The property tax protest timeline in San Antonio follows a set schedule each year. Your deadline to file a protest is May 15 or 30 days after the Bexar County Appraisal District (BCAD) mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. Informal hearings typically happen June through July, and formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearings run July through August. Missing the deadline means you lose your right to protest.
May 15 Filing Deadline
The most important date is May 15. This is the standard deadline to file your protest with the Bexar County Appraisal District. If BCAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value after April 15, you get 30 days from the date on the notice instead. File early to avoid any rush. You can file online through the BCAD website, by mail, or in person. Online is fastest and lets you upload evidence right away.
Informal Hearings (June through July)
After you file your protest, BCAD schedules an informal hearing with an appraiser. These usually take place in June and July. The informal hearing is a conversation where you present your evidence and try to reach an agreed value with the appraiser. No attorneys are needed. If you agree on a value, the case is resolved and you don't go to a formal hearing. About 70% of protests are resolved at this stage.
Formal ARB Hearings (July through August)
If you don't agree with the outcome of the informal hearing, you can request a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board. ARB hearings run from July through August. These are more structured and are conducted before a three-member panel. You present your evidence under oath. You can bring an attorney or represent yourself. The ARB issues a written decision within a few weeks. You can appeal their decision to district court or binding arbitration.