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Wichita County Property Tax Protest — Texas

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 24, 2026

Wichita County is located in North Texas with its county seat in Wichita Falls, the largest city and primary population center. The county encompasses 628 square miles with a population of approximately 129,984 as of 2020. Property tax protests are particularly important in Wichita County because the effective property tax rate of 1.79% is significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, meaning homeowners face a heavier tax burden than most Americans. With a median home value around $113,000 to $120,000 and median annual tax bills of approximately $2,023 to $2,342, residents can potentially save hundreds of dollars annually by protesting inflated assessments.

Notable cities: Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, Electra

Median Home

$113,000

Tax Rate

1.79%

Annual Tax

$2,023

Population

129,984

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

The deadline is printed on your Notice of Appraised Value. In most cases, you have until May 15 or 30 days from the date the appraisal district mails your notice, whichever date is later. For 2026, if you receive your notice after April 15, you have 30 days from the delivery date to file your protest.

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

How Wichita County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Wichita County Appraisal District (Wichita AD)

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: April-May (by May 1, or April 1 for residence homesteads)

In Texas, all taxable property is appraised at its market value as of January 1 each year. Wichita County uses a 100% assessment ratio, meaning your assessed value equals your full market value with no reduction. For example, if your home's market value is $113,000 (the county median), at Texas's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $113,000. After applying the $100,000 school district homestead exemption, you would pay taxes on $13,000 for school taxes, resulting in approximately $2,023 in annual property taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.79%.

The Protest Process

Appeals are heard by the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). ARB hearings are conducted at the Wichita Appraisal District office at 600 Scott Ave, Suite 300. The ARB is a panel of private citizens appointed by the Administrative District Law Judge who listen to both you and the appraisal district representative, then make a binding decision for that tax year.

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

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Step 2: Gather evidence to support your protest, including comparable home sales in your neighborhood from the past year, photos documenting your property's condition, recent appraisals, and documentation of needed repairs or deferred maintenance.

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Step 3: File your protest by the deadline using Form 50-132 or a written statement through the online portal at portal.wadtx.com, by mail, or in person. You must file before May 15, 2026, or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later.

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Step 4: Request an informal review with an appraisal district appraiser before your formal ARB hearing. Many protests are resolved at this stage when strong evidence is presented. This meeting allows you to discuss your concerns and potentially reach an agreement without going to the ARB.

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Step 5: If the informal review does not resolve your protest, attend your formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. You will receive a Notice of Protest Hearing letter at least 15 days before your scheduled hearing date. Present your evidence to the ARB panel, who will make a binding decision for that tax year.

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Step 6: If dissatisfied with the ARB decision, you may appeal to State District Court in Wichita County within 60 days of receiving the ARB order, or pursue binding arbitration for certain property types.

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Step 7: For properties meeting specific criteria, you may also appeal to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) as an alternative to district court.

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

Filing Methods

online:File through the Wichita AD Taxpayer Online Portal at https://portal.wadtx.com/ - requires setting up an account
mail:Mail to: Wichita Appraisal District, P.O. Box 5172, Wichita Falls, TX 76307
in-person:Deliver to: 600 Scott Ave, Suite 300, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
email:Contact cs@wadtx.com for electronic submission options (must have prior agreement for electronic communications)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar properties in your neighborhood that sold within the past yearProperty condition documentation including photos of damage, needed repairs, or deferred maintenanceIndependent appraisal reports or professional property valuationsDocumentation of property defects, foundation issues, or functional obsolescenceEvidence of unequal appraisal showing similar properties assessed at lower values

Wichita County Assessor Contact

Wichita County Appraisal District

Phone: (940) 322-2435

Address: 600 Scott Ave, Suite 300, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Website: https://wadtx.com/

Online Portal: https://portal.wadtx.com/

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

Tax Exemptions in Wichita County

General Residence Homestead Exemption

$100,000 for school district taxes (with potential increase to $140,000 pending 2025 constitutional amendment approval)

The mandatory school district homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for school district taxes.

Eligibility: Any homeowner who owns and occupies a property as their principal residence on January 1 of the tax year. You cannot claim a homestead exemption on more than one property.Deadline: Before May 1, but can be filed anytime (applies to the year filed and continues automatically)

Over-65 Homestead Exemption

Additional $60,000 school district exemption plus optional local exemptions (minimum $3,000 where offered); also establishes a tax ceiling for school taxes

Provides an additional exemption for homeowners age 65 or older, plus a tax ceiling that freezes school district taxes at the amount for the year you qualify.

Eligibility: Homeowners age 65 or older who have a homestead exemption. The tax ceiling transfers to a surviving spouse age 55 or older.Deadline: Before May 1 of the year you turn 65, or anytime after

Disabled Person Homestead Exemption

Additional $60,000 school district exemption plus optional local exemptions; includes tax ceiling for school taxes

Provides additional exemptions for disabled homeowners and establishes a school tax ceiling similar to the over-65 exemption.

Eligibility: Property owners who cannot engage in gainful work due to physical or mental disability, or are 55 and blind. Must receive Social Security disability benefits or meet other disability criteria.Deadline: Before May 1, but can be filed anytime after becoming disabled

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Ranges from $5,000 (10-29% disability) to $12,000 (30-49% disability) up to 100% exemption for veterans with 100% disability rating or individual unemployability

Provides partial or total property tax exemptions based on the veteran's disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligibility: Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA, or their surviving spouses and children. Must be a Texas resident.Deadline: Before May 1, but can be filed anytime

Farm-to-Market/Flood Control Exemption

$3,000

Counties that collect special farm-to-market road or flood control taxes must provide this exemption.

Eligibility: All homestead property owners in counties with farm-to-market or flood control taxesDeadline: Before May 1 (typically included with general homestead exemption application)

Official Resources

Wichita County Appraisal District Official Website →

Access property information, forms, FAQs, and official information from the Wichita County Appraisal District.

Wichita AD Online Taxpayer Portal →

File your property tax protest online, view your property details, and manage exemption applications through the official portal.

Wichita County Property Search →

Search and view property records, appraisals, and ownership information for properties in Wichita County.

Texas Comptroller Property Tax Protests and Appeals →

Official state guidance on filing property tax protests, ARB procedures, and taxpayer rights in Texas.

Texas Property Tax Exemptions Guide →

Comprehensive information about all available property tax exemptions in Texas, including homestead, senior, disabled veteran, and other exemptions.

Wichita County Protest Statistics

Success Rate

64% at ARB hearings, 88% at informal reviews

Avg Reduction

$727

% Who Protest

5% (as of 2024, up from 4% in 2020)

Check Your Wichita County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to protest my property taxes in Wichita County for 2026?
The protest deadline for Wichita County is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after you receive your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever date is later. The exact deadline will be printed on your notice when it arrives in April or May. Missing this deadline means you forfeit your right to protest your valuation for the 2026 tax year, so it's critical to file on time. You can file online through the Wichita AD portal at portal.wadtx.com, by mail to P.O. Box 5172, Wichita Falls, TX 76307, or in person at 600 Scott Ave, Suite 300.
How do I file a property tax protest online in Wichita County?
To file your protest online in Wichita County, visit the Wichita Appraisal District Taxpayer Portal at https://portal.wadtx.com/ and create an account using your property ID number. Once logged in, you can access your property details, review your appraisal information, and submit your protest electronically. You'll need to complete Form 50-132 or provide a written statement expressing your disagreement with the appraised value. The online system allows you to track your protest status and receive electronic communications from the district. For assistance, contact the appraisal district at (940) 322-2435 during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Wichita County?
In Wichita County, the mandatory school district homestead exemption is currently $100,000, which removes $100,000 from your home's taxable value for school taxes. This exemption could save you approximately $1,500 to $2,000 annually depending on local tax rates. Additionally, if you're age 65 or older or disabled, you qualify for an extra $60,000 school district exemption plus a tax ceiling that freezes your school taxes. Counties that collect farm-to-market or flood control taxes also provide a $3,000 exemption. The homestead exemption is free to apply for and only needs to be filed once at the Wichita Appraisal District—it continues automatically as long as you occupy the property as your primary residence.
What evidence do I need to win my property tax protest in Wichita County?
To win your Wichita County property tax protest, you need concrete evidence showing your home's actual market value is lower than the appraised value. The most effective evidence includes recent comparable sales (within the past 12 months) of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold for less than your appraised value, adjusted for differences in square footage, age, and condition. You should also provide photographs documenting your property's condition, needed repairs, or any damage. Independent appraisals, contractor estimates for significant repairs, and evidence of unequal appraisal (showing similar properties assessed at lower values) are also valuable. The Wichita County Appraisal Review Board has a 64% success rate for formal hearings and 88% for informal reviews, so solid evidence significantly improves your chances of winning a reduction.
What happens at an ARB hearing in Wichita County?
At a Wichita County Appraisal Review Board hearing, you present your case to a panel of private citizens appointed to review property disputes. The hearing takes place at the Wichita Appraisal District office at 600 Scott Ave, Suite 300, and you'll receive at least 15 days' notice before your scheduled date. During the hearing, both you (or your representative) and an appraisal district representative present evidence and arguments. The ARB panel listens to both sides and makes a binding decision for that tax year. You can request one postponement if needed, and you may attend in person, by telephone (if pre-scheduled), or through an authorized agent. If you don't appear, your protest will be dismissed. After the hearing, you'll receive a written order by certified mail or email with the ARB's decision.
How much can I save by protesting my property taxes in Wichita County?
Wichita County property owners who successfully protest save an average of $727 per property, according to 2023 data. With 88% of informal protests and 64% of formal ARB hearings resulting in reductions, your chances of saving money are strong if you have good evidence. In 2023, property tax protests resulted in total savings of $3.75 million for Wichita County property owners. The actual amount you save depends on your property's value and the reduction you achieve—for example, reducing your appraised value by $20,000 at the county's 1.79% effective rate would save approximately $358 annually. Over-65 homeowners with the tax ceiling receive even greater long-term benefits by freezing their school taxes at a lower rate.
Can my property taxes increase if I file a protest in Wichita County?
No, your property taxes cannot increase solely because you filed a protest in Wichita County or anywhere in Texas. State law specifically prohibits the Appraisal Review Board from raising your property's value above the amount on your Notice of Appraised Value just because you protested. The worst-case scenario is that your protest is denied and your value stays the same as originally appraised. This protection means there is no risk to filing a protest if you believe your property is overvalued. However, keep in mind that your property value can still increase in future years based on market conditions and the annual reappraisal process, regardless of whether you protested in previous years.
When will I receive my Notice of Appraised Value in Wichita County?
Wichita County typically mails Notices of Appraised Value in April or May each year, with residence homesteads receiving notices by April 1 if possible, and other properties by May 1 or as soon thereafter as practical. The notice contains critical information including your property's appraised value, the protest deadline date (which is specific to your notice), and instructions for filing a protest. If you haven't received your notice by mid-May, contact the Wichita Appraisal District at (940) 322-2435 to request one. You can also sign up for electronic delivery of notices through the Taxpayer Portal at portal.wadtx.com, which ensures you receive your notice promptly and can begin gathering evidence for your protest right away.

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://wadtx.com/ | https://portal.wadtx.com/ | https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/protests/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/texas/wichita-county | https://www.poconnor.com/wichita-county/

Last verified: 2026-02-24