Appraisal District
TCAD
Protest Deadline
May 15, 2026
Required Form
Form 50-132
Risk of Increase
No
Travis Central Appraisal District Portal
Access your property records, assessment details, and file protests directly through the official TCAD website.
Visit https://traviscad.orgHow to File with TCAD
Travis County accepts online protests through the TCAD website at traviscad.org. You can also file by mail (P.O. Box 149012, Austin, TX 78714) or in person at 850 E. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752. Online filing requires your property ID and owner name.
Step-by-Step
Travis County Protest Process
Receive your Notice of Appraised Value from TCAD (usually mailed in April).
File Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) by May 15, 2026, or 30 days after the notice was mailed, whichever is later. File online at https://traviscad.org, by mail, or in person.
Attend an informal hearing with a TCAD appraiser. Bring your comparable sales evidence, photos, and any repair estimates.
If the informal hearing does not resolve your case, proceed to a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Present your evidence at the ARB hearing. The board reviews your case and issues a written decision.
If you disagree with the ARB decision, you have 60 days to appeal to binding arbitration, SOAH, or district court.
About Travis County Protests
Austin and Travis County have seen rapid property value increases, making protests especially valuable. TCAD offers a "Rapid Resolution" program for straightforward protests. Travis County also has one of the highest protest rates in Texas.
No Risk of Increase
Under Texas Property Tax Code Section 41.71, the Travis Central Appraisal Districtcannot raise your property's assessed value during the protest process. Your value can only stay the same or go down. There is no risk to filing.
FAQ
Travis County Protest Questions
How do I protest with TCAD?
Visit traviscad.org and navigate to the protest section. You can file online using your property ID (found on your appraisal notice). You can also download Form 50-132, complete it, and mail or hand-deliver it to TCAD.
What is TCAD's Rapid Resolution program?
Rapid Resolution is TCAD's informal settlement process for straightforward cases. If your protest falls within certain parameters, TCAD may offer a quick settlement without a full hearing. This is typically faster than the standard protest process.
Are Austin property values still rising?
Austin property values have seen significant fluctuations. Even in rising markets, individual properties can be over-assessed relative to comparable sales. The key question is whether your specific assessment exceeds what comparable properties have sold for.
What evidence works best for Travis County protests?
Recent comparable sales within 1 mile of your property are the strongest evidence. TCAD appraisers respond well to 5-10 comparable sales from the past 12 months. Photos of any property defects or condition issues also strengthen your case.