Value from the Central Appraisal District and prepare a written property description highlighting factors like smaller lot size, older finishes, or location disadvantages. The Johnson County Appraisal Review Board responds well to data-driven arguments supported by clear, organized evidence.
Can I protest my Johnson County property taxes if my value only increased slightly?
Yes, you can protest your Johnson County property taxes even if your appraised value increased slightly or stayed the same, as long as you believe the current valuation exceeds your property's true market value. Market corrections, neighborhood-specific changes, or property condition issues may justify a lower value than what the appraisal district assigned. Remember that the Central Appraisal District uses mass appraisal methods that group properties by broad characteristics, which can easily miss individual property deficiencies. In 2024, approximately 47% of informal protests and 39% of ARB hearings in Johnson County were successful, demonstrating that challenging your assessment can yield results regardless of whether your value went up, down, or remained flat.
What is the 10% homestead cap in Johnson County and how does it protect me?
The 10% homestead cap in Texas limits the annual increase of your property's appraised value to no more than 10% per year if you have a qualified homestead exemption on your primary residence. This protection applies in Johnson County and across Texas, preventing your property taxes from skyrocketing unexpectedly due to rapid market appreciation. For example, if your home was appraised at $200,000 last year, the most it can increase this year is to $220,000, even if comparable sales suggest a higher market value. However, the cap does not apply if you make significant improvements, add square footage, or undergo major renovations. You must have your homestead exemption filed and approved to receive this protection, making it essential to apply by the April 30 deadline.

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://johnsoncad.com | https://www.johnsoncountytaxoffice.org/faq | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/johnson-county | https://www.poconnor.com/johnson-county/ | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/

Last verified: 2026-02-24