How to File a Property Tax Appraised Value Appeal and Protest in Lamar County, TX
Hey y’all! It’s that time of year again—when those appraisal notices show up in the mail and stir up a whole lot of questions (and sometimes frustration). I just got my own notice recently, and it reminded me that many of you might be in the same boat. So, I figured it’s the perfect time to walk you through how to file a property tax appraised value appeal and protest, especially if you're in Lamar County or the surrounding areas here in Northeast Texas.
As a local realtor, I help clients all the time with navigating this process. Whether your appraised value jumped way higher than expected or just doesn’t reflect what’s going on in your neighborhood, you do have the right to appeal it. And trust me—it’s easier than you might think.
What Is an Appraised Value and Why It Matters
Before we get into the "how," let’s talk about the "why."
Your county appraisal district assigns a value to your property every year. This value is what your property taxes are based on, not what you could actually sell your house for on the market. So, if the appraisal district overestimates your home’s value, you could end up paying more in taxes than you really should.
And this year, many homeowners across Lamar County and the rest of Northeast Texas are seeing increases—some modest, some not so modest. If you believe the number you got doesn't align with market realities, it’s time to take action.
Deadlines to File in Lamar County
If you're in Lamar County, the official deadline is usually May 15th or 30 days after your notice was mailed, whichever is later. You can always check your appraisal notice or call the Lamar County Appraisal District to confirm the exact deadline. That gives you some time, but don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you start gathering your documents and making your case, the better prepared you'll be.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Property Tax Appraised Value Appeal and Protest
Here’s a step-by-step guide for homeowners in Lamar County:
Step 1: Go to the E-Protest Portal
You can do everything online at:
👉 https://eprotest.lamarcad.org/
You’ll need your property ID and PIN, which are found on your Notice of Appraised Value letter. Enter those to log in.
Step 2: Review Your Property Info
Once you're logged in, you'll see the details the appraisal district has on file for your home—square footage, number of bedrooms, lot size, year built, etc. Take a minute to review this carefully. If anything is wrong (like they have you listed as having 2,500 square feet when it’s really 1,900), that's your first point of appeal.
Step 3: Enter Your Contact Info and Reason for Protest
You’ll be asked to fill out a simple form stating your reason for the protest.
Step 4: Upload Your Evidence
This is where your case is made.
Upload anything that supports your claim—photos, repair estimates, property tax statements from nearby similar homes, and especially a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). A CMA is a report prepared by a realtor that compares your home to similar recently sold properties nearby. It’s one of the most effective pieces of evidence you can submit.
And yes—I’m more than happy to help you with a CMA. I’ve run dozens of these for homeowners in Paris, Reno, Powderly, and all across Lamar County and the surrounding counties. Just let me know!
Step 5: Choose Your Hearing Format
Once your protest is filed, you can choose how you want to handle your hearing:
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In person at the appraisal office
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By phone
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Online submission only (no live discussion)
Pick whatever works best for you. If you’ve got strong documentation, many protests are resolved without even needing a full hearing.
Step 6: Attend Your Hearing or Wait for a Response
If your protest proceeds to a hearing, you'll present your case in front of the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). They’ll look at your evidence, ask questions if needed, and then decide whether to adjust your appraised value.
In many cases, if the evidence is solid, the appraisal district might even offer a settlement before it reaches the ARB.
Why You Should Consider Protesting
Even a small reduction in your appraised value can mean real savings on your property taxes. If your home is overvalued by $20,000 and your tax rate is 2.5%, that’s $500+ in potential yearly savings.
Plus, protesting your value helps keep the system accountable and more in line with what’s actually happening in the local real estate market.
What Makes a Strong Appeal?
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Recent sales of similar homes (same size, age, and location)
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Photos of condition issues (foundation cracks, outdated interiors, etc.)
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Professional CMA
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Listing history (if your house was on the market and didn’t sell at the appraised value)
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Comparable current listings that haven’t sold at lower prices
Example: I recently looked at two homes on my street—both brick, 2 bedrooms, 1-car garages, built in the same decade. One sold for $69/sqft, and the other is sitting on the market and not even selling at that price. Yet the appraisal district put mine at $123/sqft. That's exactly the kind of situation where a protest makes sense.
Need Help? I’ve Got You.
As a local realtor serving Lamar County and Northeast Texas, I’m happy to help homeowners gather data and provide CMAs that support their protest. I can’t guarantee your value will be lowered—but having a solid case and accurate information gives you the best possible chance.
If you’re not sure whether you should file, I can take a quick look at your value and recent sales in your area and give you an honest opinion. No pressure, just facts.
Final Thoughts
We’re lucky to live in a state where property rights are taken seriously—and yes, that includes the right to challenge your appraised value. If you feel like your home was overvalued this year, don’t hesitate to file a property tax appraised value appeal and protest.
It’s quick, simple, and could save you money.
How blessed are we to own property in the great state of Texas?
Need help with a CMA or have questions about your appraisal?
Contact Leah Rolen, Realtor with Keller Williams
📞 469-744-5309
