Texas Property Tax Protest Deadline 2026: May 15 Is the Cutoff
Miss the deadline and you accept the county's assessed value for the entire 2026 tax year. No exceptions, no extensions, no second chances. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Texas property tax protest deadline.
The Deadline at a Glance
Do not wait. See if your home is over-assessed right now:
Understanding the Texas Property Tax Protest Deadline
The Texas Property Tax Code sets the protest deadline as May 15 or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. For 2026, that means:
- If your notice was mailed before April 15:Your deadline is May 15, 2026.
- If your notice was mailed after April 15:Your deadline is 30 days from the mailing date. For example, if mailed April 25, your deadline is May 25.
The mailing date is printed on your Notice of Appraised Value. This is the date the notice was sent, not the date you received it. If you cannot find your notice, check your county appraisal district's website for your property record.
Most homeowners in Harris, Dallas, and Collin County receive their notices in April. For the majority, the effective deadline is May 15, 2026.
Why You Should File Now, Not Later
There is no advantage to waiting. There are several advantages to filing early:
Earlier hearing dates
Filing early means your informal hearing is scheduled sooner. Early hearings happen when appraisers are less busy and more willing to negotiate. Late filings get pushed to the back of the line.
Better informal settlement rates
Appraisers have more flexibility early in the season. By June and July, they are processing hundreds of cases per week and have less time to review your evidence carefully. Early filers get more attention.
No risk of missing the deadline
Life gets busy. If you wait until the last week, a forgotten password, a website crash, or a simple scheduling conflict could cost you a year of savings. File now and eliminate the risk.
The evidence does not change
Your comparable properties and assessed values are set for the year. Waiting does not give you better data. The same evidence that works today works on May 14. But filing today gets you a hearing weeks earlier.
Get your evidence report before the rush
Search your address, see your comparables, and download your report. Then file through your county's online system.
Filing Deadlines by County
The May 15 deadline is statewide, but each county has its own filing system. Here is how to file in the three counties IndexAppeal covers:
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
If you do not file a protest by your deadline, you accept the county's appraised value for the 2026 tax year. There is no appeal, no grace period, and no way to retroactively protest.
That means if your home is over-assessed by $30,000 and your tax rate is 2.5%, you are overpaying $750 this year. And because next year's assessment starts from this year's value, you may continue overpaying in 2027 and beyond.
Limited exceptions exist for late filing:
- Military deployment: Active-duty service members deployed during the protest period may qualify for a late filing.
- Good cause: In rare cases, you can request a late filing if you can demonstrate good cause (serious illness, natural disaster). This requires documentation and approval.
For the vast majority of homeowners, there is no second chance. File before May 15, 2026.
The Real Cost of Not Protesting
67% of homeowners who protest get a reduction. The average savings is $1,200 per year. Here is what that means over time:
A lower assessed value this year carries forward. Even if the county raises values next year, your starting point is lower. Protesting once creates savings that compound over the life of your homeownership.
Not protesting is not a neutral decision. It is a decision to accept the county's number and pay whatever they say. For 67% of homeowners, that number is too high.
2026 Property Tax Protest Deadline FAQ
What is the 2026 Texas property tax protest deadline?
May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later. Check the mailing date printed on your notice.
What if I did not receive a Notice of Appraised Value?
If your value did not change, you may not receive a notice. You can still protest by May 15, 2026. Check your county appraisal district's website for your current assessed value.
Can I file a late protest?
Generally no. If you miss the deadline, you accept the county's assessed value for the 2026 tax year. There are limited exceptions for good cause (such as military deployment), but they are rare and must be documented.
Does the deadline apply to all Texas counties?
Yes. May 15 (or 30 days after your notice) is the statewide deadline under the Texas Property Tax Code. It applies to Harris County (HCAD), Dallas County (DCAD), Collin County (CCAD), and every other county in Texas.
Should I file early or wait until close to the deadline?
File early. Earlier filers get earlier hearing dates, which means you settle sooner and have a better chance at an informal resolution before appraisers are overwhelmed with cases in May.
Related Guides
The clock is ticking. Search your property now.
See if you are overpaying, get your evidence report, and file before May 15.