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San Patricio County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 25, 2026

San Patricio County is located in South Texas along the Gulf Coast, with Sinton serving as the county seat. Major population centers include Portland, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Mathis, Odem, Taft, and Gregory. The county covers 708 square miles with a population of approximately 68,755 as of the 2020 census. Property tax protests are critically important here because San Patricio County has one of the highest effective property tax rates in Texas at 1.88%, significantly exceeding both the state median of 1.67% and the national median of 0.99%. With a median home value of $177,138 and an effective tax rate of 1.88%, the median annual property tax bill reaches $3,126, which is $726 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Notable cities: Sinton, Portland, Aransas Pass, Ingleside, Mathis, Odem, Taft, Gregory

Median Home

$177,138

Tax Rate

1.88%

Annual Tax

$3,126

Population

68,755

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

In most cases, property owners have until May 15 or 30 days from the date the appraisal district delivers the notice of appraised value, whichever date is later. For residence homesteads, notices are typically mailed by April 1 or as soon as practical thereafter. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it extends to the next business day.

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

How San Patricio County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: San Patricio County Appraisal District

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring, typically by mid-April

In Texas, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning the assessed value equals the full market value of your property. For example, if your home's market value is $177,138 (the median in San Patricio County), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $177,138. At the county's effective tax rate of 1.88%, this would result in approximately $3,330 in annual taxes before any exemptions. The homestead exemption of $140,000 for school district taxes can significantly reduce this burden for qualifying homeowners.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). At the ARB hearing, you will present your evidence to a panel of board members while the appraisal district representative presents their case. The hearing is semi-formal, and you may represent yourself or hire an agent. The ARB will issue a written order by certified mail or email with their decision.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives in the spring (typically by mid-April). Compare the appraised value to recent comparable sales and your property's actual condition.

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Step 2: File your protest by May 15, 2026, or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later. You can file online at https://eprotest.sanpatcad.org/, by mail to P.O. Box 938, Sinton, TX 78387-0938, in person at 1301 E. Sinton St. Suite B, or via email to sanpatarb@sanpatcad.org. Use Form 50-132 or submit a written protest stating your property information and reason for disagreement.

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Step 3: Request an informal conference with the appraisal district staff to try to resolve your protest before the formal ARB hearing. The informal hearing offers an 83% success rate in San Patricio County and can save time and effort.

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Step 4: If the informal hearing doesn't resolve your protest, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). You'll receive written notice of the hearing date, time, and location at least 15 days in advance. Prepare evidence including comparable sales, photos, repair estimates, and documentation of property condition issues.

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Step 5: Attend your ARB hearing and present your evidence. The ARB will hear from both you and the appraisal district representative. In San Patricio County, formal ARB hearings have a 57% success rate, and 99% of property owners who appealed received some form of reduction in 2023.

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Step 6: If dissatisfied with the ARB decision, you may appeal to State District Court in San Patricio County, or depending on property type and value, you may appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) or binding arbitration.

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Step 7: If you pursue judicial appeal, consider consulting with a property tax attorney or consultant. The district court provides the final level of local appeal for property tax disputes.

Required form: Form 50-132 (Property Owner's Notice of Protest) or a written letter of protest

Filing Methods

online:https://eprotest.sanpatcad.org/ - San Patricio CAD Taxpayer Portal for online protest filing
mail:San Patricio County Appraisal District, P.O. Box 938, Sinton, TX 78387-0938
in-person:1301 E. Sinton St. Suite B, Sinton, TX 78387 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
email:sanpatarb@sanpatcad.org for protest-related inquiries

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties in your areaPhotographs documenting property condition, defects, or needed repairsRepair estimates or contractor quotes for significant issuesIndependent appraisal report (if available)Documentation of property description errors in appraisal district recordsUnequal appraisal analysis comparing your assessment to similar properties

San Patricio County Assessor Contact

San Patricio County Appraisal District

Phone: (361) 364-5402

Address: P.O. Box 938, Sinton, TX 78387-0938 (Mailing) / 1301 E. Sinton St. Suite B, Sinton, TX 78387 (Physical)

Website: https://sanpatcad.org/

Online Portal: https://eprotest.sanpatcad.org/

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tax Exemptions in San Patricio County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 for school district taxes (2026); local taxing units may offer up to 20% of appraised value (minimum $5,000); counties with farm-to-market or flood control taxes provide an additional $3,000

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district and other local taxing units

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax yearDeadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 2 years after the delinquency date)

Over-65 Exemption

Additional $60,000 exemption for school district taxes (2026); additional exemption of at least $10,000 from local taxing units that adopt it; school tax ceiling freezes school district taxes

Additional exemption for homeowners aged 65 or older, includes a school tax ceiling that freezes school taxes at the amount paid the year the exemption is granted

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older and qualify for the general homestead exemption on your primary residenceDeadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 1 year after the delinquency date)

Disabled Person Exemption

Additional $10,000 minimum from local taxing units; school tax ceiling freezes school district taxes; same benefits as over-65 exemption

Additional exemption for homeowners with qualifying disabilities, includes a school tax ceiling similar to the over-65 exemption

Eligibility: Must qualify as disabled under Social Security Administration standards and own and occupy the property as your primary residenceDeadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 1 year after the delinquency date)

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 (10-29% disabled) up to total exemption (100% disabled or unemployable); amounts vary by disability rating

Exemption ranging from partial to total based on disability rating from the VA or armed services branch

Eligibility: Must be a disabled veteran with a disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or armed services branchDeadline: Generally April 30, but specific deadlines may vary

10% Appraisal Cap

Limits taxable value increase to 10% per year after the first year of homestead qualification

Limits annual increases in appraised value for homesteaded properties (not an exemption, but a valuable protection)

Eligibility: Automatically applies once you receive a general homestead exemptionDeadline: No separate application required; applies automatically with homestead exemption

Official Resources

San Patricio County Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property records, forms, exemption information, and general information about the appraisal district and property tax system.

San Patricio CAD Online Protest Portal →

File your property tax protest online, view property details, and communicate with the appraisal district through the taxpayer portal.

San Patricio CAD Property Search →

Search and view property records, appraised values, and tax information for any property in San Patricio County.

Texas Comptroller - Property Tax Protests and Appeals →

Official state guidance on filing property tax protests, understanding your rights, and navigating the appeal process in Texas.

Texas Comptroller - Property Tax Exemptions →

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

San Patricio County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

83% at informal hearings; 57% at formal ARB hearings

Avg Reduction

$2,321

% Who Protest

12% of property owners in 2024

Check Your San Patricio County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in San Patricio County for 2026?
The protest deadline in San Patricio County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date your notice of appraised value is delivered, whichever is later. For residence homesteads, the appraisal district must mail notices by April 1 or as soon as practical thereafter. If the May 15 deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it extends to the next business day. Missing this deadline can severely limit your options for reducing your property taxes, so it's critical to file on time either online at https://eprotest.sanpatcad.org/, by mail, or in person at the appraisal district office.
How do I file a property tax protest online in San Patricio County?
You can file your property tax protest online through the San Patricio CAD Taxpayer Portal at https://eprotest.sanpatcad.org/. The portal allows you to access your property details, review communications from the appraisal district, and file appeals electronically. You'll need your property information and the PIN from your notice of appraised value. The online system must receive your protest before midnight on the deadline date (May 15, 2026, or 30 days from your notice delivery, whichever is later). After filing, you'll receive confirmation and subsequent hearing notices through the portal or by mail.
What is the homestead exemption worth in San Patricio County in 2026?
In San Patricio County for 2026, the school district homestead exemption is $140,000, which was increased from $100,000 following voter approval of Proposition 13 in November 2025. This exemption applies only to school district taxes, not city or county taxes. Local taxing units may also offer optional homestead exemptions of up to 20% of your property's appraised value (with a minimum of $5,000). For a home valued at the county median of $177,138, the $140,000 school exemption alone can save approximately $1,400 annually in school taxes. Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled receive an additional $60,000 exemption for school district taxes, bringing their total school exemption to $200,000.
What happens at an ARB hearing in San Patricio County?
At a San Patricio County ARB hearing, you will present your case before a panel of Appraisal Review Board members while an appraisal district representative presents their evidence. You'll receive at least 15 days' notice of the hearing date, time, and location. The hearing is semi-formal, and you may represent yourself or hire an authorized agent. You should bring evidence such as comparable sales, photos of your property, repair estimates, and any documentation showing errors in the appraisal district's records. Both sides will present their arguments, and the ARB will make a determination based on the evidence. After the hearing, you'll receive a written order by certified mail or email stating the board's decision. In San Patricio County, formal ARB hearings have a 57% success rate.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in San Patricio County?
Property owners in San Patricio County who protested in 2023 saved an average of $2,320.54 per account. In 2024, total tax savings increased to $54.63 million across 6,080 protested accounts. Success rates are particularly high at informal hearings (83%) compared to formal ARB hearings (57%), and overall, 99% of property owners who appealed in 2023 received some form of reduction. The actual savings depend on factors such as your property's overassessment, quality of evidence presented, and whether you pursue informal or formal hearings. With the median annual tax bill of $3,126 and the county's 1.88% effective tax rate, even a modest 5-10% reduction in assessed value can result in savings of $150-$300 or more annually.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax protest in San Patricio County?
To maximize your chances of success in San Patricio County, gather comparable sales data from at least three to five similar properties in your neighborhood that sold recently for less than your assessed value. Take clear photographs documenting any property condition issues, deferred maintenance, or needed repairs. Obtain written repair estimates or contractor quotes for significant defects. Review your property record card from the appraisal district for errors in square footage, room counts, or quality ratings. If your property is assessed higher than similar homes, prepare an unequal appraisal analysis showing the disparity. Request the appraisal district's evidence package, which they must provide free of charge, to understand their valuation methodology and identify weaknesses in their case.
Should I attend an informal hearing before the formal ARB hearing in San Patricio County?
Yes, you should absolutely request an informal hearing with San Patricio County Appraisal District staff before proceeding to a formal ARB hearing. Informal hearings in San Patricio County have an impressive 83% success rate compared to 57% at formal ARB hearings. During the informal meeting, you'll work directly with an appraisal district appraiser to review your evidence and potentially reach a settlement without the need for a formal hearing. This process is faster, less formal, and often more productive. In 2024, homeowners saved $830,000 through informal protests alone. Even if the informal hearing doesn't fully resolve your protest, it gives you valuable insight into the district's position and allows you to refine your evidence before the formal ARB hearing.
Can I protest my San Patricio County property taxes if I just bought my home?
Yes, you can protest your San Patricio County property taxes even if you recently purchased your home, though your purchase price may be used as evidence of market value by the appraisal district. However, if you paid more than market value, bought from a family member, purchased under duress, or if market conditions have changed since closing, you still have valid grounds to protest. You should file your protest by the May 15 deadline or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later. Additionally, new homeowners should immediately apply for the homestead exemption if the property is your primary residence—as of 2022, you can apply immediately upon moving in rather than waiting until January 1 of the following year. The homestead exemption provides $140,000 in school district tax savings and limits future appraisal increases to 10% annually.

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

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← All Texas property tax protest info

Sources: https://sanpatcad.org/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/san-patricio-county | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/protests/ | https://www.poconnor.com/san-patricio-county/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Patricio_County,_Texas | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/

Last verified: 2026-02-25