How to Read a Texas Appraisal Notice (2026)
How to read a 2026 Texas Notice of Appraised Value: market vs taxable value, homestead exemptions, the protest deadline box, and sketch or living-area errors.
FAQ
What is the difference between market value and taxable value on a Texas notice?
Market value is the CAD’s January 1 opinion of what a buyer would pay—the figure you protest on Form 50-132. Taxable value is what taxing units use after exemptions and any homestead cap. You can protest market value even when exemptions soften this year’s bill.
Where is the protest deadline on a Notice of Appraised Value?
Look for the deadline box and the mail date. For 2026, protest by May 15 or 30 days from the mail date, whichever is later. Creating a CAD login is not a filed protest.
What sketch or living-area errors should I check?
Compare living area, year built, story count, baths, garage, pool, and land acres to the house. Unfinished space counted as finished, a demolished pool, or a porch in air-conditioned area can move value before you argue comps.
Does Protestly file my protest from the notice?
No. Protestly builds a $29.99 comparable sales packet you can file with your CAD or bring to informal review or the ARB. You remain in control of Form 50-132.