How to Protest Property Taxes in Central Texas
Step-by-step guides for Travis, Williamson, and Hays County homeowners. Everything you need to file, prepare, and win your property tax protest — and keep 100% of your savings.
Essential Guides
How to Protest Property Taxes in Texas
The complete step-by-step process: filing your protest, preparing evidence, attending hearings, understanding key terms, recent legislative changes, and appeal options.
Got Your Property Tax Notice? Here's What to Do
Just opened your Notice of Appraised Value? Don't panic. Here's exactly what it means, how to tell if you're over-assessed, and the step-by-step to file your protest before the deadline.
How Much Can You Save Protesting Property Taxes?
Real savings data by county: Travis ($650–$1,500/yr), Williamson ($500–$1,200/yr), Hays ($400–$900/yr). See what a 10% reduction means at your home value.
Appraisal District Contact & Property Search
Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD)
Contact info, official property search, protest portal, and exemption filing links for TCAD — the quick-reference hub.
Williamson County Appraisal District (WCAD)
Contact info, official property search, protest portal, and exemption filing links for WCAD — the quick-reference hub.
Hays County Appraisal District (Hays CAD)
Contact info, official property search, protest portal, and exemption filing links for Hays CAD — the quick-reference hub.
Texas Homestead Exemption Guide
The current $140,000 school-tax exemption (plus $60,000 for 65+/disabled homeowners), who qualifies, and how to apply with Form 50-114.
County-Specific Guides
Travis County (TCAD) Protest Guide
Everything specific to TCAD: the online portal, Get in Line Online system, filing methods, timelines, the 87% informal success rate, and practical tips for Austin-area homeowners.
Williamson County (WCAD) Protest Guide
WCAD's unique same-day hearing structure, RingCentral virtual hearings, filing with your online passcode, how Williamson County homeowners saved $72 million in 2024, and coverage of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and Leander.
Hays County (Hays CAD) Protest Guide
Why Hays County has the highest informal success rate in the region (98%+), how to navigate the Kyle office process, Zoom hearings, and coverage of Kyle, San Marcos, and Buda.
City Guides — Find Your City
Austin Property Tax Protest Guide
Median $493K home value, 2.1% effective rate, 186,870 protests filed in 2024. Neighborhood data for 78704, Mueller, Circle C, Avery Ranch, and more.
GeorgetownGeorgetown Property Tax Protest Guide
Williamson County seat and home to WCAD offices. Sun City, Berry Creek, Cimarron Hills, and Georgetown Village neighborhood data.
All Property Tax Protest Guides
- How to Protest Property Taxes in Texas
- Got Your Property Tax Notice? Here's What to Do
- How Much Can You Save Protesting Property Taxes?
- Texas Homestead Exemption Guide
- Travis County Appraisal District (TCAD)
- Travis County (TCAD) Protest Guide
- Williamson County Appraisal District (WCAD)
- Williamson County (WCAD) Protest Guide
- Hays County Appraisal District (Hays CAD)
- Hays County (Hays CAD) Protest Guide
- Austin Property Tax Protest Guide
- Georgetown Property Tax Protest Guide
- DIY vs. Property Tax Protest Companies
Why Every Homeowner Should Protest
Informal Protest Success Rates by County
Percentage of informal protests resulting in a value reduction