Your Texas Commercial Tax Is Too High.
Texas appraisal districts over-assess commercial properties every year. Learn how the ARB protest process works, what evidence wins, and get help preparing and filing your own protest. Filing a protest costs nothing.
The Problem
Texas CADs Overvalue
Every Single Year.
County Appraisal Districts (CADs) value hundreds of thousands of properties with mass-appraisal models. Most commercial owners never protest, leaving potential savings on the table annually.
Texas law gives you the right to protest to the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) every year under Tax Code Chapter 41. The deadline is May 15 (or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value). Miss it, you're locked in.
Check If You're Over-AssessedNo State Income Tax = Property Tax Carries Everything
Texas funds local government almost entirely through property taxes. Commercial rates in major metros exceed 2.5% annually. A $3M warehouse pays $75K+ per year — every dollar of over-assessment costs real money.
CADs Use Mass Appraisal — Errors Are Common
Appraisal districts don't inspect every property. Their mass valuation models routinely miss deferred maintenance, vacancy rates, functional obsolescence, and property-specific factors that reduce true market value.
Unequal Appraisal Protests Are Winnable
Under Tax Code §41.43, you can protest that your property is appraised higher than comparable properties — you don't need to prove the exact market value. Inequality of appraisal is one of the most effective grounds.
Texas ARB Process
From Protest Filing to Final Decision
What to expect at every step under Chapter 41 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
Review Your Notice of Appraised Value
Mar–AprYour CAD mails the notice in spring. Compare the appraised value against your property's income, condition, and comparable assessments. Our guides and calculator help you spot over-assessment.
File Your Notice of Protest by May 15
Deadline: May 15File Form 50-132 with your appraisal district by May 15 — or 30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later (Tax Code §41.44). Filing is free, and most CADs accept online filing.
Informal Review with the Appraisal District
CAD NegotiationMany protests resolve at an informal meeting with a CAD appraiser. Bring comparable sales data, income analysis, and condition evidence — our guides cover exactly what to prepare.
Formal ARB Hearing (if Needed)
ARB HearingIf informal review fails, you present your case to the Appraisal Review Board. Under §41.43, the district bears the burden of proof. Evidence preparation makes or breaks this stage.
Binding Arbitration or District Court if Required
Appeal OptionsUnsatisfied with the ARB? Texas law provides further appeal routes: binding arbitration (Chapter 41A), SOAH, or District Court (Chapter 42). Each has its own deadlines and deposit requirements.
Coverage
Guides for All 254 Texas Counties
From Harris to Hudspeth — county-specific deadlines, appraisal district details, and protest guidance. View county guides.
May 15 Deadline
Ready to Stop Overpaying
on Your Texas Property Tax?
The May 15 deadline is firm. Send us your questions about your assessment and we'll point you to the right resources and help you prepare your protest filing.