How to Protest Your Property Taxes in Collin County (Annual Homeowner Guide)

Deadlines, Steps, and What Homeowners Should Know Each Spring

Every spring, Collin County homeowners receive a document that often causes confusion:

Your Notice of Appraised Value.

This is not your tax bill.
It’s not automatically wrong.
And it’s not something you have to protest.

But it is your annual opportunity to review how your property is being valued for tax purposes—and decide whether everything looks accurate.

Here’s a simple breakdown of how the property tax protest process works in Collin County.

First: How Property Taxes Work

Your property taxes are based on a simple formula:

Appraised (taxable) value × tax rate = property taxes owed

Here’s how it works:

• The Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) determines your property’s market value [2].
• Local taxing entities (city, county, school district, etc.) set the tax rates [2].
• CCAD does not set tax rates and does not collect your property taxes [2].

Your appraisal reflects the district’s opinion of your property’s value as of January 1 of that tax year [3].

Important Dates to Know

While mailing dates can vary slightly each year, these deadlines stay consistent:

• January 1 – Your property’s condition and value are determined as of this date [3].
• Around April 15 – Appraisal notices are typically mailed (1).
• May 15 OR 30 days after your notice is mailed (whichever is later) – Protest deadline [2][1].

If you plan to protest, filing before the deadline is critical.

Most homeowners simply treat April and early May as “Property Tax Review Season.”

Do You Have to Protest Every Year?

No.

But you should review every year.

Look closely if:

• Your value increased significantly from last year
• Your home has deferred maintenance
• Similar homes appear valued lower
• Your exemptions are missing or incorrect

Sometimes everything checks out. Sometimes it doesn’t. The review simply gives you clarity.

Free vs. Paid Protest Options

1. DIY Protest (Free)

Homeowners can file a protest online through CCAD at no cost [1].

This includes:

• Filing the protest
• Submitting evidence
• Participating in an informal review
• Attending an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing

Your only investment is time and preparation.

2. Hiring a Property Tax Consultant

Some homeowners hire a tax consultant who typically charges a percentage of the first-year tax savings.

If someone is representing you for compensation, Texas law requires proper registration as a property tax consultant [5], regulated through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation [6].

Informal Review vs. Formal Protest

Informal Review

You can submit information directly to an appraiser for reconsideration. However, this does not automatically preserve your protest rights—you must still file a formal protest by the deadline if you want that option available [1].

Formal ARB Protest

A formal protest goes before the Appraisal Review Board [2].

You may participate:

• In person
• By affidavit
• By phone or video (written request generally required at least 10 days before the hearing) [4]

How to Strengthen Your Case

If you choose to protest, preparation matters.

Step 1: Verify Property Details

Before arguing value, confirm:

• Square footage
• Bedrooms/bathrooms
• Improvements
• Condition
• Exemptions

Factual errors can impact your case [2].

Step 2: Gather Strong Evidence

Comparable Sales

• Same neighborhood
• Similar size and age
• Similar condition

Condition Documentation

• Photos
• Contractor repair estimates

Uniformity (Equity) Argument

• Similar nearby homes with lower appraised values [2]

Step 3: Keep It Organized

A clear packet usually includes:

• A summary with your opinion of value
• 3–6 comparable properties
• Photos or repair documentation

Clear and concise tends to be more effective than overwhelming detail.

The Bigger Picture—

And Where a Real Estate Agent Can Help

Property values change over time, and market conditions evolve.

Each year offers a opportunity to review your appraised value in the context of what’s happening locally. Think of it as a routine financial check-in, a simple way to stay informed about how your property is being assessed.

If you’d like additional perspective, our agents can provide:

• Recent comparable sales
• Insight into neighborhood pricing trends
• Context around how your appraisal relates to current market activity

Whether you’re planning to stay or considering a future move, having clear information helps you plan with confidence.

For a straightforward snapshot of recent neighborhood sales, contact us anytime—we’re happy to share the data.

📞 Call or Text: (469) 499-7452
📧 Email:  cindycoggins@kw.com

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Property tax laws, deadlines, and procedures may change, and individual circumstances vary. Homeowners should verify all information directly with the Collin Central Appraisal District or consult with a qualified tax professional or attorney regarding their specific situation.

Sources:

[1] Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD).
Appraisal and Protest Process; Online Protest Portal; Appraisal Cycle Information.
www.collincad.org

[2] Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Property Tax Basics; Property Tax Protests; Taxpayer Rights and Remedies.
www.comptroller.texas.gov

[3] Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
Property Taxpayer Remedies (Publication 96-1425).
www.comptroller.texas.gov

[4] Collin County Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Formal Hearing Procedures and Participation Guidelines.
www.collinarb.org

[5] Texas Legislature.
Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1152 — Property Tax Consultants.
statutes.capitol.texas.gov

[6] Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).
Property Tax Consultant Registration Requirements.
www.tdlr.texas.gov