Texas County Guide
Bowie County Protest Guide
Bowie Central Appraisal District
Texarkana · Bowie CAD · ~55K parcels
63%
Win Rate
~1.71% blended
Tax Rate
💡 Key Tips for Bowie County
File your protest at https://bowiecad.org or in person before May 15, 2026.
File on BOTH grounds: 'Value is over market value' AND 'Value is unequal compared to other properties' (§41.43).
Request the CAD's evidence package at least 14 days before your hearing — you're entitled to it by law.
Pull 3–5 comparable properties from the CAD roll with lower assessed values or lower assessment ratios.
63% of protests in Bowie County result in a reduction — filing is almost always worth it.
Texarkana straddles the TX-AR border — use only Texas-side comps.
File at bowiecad.org before May 15.
Texarkana MLS has good comp data for both residential and commercial.
Informal hearings are straightforward; ARB is organized.
Step-by-Step Protest Process
1
Review Your Appraisal Notice
Check the notice mailed by Bowie Central Appraisal District. Compare your assessed value to recent sales in your neighborhood and to similar properties on the CAD roll.
2
File Your Protest
File online at https://bowiecad.org or in person before May 15, 2026. Select both 'Value over market value' and 'Unequal appraisal' to preserve all your options.
3
Gather Evidence
Download comparable properties from the CAD roll. Look for similar homes (same age, size, condition) with lower assessed values or lower assessment ratios. Public sales data, MLS listings, and appraisal reports all qualify.
4
Attend the Informal Hearing
Most protests are resolved at the informal hearing with a CAD appraiser. Present your evidence calmly. If the offer is reasonable, accept it. If not, request an ARB hearing.
5
ARB Hearing (if needed)
The Appraisal Review Board is an independent panel. Bring organized evidence, be professional, and present your case clearly. You can hire a licensed property tax consultant to represent you.
6
Appeal to District Court (if needed)
If you disagree with the ARB decision, you have 60 days to appeal to district court under Chapter 42 of the Texas Tax Code. This step is typically only worthwhile for high-value properties.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the May 15 deadline (or 30 days after your notice, whichever is later).
Filing on only one ground — always file both market value AND unequal appraisal.
Not requesting the CAD's evidence package before your hearing.
Using Zillow or Redfin as your primary evidence — CAD roll comps are much stronger.
Accepting the first informal offer without negotiating.
Not showing up to a scheduled ARB hearing (results in automatic dismissal).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a lawyer or consultant?
No — you have the right to represent yourself at every stage of the Texas protest process. Most residential homeowners successfully handle their own protests.
Q: What if I miss the protest deadline?
You may still be able to file a §25.25 correction for certain types of errors (clerical mistakes, double assessments, etc.). Contact your CAD directly.
Q: How long does the process take?
Most cases are resolved within 60–90 days of filing. Informal hearings are typically scheduled June–August. ARB hearings can extend into fall.
Q: What if I disagree with the ARB decision?
You can appeal to district court under Chapter 42 within 60 days of the ARB order. Binding arbitration is also available for properties valued under $5 million.
Q: Can I protest every year?
Yes — you can file a protest every year. Even if your value didn't change, you can still protest on unequal appraisal grounds if similar properties are assessed lower.
CAD Quick Reference
CAD
Bowie Central Appraisal District
Phone
(903) 793-8936Website
bowiecad.org Tax Rate
~1.71% blended
Win Rate
63%
Difficulty
EasyKey Dates
Protest Deadline
May 15, 2026
Informal Hearings
June – August 2026
AI Evidence Packet · $49
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Verified August 2026 against the official source · official source · always confirm the current date with your county