Denton County Property Tax Protest Analyzer

Look Up Your Property

Enter your Denton County property address and we'll pull the details from DCAD public records automatically.

Local File Mode Detected. This app must be served from a web server to connect to DCAD. Double-click Start-Tax-Protest-App.command in the same folder to launch it properly.

Comparable Properties

Two tracks of evidence — equity comps (DCAD-assessed values of similar properties) and sales comps (actual arm's-length transactions). Select the comps you want to include in your analysis (3–5 recommended across both tracks).

Track A — Equity Comparables

DCAD Assessed Values

Nearby properties appraised by DCAD at similar values. Supports an unequal appraisal argument under Texas Tax Code §41.43.

Track B — Sales Comparables

Arm's-Length Transactions

Recent actual sales of nearby similar properties. Supports a market value argument — the evidence type the county appraiser leads with at ARB hearings.

Valuation Analysis

Based on your property and the selected comparables, here's the assessment analysis.

Look up your property (Tab 1) and select comparables (Tab 2) to generate the analysis.

Denton County Protest Process Guide

Step-by-step instructions for protesting your 2026 property tax assessment in Denton County.

Key Deadlines & Timeline

April 2026

Notice of Appraised Value mailed — DCAD sends your 2026 appraisal notice. Review it carefully for accuracy.

May 15, 2026

Protest Filing Deadline — File on or before this date (or 30 days from your notice date, whichever is later).

May – July 2026

Informal Hearing — Meet with a DCAD appraiser to present your evidence. Many cases resolve here.

June – Sept 2026

ARB Hearing (if needed) — Present to the Appraisal Review Board for a binding decision.

Oct 2026

Tax bills mailed — Reflects any adjustments from a successful protest.

How to File Your Protest

Get your Notice of Appraised Value. DCAD mails these in April. It contains your account number and the PIN needed to file. If you haven't received yours, check the DCAD portal or call (940) 566-0904.
File online via DCAD eFile. Visit dentoncad.com/the-protest-process and use their eFile portal. Select "Value is over market value" as your reason.
Request DCAD's evidence packet. After filing, call or email DCAD to request the comparable sales and evidence they used to set your value.
Prepare your evidence. Use this tool's Evidence Pack (Tab 5) to compile your comparable analysis, property condition documentation, and value argument.
Attend the Informal Hearing. Present your comps and condition issues calmly and factually. If they offer a reduction, evaluate whether it's sufficient.
ARB Hearing (if needed). Present the same evidence formally. The ARB decision is binding unless you pursue further appeal.
Accept or appeal. If ARB rules favorably, your new value is set. If not, you may pursue binding arbitration (homes under $5M) or district court appeal within 60 days.

Pro Tips for a Successful Protest

Focus on comparable data. This is the single most persuasive evidence type. DCAD appraisers respond to well-documented comparables appraised or sold for less than your value.

Be professional and factual. Treat the appraiser as a colleague. Present data, not emotion.

Document everything. Photograph any property condition issues. Get repair estimates if possible.

Important: The homestead cap (10% annual increase limit) applies to your taxable value, not your appraised value. It's still worth protesting the appraised value because it becomes the baseline for future years.

Useful Resources

DCAD Official Protest Process Page → Denton County Tax Office → DCAD Interactive Map Search → Texas Comptroller: Protests & Appeals Guide → Form 50-132: Notice of Protest (printable) →

Evidence Package

A printable summary to present at your informal hearing or ARB hearing. Click "Generate" after looking up your property and selecting comparables.

Property Tax Protest Analyzer