Travis County Property Tax Protest, Texas

Travis Bunn·Updated July 22, 2026

Watch: How to protest your property taxes in Travis County

Travis County is home to Austin, the capital of Texas and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation. With over 1.3 million residents, major cities include Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock (partial), Cedar Park (partial), Manor, and Lakeway. Property tax protests are especially important in Travis County because of the high tax burden, homeowners face a median effective tax rate of approximately 1.54% to 1.65%, significantly higher than the national average. The median home value in Travis County is approximately $487,600 to $535,000, resulting in median annual property tax bills ranging from $7,110 to $8,580, far exceeding the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Manor, Lakeway, Bee Cave

Median Home

$487,600

Tax Rate

1.54%

Annual Tax

$7,487

Population

1,300,000

On the typical Travis County home, valued near $487,600 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.54%, 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

This year's protest window has passed in most of Texas. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

The protest deadline is May 15, 2026, or 30 days from the date TCAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever comes later. Your specific deadline is printed on your appraisal notice. TCAD typically mails notices in April. The deadline is when TCAD must receive your protest, not when you mail it, postmark dates do not apply. Online protests can be filed until 11:59 PM on the deadline date.

Want the full walkthrough? Read our Travis County Property Tax Protest Guide with evidence strategies and hearing tips.

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How Travis County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April

Texas law requires Travis Central Appraisal District to appraise all property at 100% of market value as of January 1 each year. This means your assessed value equals your full market value, there is no reduction at the assessment stage. For example, if your home's market value is $487,600 (Travis County's median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $487,600, resulting in approximately $7,509 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.54%. Homestead exemptions reduce the taxable value after assessment.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). Travis County resolves relatively few cases informally compared to other major Texas counties, with the majority advancing to formal ARB hearings. ARB hearings are conducted at the TCAD office and typically last 10-20 minutes. You present your evidence, TCAD presents theirs, and a panel of board members issues a binding determination.

Receive your Notice of Appraised Value from TCAD (typically mailed in April). Review the appraised market value and compare it to what your home would realistically sell for or to similar properties in your neighborhood.

File your protest by May 15, 2026 (or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later). File online through TCAD's e-file portal at traviscad.org, by mail to PO Box 149012, Austin TX 78714, or in person at 850 E Anderson Lane. Select 'market value is too high' and/or 'unequal appraisal' as your protest grounds.

Gather and submit evidence supporting your claim. Use TCAD's online portal to upload comparable sales of similar homes, photos showing property condition issues, repair estimates, or statistical analysis demonstrating unequal appraisal. TCAD will make their evidence packet available through the portal approximately 3 days after filing.

Participate in an informal meeting with a TCAD appraiser. After filing, you are eligible for an informal settlement discussion by phone or videoconference. You can schedule a specific time through the online portal or use TCAD's 'Get in Line Online' system. TCAD will review your evidence and may make a settlement offer within 10 business days. In 2024, 87% of informal protests resulted in a reduced value.

Attend a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing if needed. If you decline the informal settlement offer or do not reach an agreement, your case advances to a formal hearing before the Travis Appraisal Review Board. ARB hearings are conducted at 850 E Anderson Lane and can be in-person, by phone, or via affidavit. In 2024, 89% of ARB protests resulted in reduced values.

If the ARB decision is unsatisfactory, file an appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) or district court within the timeframe specified in your ARB order (typically 60 days for binding arbitration or judicial appeal).

Required form: Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) or online filing through TCAD portal

Filing Methods

online:TCAD online protest portal at traviscad.org/efile using Property Owner ID and PIN from your Notice of Appraised Value. This is the fastest method with instant confirmation. Approximately 72% of protests are filed electronically.

mail:Mail Form 50-132 or written protest letter to: Travis Central Appraisal District, PO Box 149012, Austin, TX 78714. Use certified mail with return receipt for proof of filing.

in-person:Drop off protest form at TCAD office during business hours: 850 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood sold within the past yearStatistical analysis showing unequal appraisal compared to similar propertiesPhotos documenting property condition issues, deferred maintenance, or functional problemsRepair estimates or inspection reports for structural issuesFloodplain data or surveys affecting property value

Travis County Assessor Contact

Travis Central Appraisal District (TCAD)

Phone: 512-834-9317

Address: 850 East Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752

Website: https://traviscad.org

Online Portal: https://traviscad.org/efile

Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 7:45 am - 4:45 pm, Tue/Thu 9:00 am - 4:45 pm

Tax Exemptions in Travis County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$140,000 exemption from school district taxable value (increased from $100,000 by Proposition 13 approved in November 2025). Additional optional exemptions from county, city, and other taxing units vary by jurisdiction.

Available to all property owners who own and occupy the property as their primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the home as primary residence on January 1. Property must be your principal residence and you cannot claim homestead on any other property.Deadline: April 30 (late applications accepted up to 2 years)

Over-65 Homestead Exemption

Additional $60,000 school district exemption (on top of the $140,000 general exemption for a total of $200,000). Optional exemptions of at least $3,000 from county, city, or other taxing units. School tax ceiling freezes school taxes permanently.

Additional exemption for homeowners who are 65 years or older, plus a mandatory school tax ceiling (freeze) that prevents school taxes from increasing above the initial qualifying year amount.

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older during the tax year and own/occupy the property as primary residence. Surviving spouses age 55 or older may continue the exemption and tax ceiling.Deadline: April 30

Disabled Person Homestead Exemption

Additional $10,000 school district exemption (on top of the $140,000 general exemption). School tax ceiling freezes school district taxes. Optional local exemptions may also apply.

For homeowners who meet the Social Security Administration's standards for disability. Includes a school tax ceiling similar to the over-65 exemption.

Eligibility: Must meet SSA disability standards and provide documentation from the Social Security Administration. Must own and occupy property as primary residence.Deadline: April 30

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on disability rating percentage. Veterans with 100% disability rating or unemployability receive full exemption from property taxes. Surviving spouses of disabled veterans may continue receiving the exemption.

Exemption for disabled veterans based on disability rating from the VA. Can provide partial or full exemption depending on the percentage of service-connected disability.

Eligibility: Must have a service-connected disability rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Must provide VA documentation showing disability rating.Deadline: April 30

Travis County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

89%

% Who Protest

39% to 46%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Travis County for 2026?

The deadline to file a property tax protest in Travis County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after TCAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever date comes later. Your specific deadline is printed directly on your appraisal notice. TCAD typically mails notices in April, so most homeowners have until May 15. The deadline is when TCAD must receive your protest, not when you mail it, postmark dates do not count. Online protests can be filed until 11:59 PM on the deadline date, but in-person submissions must arrive during business hours.

How do I file a property tax protest online with Travis County?

To file your Travis County property tax protest online, visit traviscad.org and access the e-file portal. You will need your Property Owner ID and PIN, which are printed on your Notice of Appraised Value. Create an account if you are a first-time user, then log in and select your property. The online system allows you to file your protest, upload supporting evidence, review TCAD's evidence packet, schedule informal meetings, and even attend hearings virtually. Approximately 72% of Travis County protests are now filed electronically because it provides instant confirmation and the easiest way to manage your case throughout the process.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Travis County?

In Travis County, the school district homestead exemption is worth $140,000 off your taxable value for the 2026 tax year, increased from $100,000 following voter approval of Proposition 13 in November 2025. This means $140,000 of your home's value is exempt from school district property taxes. Local taxing units like the county and city also offer optional exemptions that vary by jurisdiction. According to TCAD, having a homestead exemption saved the average Travis County property owner $3,663 on their property tax bill in 2025. Homeowners over 65 or disabled receive an additional $60,000 school exemption plus a tax ceiling that freezes school taxes.

What happens at an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing in Travis County?

An ARB hearing in Travis County is a formal proceeding where you present evidence to an independent panel of board members who decide whether TCAD's appraisal should be reduced. Hearings are conducted at the TCAD office at 850 E Anderson Lane and typically last 10-20 minutes. You present your evidence (comparable sales, photos, statistical analysis), TCAD presents their evidence, and the ARB panel asks questions and issues a binding determination. You can attend in person, by phone, via videoconference, or submit evidence through a written affidavit. In 2024, Travis County had 149,911 ARB cases with an 89.3% success rate, meaning nearly 9 out of 10 homeowners who reached the ARB received a value reduction.

How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Travis County?

The amount you can save depends on how much your property is over-appraised and your total tax rate. In Travis County, where combined tax rates typically range from 1.8% to 2.4%, a $50,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $900 to $1,200 per year, every year going forward. Some protest companies report average client savings of $1,404 in Travis County. With the median home value around $487,600 and an effective tax rate of 1.54%, even a 5% over-assessment costs homeowners about $375 annually. In 2024, 89% of ARB protests succeeded and 87% of informal protests resulted in reductions (Travis CAD data), the odds strongly favor homeowners who file.

What evidence do I need for a successful Travis County property tax protest?

The strongest evidence for a Travis County protest includes recent comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood, ideally sold within the past 12 months and close in size, age, and condition to your property. Statistical analysis showing unequal appraisal, where similar properties are assessed at lower per-square-foot values, is also highly effective under Texas law. Photos documenting property condition issues like foundation cracks, roof damage, or deferred maintenance help demonstrate why your home's value is lower than TCAD's mass appraisal suggests. Repair estimates, inspection reports, floodplain data, and surveys can all support your case. TCAD will provide their evidence packet through the online portal approximately three days after you file, which shows the comparable sales they used.

Can I protest my Travis County property taxes if I already have a homestead exemption?

Yes, absolutely. The homestead exemption and property tax protest are two completely separate processes that work together to lower your tax bill. The homestead exemption reduces your taxable value by a fixed amount ($140,000 for school taxes in 2026), while a protest challenges TCAD's market value determination if you believe it is too high or unequal compared to similar properties. Every Travis County property owner has the legal right to file a protest regardless of exemption status. In fact, protesting is even more valuable when you have a homestead because the tax savings compound, you benefit from both the exemption and any reduction you win through the protest.

What is Travis County's informal protest process and should I participate?

Travis County's informal process allows you to meet one-on-one with a TCAD appraiser by phone or videoconference before advancing to a formal ARB hearing. After filing your protest and submitting evidence, you can schedule an informal meeting through the online portal or use TCAD's 'Get in Line Online' system to enter a daily queue. During the meeting, the appraiser reviews your evidence and TCAD may make a settlement offer within 10 business days. In 2024, 87% of informal protests in Travis County resulted in reduced values. You should absolutely participate because it gives you an early chance to resolve the protest without a formal hearing, and if you decline the offer you still advance to the ARB automatically.

Official Resources

Travis Central Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property search, file protests online, view assessment notices, apply for exemptions, and find official forms and deadlines.

TCAD Online Protest E-File Portal →

File your property tax protest online, upload evidence, review TCAD's evidence packet, schedule hearings, and manage your entire protest case electronically.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Information →

Statewide property tax resources including laws, forms, exemption applications, appraisal district performance data, and taxpayer rights.

Travis County Tax Office →

Pay property taxes, set up payment plans, find payment deadlines, and access information about tax bills, exemptions, and delinquency.

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

Angelina County (Lufkin)Bastrop County (Bastrop)Bell County (Killeen)Bexar County (San Antonio)Brazoria County (Pearland)Brazos County (Bryan)

← All Texas property tax protest info

Sources: https://traviscad.org | https://www.ownwell.com/results/texas-protest-vs-non-protest | https://www.poconnor.com/travis-county | https://propertytaxrates.org/counties/texas/travis-county/ | https://resolutepts.com/texas/travis-county-property-taxes/

Last verified: 2026-07-22