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Protesting Your Property Taxes

Last updated 2026-06-14

Why This Matters

Every spring, the Collin Central Appraisal District (Collin CAD) mails a Notice of Appraised Value setting the taxable value of your Painted Tree home. That number drives your tax bill. Here's the part most neighbors miss: you have the right to protest it every single year, and many people who do end up paying less. The process is free, you don't need a lawyer, and most cases are settled without ever stepping into a formal hearing.

If you never protest, you're trusting the district's number to be perfect. It often isn't.

File Your Protest

Deadline: usually May 15 (or 30 days after your notice is mailed, whichever is later). The exact date is printed on your notice — always go by that. Deadlines and forms change every year, so confirm the current rules at collincad.org before you file.

You have three ways to file:

  1. Online (easiest): Use the Collin CAD Taxpayer Portal / eFile at onlineportal.collincad.org. Your eFile PIN is printed on your Notice of Appraised Value.
  1. By mail or in person: Submit Form 50-132 (Notice of Protest) to Collin CAD.
  1. Phone questions: Collin CAD can be reached at 469-742-9200.

Two Steps: Informal, Then Formal

  • Informal review comes first. You meet (in person, online, or in writing) with an appraiser to talk through your evidence. Most protests are resolved here. Take the offer if the number is fair.
  • Formal ARB hearing is next if you don't settle. The independent Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hears your case. You'll get notice of the date at least 15 days ahead. It's less intimidating than it sounds — bring your evidence and tell your story.

What Evidence Actually Helps

  • Recent comparable sales of similar nearby homes that sold for less.
  • Your closing/settlement statement if you bought recently for less than the appraised value — this is powerful.
  • Photos of condition issues (foundation, roof, water damage) and contractor repair bids.
  • The equity/uniformity argument — proof that similar Painted Tree homes are appraised lower than yours.

A Few Things to Know

  • The homestead cap limits how much your taxable value can rise to 10% per year — but only if you have a homestead exemption on file. See Homestead Exemption first; it's the foundation.
  • You can DIY (free, and very doable) or hire a protest service that takes a percentage of your savings. For straightforward cases, DIY is often plenty.

Always confirm current deadlines and forms at collincad.org before filing.