Terry County Property Tax Protest, Texas

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Terry County is a rural county located in West Texas with Brownfield serving as the county seat and largest city. The county has a population of approximately 11,720 as of 2025, making it one of the smaller counties in Texas. Terry County's median home value of $105,400 is significantly lower than the Texas state average of $238,000 and the national average of $332,700. Despite lower home values, the county's effective property tax rate of 1.43% is slightly higher than the national average of 0.89%, though lower than the Texas state average of 1.31%. This creates an unusual dynamic where homeowners pay relatively modest annual tax bills but still face above-average rates, making property tax protests particularly valuable for ensuring fair assessments.

Notable cities: Brownfield, Meadow, Wellman

Median Home

$105,400

Tax Rate

1.43%

Annual Tax

$844

Population

11,720

On the typical Terry County home, valued near $105,400 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.43%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you protest it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

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

The protest deadline in Terry County follows Texas state law. Most property owners must file by May 15, 2026, but if your appraisal notice is mailed after April 15, 2026, you have 30 days from the mailing date instead. Always check the specific deadline printed on your Notice of Appraised Value to avoid missing your window.

See if your Terry County home is over-assessed

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White two-story Texas home with shade trees. Terry County protest guide.

How Terry County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Terry County Appraisal District

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May

In Texas, all properties are assessed at 100% of market value with no fractional assessment ratio. This means your assessed value equals your market value before exemptions are applied. For example, if your home's market value is $105,400 (the median in Terry County), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $105,400, resulting in approximately $1,507 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.43% before any exemptions are deducted.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB hearing is an informal proceeding where you present evidence supporting your opinion of value. The appraisal district will also present their evidence, and a panel of citizens appointed to the ARB will make a determination based on the evidence presented by both sides.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Appraised Value when it arrives in April or May. Check the property details, market value, and your protest deadline date.

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Step 2: Gather evidence to support your protest, including comparable sales of similar properties in Terry County, photographs showing property condition issues, repair estimates, and documentation of any errors in the property record.

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Step 3: File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) or a written protest letter with the Terry County Appraisal District before the deadline. Include your property account number, the reason for your protest (typically market value), and your contact information.

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Step 4: Attend an informal review meeting with an appraisal district appraiser if offered. This is an opportunity to present your evidence and potentially reach an agreed value without a formal hearing.

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Step 5: If the informal review does not resolve your protest, attend your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Present your evidence clearly and professionally, focusing on comparable sales and any property-specific issues.

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Step 6: Receive the ARB's written decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) or district court within 60 days of receiving the ARB order.

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Step 7: For further appeals beyond the ARB level, consider filing a judicial appeal in Terry County district court or requesting binding arbitration for properties under $5 million, depending on your specific circumstances and the value at stake.

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

Filing Methods

mail:Terry County Appraisal District, P.O. Box 426, Brownfield, TX 79316
in-person:421 W. Powell Street, Brownfield, TX 79316
online:Contact the appraisal district at 806-637-6966 for current online filing options

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales from the last 6-12 monthsPhotographs showing property condition or defectsProfessional appraisal or broker's price opinionRepair estimates or contractor invoicesDocumentation of property record errors (incorrect square footage, extra bathrooms, etc.)

Terry County Assessor Contact

Terry County Appraisal District

Phone: 806-637-6966

Address: 421 W. Powell Street, P.O. Box 426, Brownfield, TX 79316

Website: https://terrycoad.org

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

Tax Exemptions in Terry County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 for school taxes; optional local exemptions vary

Texas school districts must provide a $140,000 exemption on residence homesteads. Counties and cities may offer additional optional homestead exemptions.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your primary residence on January 1 of the tax yearDeadline: April 30 (first-time applicants have up to two years from the qualifying date)

Over-65 Exemption

Additional $10,000 for school taxes; additional $3,000 minimum for county taxes (may be higher in some counties)

Additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older, stacking on top of the general homestead exemption.

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older and qualify for the general homestead exemptionDeadline: Before May 1 of the tax year (can be filed late in some circumstances)

Disabled Person Exemption

Additional $10,000 for school taxes; additional $3,000 minimum for county taxes

Same benefit as the over-65 exemption for homeowners who are disabled as defined by Social Security disability standards.

Eligibility: Must be classified as disabled under Social Security Administration criteria and qualify for general homestead exemptionDeadline: Before May 1 of the tax year

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 (10-29% disabled) up to 100% exemption (100% disabled or unemployable)

Exemption amount varies based on disability rating from the VA, ranging from partial to 100% exemption.

Eligibility: Must be a disabled veteran with a VA disability rating, or surviving spouse of a qualifying veteranDeadline: Before May 1 of the tax year

Terry County Protest Packet — $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Terry County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax protest in Terry County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Most Terry County homeowners receive their appraisal notices in April or May, so it's important to check the specific mailing date printed on your notice. If your notice is mailed after April 15, your deadline extends to 30 days from that mailing date. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to protest for the entire 2026 tax year with no exceptions.
How do I file a property tax protest with the Terry County Appraisal District?
You can file a protest in Terry County by mail, in person, or by contacting the appraisal district about online options. To file by mail, send Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) or a written protest letter to Terry County Appraisal District, P.O. Box 426, Brownfield, TX 79316. For in-person filing, visit their office at 421 W. Powell Street in Brownfield during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). You can also call 806-637-6966 to inquire about current electronic filing methods. Make sure your protest includes your property account number, reason for protest, and contact information.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Terry County?
In Terry County, the general residence homestead exemption provides $140,000 off your home's appraised value for school district taxes, as mandated by Texas state law. Counties and cities in Terry County may offer additional optional exemptions up to 20% of the property's value or a minimum of $5,000. Homeowners who are 65 or older, or disabled, receive an additional $10,000 school tax exemption plus at least $3,000 for county taxes. For a home valued at the Terry County median of $105,400, the school homestead exemption alone could save approximately $2,000 annually in school taxes.
What evidence should I bring to my Terry County ARB hearing?
The most effective evidence for a Terry County property tax protest includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your area, preferably from the last 6-12 months. Bring printed property records showing details of comparable properties, including sale prices, square footage, lot size, and condition. Photographs documenting any defects, needed repairs, or condition issues with your property are also valuable. If your property has specific problems, include contractor estimates or repair invoices. Also bring documentation of any errors in your property record, such as incorrect square footage, wrong number of bathrooms, or other inaccurate details that could inflate your value.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Terry County?
Savings from protesting in Terry County vary based on your property's assessed value and how much you can reduce it, but statewide data shows 60-80% of Texas protests result in reductions. With Terry County's effective tax rate of 1.43%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $143 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your home's value from $120,000 to $105,000 (a $15,000 reduction), you would save about $215 annually. These savings continue year after year until your value increases again, making the protest effort worthwhile even for modest reductions.
Can I protest my Terry County property taxes if my value didn't increase?
Yes, you can protest your Terry County property taxes even if your appraised value stayed the same or decreased from the prior year. The key question is whether your current appraised value accurately reflects your property's true market value as of January 1, 2026. If you believe your property is overvalued compared to recent sales of similar homes in Terry County, you have the right to file a protest. Many homeowners successfully protest even when values remain flat, especially if comparable properties in their area are selling for less than the appraised values suggest.
What happens after I file a protest in Terry County?
After filing your protest with the Terry County Appraisal District, you will receive correspondence acknowledging receipt of your protest. The appraisal district may offer an informal review meeting where you can meet with an appraiser to discuss your concerns and potentially reach an agreed value without a formal hearing. If you don't reach an agreement at the informal level, or if you skip that step, your case will be scheduled for a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. You'll receive written notice of your hearing date, time, and location, typically scheduled between May and August. After the hearing, the ARB will issue a written order with their decision, usually within a few days.
Does Terry County have lower property taxes than other Texas counties?
Terry County's effective property tax rate of 1.43% is moderate compared to other Texas counties, higher than the state average of 1.31% but much lower than major metropolitan counties like Travis (1.73%), Tarrant (1.47%), or Collin (1.31%). However, because Terry County's median home value of $105,400 is significantly lower than the state average of $238,000, the median annual tax bill of $844 is well below the state median. Homeowners in Terry County pay less in total dollars than most Texas counties, but the rate as a percentage of home value is slightly above average, making careful review of assessments important to ensure you're not overpaying.

Official Resources

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

Sources: https://terrycoad.org | https://www.tax-rates.org/texas/terry_county_property_tax | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/terry-county | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/exemptions/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_County,_Texas

Last verified: 2026-07-22