AppealDesk

Montgomery County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 16, 2026

Montgomery County is located in Southeast Texas, approximately 40 miles north of Houston, and is part of the Houston metropolitan area. With its county seat in Conroe, the county has experienced rapid growth, with an estimated population of approximately 784,000 as of 2026, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. Major population centers include The Woodlands (one of the nation's most successful master-planned communities), Conroe, Willis, Magnolia, and Shenandoah. Property tax protests are particularly important here given the county's median home value of $314,556 and an effective tax rate of 1.39%, which translates to a median annual tax bill of $4,148—significantly higher than the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Conroe, The Woodlands, Willis, Magnolia, Shenandoah

Median Home

$314,556

Tax Rate

1.39%

Annual Tax

$4,148

Population

784,000 (2026 estimate)

2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your appraisal notice is mailed, whichever is later

The standard deadline is May 15, 2026. However, if you receive your notice of appraised value less than 30 days before May 15, you have 30 days from the date the notice was mailed. Always use the later of the two dates to ensure your protest is timely filed.

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

How Montgomery County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May (typically by mid-April)

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value for tax purposes. This means your assessed value equals your market value (before exemptions are applied). For example, if your home's market value is $314,556 (the county median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $314,556, resulting in approximately $4,372 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.39% (before any exemptions).

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). ARB hearings typically last 15-20 minutes. You will present your evidence supporting a lower value, and the appraisal district will present its evidence supporting the assessed value. A three-member panel will consider both sides and issue a binding determination of your property's value.

1

Review your Notice of Appraised Value carefully when it arrives (typically in April) and compare it to recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood and your previous year's assessment.

2

File your Notice of Protest by May 15, 2026 (or 30 days from when your notice was mailed, whichever is later) using the online portal at https://mcad-tx.org if you have an Online Protest ID, or by mailing/delivering the form to MCAD at 109 Gladstell St, Conroe, TX 77301.

3

Gather supporting evidence for your protest including recent comparable sales data (typically within the last 6-12 months), photographs of your property showing any defects or needed repairs, independent appraisals if available, and documentation of any errors in the appraisal district's property description.

4

Attend the informal hearing with an MCAD appraiser (many protests are resolved at this stage). You can participate via video conference or in person at the Appraisal District office. Present your evidence and negotiate for a fair value reduction.

5

If the informal hearing does not result in an agreement, your case will proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), typically scheduled between June and September. A panel of three ARB members will hear evidence from both you and the appraisal district and render a binding decision.

6

If you disagree with the ARB's decision, you have further appeal options including binding arbitration (for properties under $5 million appraised value with disputes under $1 million) or filing a lawsuit in district court within 60 days of receiving the ARB order.

Required form: Notice of Protest form (no specific form number required; can be submitted online if you receive an Online Protest ID, by mail, or in person)

Filing Methods

online:Available through MCAD's online portal at https://mcad-tx.org if your appraisal notice includes an Online Protest ID. Use your Property ID and Online Protest ID to login and file electronically.
mail:Mail completed Notice of Protest form to: Montgomery County Appraisal District, 109 Gladstell St, Conroe, TX 77301 (or P.O. Box 2233, Conroe, TX 77305-2233)
in-person:Deliver your protest form in person to Montgomery Central Appraisal District, 109 Gladstell Street, Conroe, TX 77301. Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales (sold within the last 6-12 months in your neighborhood)Photographs showing property condition, defects, or needed repairsIndependent appraisal reports or broker price opinionsDocumentation of errors in MCAD's property records (square footage, age, condition, features)Repair estimates or contractor bids for major issuesUnequal appraisal analysis showing similar properties assessed at lower values

Montgomery County Assessor Contact

Montgomery Central Appraisal District (MCAD)

Phone: (936) 756-3354

Address: 109 Gladstell Street, Conroe, TX 77301 (Mailing: P.O. Box 2233, Conroe, TX 77305-2233)

Website: https://mcad-tx.org

Online Portal: https://mcad-tx.org/OnlineAppeals

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

Tax Exemptions in Montgomery County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$100,000 for school district taxes (mandatory); up to 20% local option exemption from cities, counties, and other taxing units (varies by jurisdiction)

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district taxes and may provide additional local exemptions from other taxing units.

Eligibility: You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Only one homestead exemption per person.Deadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to two years after the delinquency date, typically February 1)

Over-65 Exemption

$10,000 minimum from school districts (required by state law); additional amounts vary by local taxing unit. Montgomery County, City of Conroe, and Lone Star College District have elected to place a tax ceiling (freeze) on property taxes.

Provides an additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older and freezes school district taxes at the ceiling amount once granted.

Eligibility: Homeowner must be 65 years or older as of January 1 of the tax year and occupy the property as their primary residence.Deadline: Can be filed anytime after turning 65; exemption applies for the entire year if you turn 65 during the year

Disabled Person Exemption

$10,000 minimum from school districts (required); additional local amounts vary. Tax ceiling (freeze) available from Montgomery County, City of Conroe, and Lone Star College District.

Provides property tax relief for homeowners who are 100% disabled and freezes school taxes.

Eligibility: Must be classified as 100% disabled by the Social Security Administration or other qualifying disability determination. Must provide proof such as Social Security awards letter or physician's statement.Deadline: April 30 (late applications accepted)

Disabled Veteran Exemption

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

Provides exemptions ranging from partial to total based on disability rating from the VA or military branch.

Eligibility: Must be a disabled veteran with a disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the armed services branch. Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans may also qualify if unmarried.Deadline: April 30

Official Resources

Montgomery Central Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property records, file exemptions, search property values, and find forms and information about the appraisal process.

Montgomery County Appraisal District Online Protest Portal →

File your property tax protest online if your notice includes an Online Protest ID (serves as your informal hearing).

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for understanding Texas property tax laws, exemptions, and your rights as a property owner.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Exemptions Guide →

Detailed information about all available property tax exemptions in Texas, including homestead, over-65, disabled veteran, and disability exemptions.

Montgomery County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

67%

Avg Reduction

$609

% Who Protest

26%

Check Your Montgomery County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Montgomery County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Montgomery County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your notice of appraised value is mailed, whichever date is later. This means if you receive your appraisal notice after April 15, you will have 30 days from the mailing date shown on the notice. Missing this deadline typically means you cannot protest until the following year, so it's critical to file on time. If you're uncertain about your deadline, check the date on your notice or contact MCAD at(936) 756-3354.
How do I file a property tax protest online with Montgomery County?
You can file your Montgomery County property tax protest online if your Notice of Appraised Value includes an Online Protest ID number. To file online, visit https://mcad-tx.org and access the online protest portal using your Property ID and Online Protest ID to login. The online system allows you to submit your protest, upload supporting evidence such as comparable sales and photos, and track the status of your appeal. If your notice does not include an Online Protest ID, you must file by mail or in person at 109 Gladstell Street in Conroe. The online filing process serves as your informal hearing with the appraisal district.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Montgomery County?
The general residence homestead exemption in Montgomery County provides a mandatory $100,000 exemption from school district taxes, which is the largest savings. Additionally, local taxing units like cities, the county, and special districts may offer optional exemptions up to 20% of your home's appraised value. For example, on a home valued at $314,556 (the county median), the $100,000 school exemption alone could save you approximately $1,390 annually. Over-65 and disabled homeowners receive additional exemptions and tax ceiling freezes. The homestead exemption is free to apply for and can be filed online, by mail, or in person at MCAD.
What happens at an ARB hearing in Montgomery County?
At an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Montgomery County, you will appear before a three-member panel of citizens who are independent from the appraisal district. The hearing typically lasts 15-20 minutes, during which you present evidence supporting a lower property value, such as comparable sales, photos, and any documentation showing errors in the assessment. The MCAD appraiser will also present evidence supporting their valuation. After hearing both sides, the ARB panel deliberates and issues a binding decision on your property's value. You can attend ARB hearings in person at the MCAD office or virtually via video conference. If you disagree with the outcome, you have 60 days to appeal to district court or request binding arbitration.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Montgomery County?
Montgomery County property owners who protested in 2023 saved an average of $609 per account, with total savings exceeding $60 million across all protests. The amount you can save depends on your property's assessed value and how much it can be reduced. For example, if your home is valued at $314,556 and you achieve a $20,000 reduction, you would save approximately $278 annually at the 1.39% effective rate. About 67% of property owners who appealed to the ARB were successful in 2023. Even better, successful protests often carry forward to future years, as the chief appraiser cannot increase your value without substantial evidence in subsequent years.
What evidence do I need for a Montgomery County property tax protest?
To build a strong property tax protest in Montgomery County, you should gather recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value (ideally within the last 6-12 months). Take photographs showing any defects, needed repairs, or conditions that negatively affect your home's value. Obtain an independent appraisal or broker price opinion if possible, and review MCAD's property records online to identify any errors in square footage, age, condition rating, or features. If your home needs major repairs, include contractor estimates or repair bids. You can also present an unequal appraisal argument by showing that similar properties in your area are assessed at lower values per square foot than yours.
Can I protest my Montgomery County property taxes if I just bought my home?
Yes, you can protest your property taxes even if you recently purchased your home in Montgomery County. In fact, your recent purchase price can be strong evidence if the appraisal district has assessed your home at a value higher than what you paid. If you bought your home for $300,000 and MCAD values it at $330,000, your closing statement showing the actual sale price is compelling evidence that the market value should be lower. However, if you purchased significantly below market value (such as a foreclosure or family sale), the appraisal district may not accept your purchase price as the true market value. You must still file your protest by the May 15 deadline or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice.
What is the difference between the informal hearing and the ARB hearing in Montgomery County?
The informal hearing in Montgomery County is your first opportunity to resolve your protest directly with an MCAD staff appraiser, typically conducted one-on-one via video conference or in person at the appraisal district office. Many protests are settled at this stage through negotiation, and if you file online, your online protest serves as the informal hearing. If you cannot reach an agreement during the informal hearing, your case automatically proceeds to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB hearing is more formal, with a three-member independent citizen panel that hears evidence from both you and MCAD, then renders a binding decision. Most protests in Montgomery County are resolved at the informal stage, making it important to present strong evidence early in the 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 →

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://mcad-tx.org | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/montgomery-county | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/ | https://www.ballardpropertytaxprotest.com/county/montgomery | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_County,_Texas

Last verified: 2026-02-16