Denton County Property Tax Protest Deadlines Explained
Missing the Denton County protest deadline can cost you thousands in unnecessary property taxes. Every year, Denton County homeowners have a limited window to challenge their appraised value through the Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD).
This guide explains:
- The Denton County property tax protest deadline
- When appraisal notices are mailed
- Key dates in the protest timeline
- How to file online through the eFile system
- What happens if you miss the deadline
For a complete overview of the process, see our Denton County property tax protest guide.
What Is the Denton County Property Tax Protest Deadline?
The deadline to file is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later.
This deadline is set by Texas law and strictly enforced by Denton CAD. Late protests are rarely accepted and require documented "good cause."
Filing on time is the single most important step in protecting your right to appeal.
When Does Denton County Mail Appraisal Notices?
The Denton Central Appraisal District typically mails Notices of Appraised Value in mid-April (around April 15).
Your notice includes:
- Proposed market value for your property
- Prior year assessed value
- A 4-digit eFile PIN for online protest filing
- Instructions for filing a protest
Even if you don't receive a notice, you are still responsible for knowing the deadline. Check the DCAD website or contact their office to verify your property's status.
Denton County Property Tax Protest Timeline
Below is the typical timeline for residential property tax protests in Denton County.
January 1
- Valuation date
- Property value is based on market conditions as of this date
April 15 (Approximate)
- Notices of Appraised Value mailed
- Online eFile portal opens
April 15 - May 15
- Filing window
- Property owners file protests
- Evidence preparation begins
May 15
- Protest deadline
- Must file by this date (or 30 days after notice, whichever is later)
May - July
- Informal reviews conducted
- Many cases resolved without formal hearing
- ARB hearings scheduled if needed
14 Days Before Hearing
- ARB hearing notice mailed
- Includes date, time, and location
Summer
- ARB hearings held
- Final values determined
- Decision letters sent by certified mail
30 Days After ARB Decision
- Appeal deadline to SOAH (State Office of Administrative Hearings)
60 Days After ARB Decision
- Appeal deadline for binding arbitration or district court
How to File a Denton County Property Tax Protest Online
Denton CAD offers an eFile system for online protest filing, which is faster and more convenient than mail.
To file online:
- Visit appeals.dentoncad.com
- Create an account (can use Google, Facebook, or Twitter login)
- Enter your 4-digit eFile PIN from your appraisal notice
- Select your protest reason (market value, unequal appraisal, or both)
- Add comments and upload supporting evidence
- Submit your protest
Filing early provides advantages:
- Higher chance of receiving online settlement offers
- More time for evidence preparation
- Less system congestion
You can also file by mail (PO BOX 50747, Denton, TX 76206), fax (940-349-3801), or in person at 3911 Morse Street, Denton, TX 76208.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the May 15 deadline:
- Your protest may be dismissed
- You may be locked into the proposed value for the year
- Your tax bill will be based on the unchallenged appraisal
Late protests require proof of "good cause" and are rarely accepted. Examples of good cause include:
- Serious illness
- Military deployment
- Death in the family
- Never received a notice
Not knowing about the deadline is not considered good cause.
Should You File Early or Wait?
Filing early is strongly recommended in Denton County.
Benefits of early filing:
- More flexibility for informal review scheduling
- Better access to settlement negotiations
- Reduced risk of technical issues
- Less congestion in DCAD systems
Filing in the final days increases your chances of errors and missed deadlines.
Denton County Contact Information
| Resource | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | (940) 349-3800 |
| Address | 3911 Morse Street, Denton, TX 76208 |
| helpdesk@dentoncad.com | |
| Website | www.dentoncad.com |
| eFile Portal | appeals.dentoncad.com |
Denton County Protest Success Rates
Denton County property owners see strong results when they protest:
| Stage | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Informal protests | 82% |
| ARB hearings | 71% |
Denton County processes over 50,000 protests annually. The district has grown rapidly, making accurate valuations challenging—which means more opportunities for successful protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Denton County property tax protest deadline for 2026?
The deadline is May 15, 2026, or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. This deadline is strictly enforced by Denton CAD.
How do I file a Denton County property tax protest online?
Visit appeals.dentoncad.com, create an account, enter your 4-digit eFile PIN from your appraisal notice, select your protest reason, and submit. You can also upload evidence through the portal.
What happens if I miss the Denton County protest deadline?
Your protest will likely be dismissed, and you'll be locked into the proposed value for the year. Late protests require proof of "good cause" (serious illness, military deployment, etc.) and are rarely accepted.
Can I protest my Denton County property taxes if I didn't receive a notice?
Yes. Not receiving a notice doesn't waive your right to protest, but you're still responsible for meeting the deadline. Check the DCAD website or call (940) 349-3800 to verify your property's assessed value and deadline.
How long do Denton County property tax protests take?
Most protests resolve within 2-4 months. Informal reviews happen May through June, with ARB hearings scheduled through July. Filing early gives you more scheduling flexibility.
How This Fits Into the Texas Protest Process
Denton County follows Texas Property Tax Code procedures, but each county has specific systems and timelines.
For statewide context on deadlines, evidence strategies, and hearing procedures, see our Texas property tax protest guide.
Get Help With Your Denton County Property Tax Protest
Understanding deadlines is the first step. Winning your protest requires strong evidence, proper filing, and negotiation strategy.
If you want help managing deadlines, preparing evidence, and handling DCAD negotiations, professional representation can simplify the process and improve your results.
Learn more in our Denton County property tax protest guide, or get started today with Ballard Property Tax Protest.