Collin County Appraisal District: What Homeowners Need to Know
The Collin County Appraisal District (CCAD) is the government agency responsible for determining the taxable value of every property in Collin County, Texas. Whether you just bought a home in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, or Allen, or you have lived in Collin County for decades, understanding how the Collin County Appraisal District works is the first step toward managing your property tax bill.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about CCAD in 2026 - including contact information, exemptions, how property values are determined, key deadlines, and how to protest your Collin County property tax appraisal if you believe your home is overvalued.
What Does the Collin County Appraisal District Do?
Under Texas law, every county has an appraisal district that determines the market value of all real property for taxation purposes. The Collin County Appraisal District fulfills this role for all properties located within Collin County, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and land.
Each year, CCAD appraises properties as of January 1. The appraised values are then used by local taxing entities - school districts, cities, the county, and special districts - to calculate your property tax bill. CCAD itself does not set tax rates; it only determines values. The taxing jurisdictions set the rates and collect the taxes.
Key responsibilities of CCAD include:
- Appraising all property in Collin County at fair market value each year
- Administering exemptions such as the homestead exemption, over-65 exemption, and disabled veteran exemption
- Maintaining property records including ownership, legal descriptions, and property characteristics
- Processing property tax protests and coordinating hearings with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB)
- Certifying the appraisal roll to local taxing units so they can calculate tax levies
Collin County Appraisal District Contact Information
If you need to reach the Collin County Appraisal District, here are the current contact details:
- Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, Texas 75069
- Mailing Address: 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
- Phone: (469) 742-9200
- Toll-Free: (866) 467-1110
- Website: collincad.org
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
You can also use CCAD's online e-Services portal to search property records, file protests, download exemption forms, and manage your account without visiting the office in person.
How Does CCAD Appraise Homes?
The Collin County Appraisal District uses mass appraisal methods that comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the Texas Property Tax Code. While the full details of the appraisal process are available on CCAD's website, here is a summary of how it works.
CCAD is required to determine the fair market value of your property - meaning the price it would sell for on the open market under normal conditions. To do this, property appraisers rely on data such as:
- Verified property sales (comparable sales in your neighborhood and across Collin County)
- On-site inspection information (physical characteristics, condition, and improvements)
- Building permits (new construction, additions, renovations)
- Fee appraisals (independent appraisals conducted for lending or sales purposes)
- Construction costs (current cost to build a similar structure)
CCAD uses similar appraisal methods for similar property types while also accounting for each property's individual characteristics, such as location, lot size, square footage, age, condition, and upgrades.
Why Your Appraised Value May Be Too High
Mass appraisal systems are designed to value thousands of properties efficiently, but they are not perfect. CCAD may overvalue your home if it:
- Relies on comparable sales that are not truly similar to your property
- Does not account for condition issues, deferred maintenance, or negative location factors
- Includes incorrect property data (wrong square footage, extra rooms, etc.)
- Fails to consider market softening in your specific neighborhood
If you suspect your appraisal is too high, reviewing your property tax protest evidence before your hearing can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Collin County Appraisal District Exemptions
One of the most important services CCAD provides is administering property tax exemptions. These exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property, which directly lowers your tax bill.
Homestead Exemption
If your home is your primary residence, you can apply for a general homestead exemption that removes a portion of your home's value from taxation. As of 2026, the Texas homestead exemption for school district taxes is $100,000. Many local jurisdictions in Collin County offer additional exemptions on top of this amount.
Over-65 and Disability Exemptions
Homeowners who are 65 or older or who are disabled qualify for additional exemptions that further reduce their taxable value. These exemptions also come with a tax ceiling that freezes your school district taxes at their current level, protecting you from future increases.
Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Veterans with a 100% disability rating from the VA are entitled to a full exemption from property taxes on their homestead. Partially disabled veterans receive exemptions based on their disability percentage.
How to Apply for Exemptions
You can download exemption application forms from the CCAD website, pick up a form at the McKinney office during business hours, or request one by calling Customer Service at (469) 742-9200. Applications for the current tax year should be filed by April 30.
Key CCAD Deadlines for 2026
Staying on top of deadlines is critical for Collin County homeowners. Here are the most important dates for the 2026 tax year:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 1 | CCAD determines property values as of this date |
| April 15 (approx.) | CCAD mails Notices of Appraised Value to property owners |
| April 30 | Deadline to file homestead exemption applications |
| May 15 (or 30 days after notice) | Deadline to file a property tax protest |
| May - July | Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearings are held |
| July 25 | CCAD certifies the appraisal roll |
| October - November | Taxing units set tax rates and mail tax bills |
| January 31, 2027 | Property tax payment deadline (penalties begin February 1) |
How to Protest Your Collin County Appraisal
If you believe the Collin County Appraisal District has overvalued your property, you have the right to file a property tax protest. This is one of the most effective ways to lower your property taxes in Collin County.
Filing Your Protest
You have several options for filing a protest with CCAD:
- Online: File a property tax protest online using CCAD's e-Services portal - this is the fastest and most convenient method
- By mail: Download and complete the Notice of Protest form (CCAD-132) and mail it to CCAD at 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069
- In person: Submit your protest form at the CCAD office during regular business hours
Your protest must be filed by May 15, 2026 (or within 30 days of receiving your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later).
The Protest Process
After filing, you will be scheduled for a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB), an independent panel of Collin County citizens. Before your formal hearing, CCAD typically offers an informal meeting where you can negotiate directly with an appraiser. Many protests are resolved at this informal stage.
To build a strong case, gather evidence such as:
- Recent comparable sales that support a lower value
- Photos of property condition issues
- An independent appraisal or real estate agent's opinion of value
- Documentation of any errors in CCAD's property records
For a detailed breakdown of what evidence to bring, see our Collin County property tax protest evidence checklist.
Let Ballard Property Tax Protest Handle It for You
You do not have to take on the Collin County Appraisal District alone. Ballard Property Tax Protest handles every step of the protest process on your behalf - from filing your protest to gathering specialized real estate evidence to negotiating with CCAD and presenting your case at the ARB hearing.
We have deep experience protesting property values in Collin County and a strong track record of reducing appraisals for homeowners across McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, and the surrounding area.
Ready to lower your property taxes? Sign up with Ballard Property Tax Protest today at no upfront cost. We only charge a fee if we successfully reduce your property taxes - so there is zero risk to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Collin County Appraisal District do?
The Collin County Appraisal District (CCAD) is responsible for appraising the market value of all real property in Collin County each year for property tax purposes. CCAD also administers exemptions (homestead, over-65, disabled veteran), maintains property ownership records, and coordinates the protest and Appraisal Review Board process. CCAD does not set tax rates or collect taxes - those functions are handled by individual taxing jurisdictions like school districts, cities, and the county.
How do I contact the Collin County Appraisal District?
You can reach CCAD by phone at (469) 742-9200 or toll-free at (866) 467-1110. The office is located at 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can also visit collincad.org to search property records, file protests, and download forms online.
How do I protest my Collin County property tax appraisal?
You can file a property tax protest with CCAD online through the e-Services portal, by mailing a completed Notice of Protest form, or by submitting one in person at the CCAD office. The deadline to file is May 15, 2026 (or 30 days after you receive your Notice of Appraised Value). For a step-by-step guide, see our Collin County property tax protest guide.
When does CCAD send appraisal notices?
CCAD typically mails Notices of Appraised Value to property owners around April 15 each year. The notice shows CCAD's assessment of your property's market value, any exemptions applied, and your resulting taxable value. If you disagree with the appraised value, you have 30 days from the date on the notice (or until May 15, whichever is later) to file a protest.
What is the homestead exemption in Collin County?
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. In Collin County, the school district homestead exemption is $100,000, and many local taxing entities offer additional exemptions. To apply, file a homestead exemption application with CCAD by April 30. You can download the form from collincad.org or request one by calling (469) 742-9200.
Is it worth protesting my property taxes in Collin County?
Yes. Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, and CCAD's mass appraisal methods can result in inflated property values. Filing a protest gives you the opportunity to present evidence that your home's appraised value is too high. There is no cost to file, and you cannot receive a higher value as a result of protesting. If you want professional help, Ballard Property Tax Protest can handle the entire process for you with no upfront fees.