How to protest property taxes in Dallas County
This guide is for homeowners in Dallas County, Texas. Rules differ by state and county — always confirm on your notice and the Dallas CAD / Comptroller sites.
1. Know the deadline
In Texas, you generally must file a protest by May 15 or within 30 days after the appraisal district mails your notice of appraised value — whichever is later. The clock usually runs from the mail date on the notice. Late-file options exist in limited cases (good cause, failure to receive notice, large over-appraisal) — don’t rely on them if you can file on time.
2. Read your notice
Find market/appraised value, exemptions (homestead, over-65, etc.), and prior-year values. Homestead caps can limit year-over-year taxable value growth even when market value jumps — your protest strategy may target market value, unequal appraisal, or both.
3. File the protest
Dallas CAD offers online protest (uFILE) and paper forms. You can protest market value, unequal appraisal, exemptions, and other issues listed on the form. Keep a copy / confirmation number.
4. Informal conference
Many protests resolve at an informal meeting with the CAD before a formal ARB hearing. Bring organized evidence: comps or equity peers, photos of condition issues, repair estimates, and a one-page summary of your number.
5. ARB hearing
If unresolved, the Appraisal Review Board hears both sides. Be on time, stick to value evidence (not “taxes are too high”), and follow ARB procedures. Decisions bind that tax year only.
Evidence that helps
Recent nearby sales (time-adjusted if needed), CAD equity peers (similar size/age/neighborhood with lower $/sf), photos of deferred maintenance, foundation/roof issues, functional obsolescence, and incorrect CAD characteristics (wrong sqft, baths, pool). Avoid personal attacks or pure hardship stories without value impact.
Official links
Dallas CAD: dallascad.org · Texas Comptroller protests overview: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/protests/ · Always prefer primary sources over this summary.