Hays County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States for the past decade. Kyle and Buda in particular have seen explosive residential growth, and Dripping Springs has attracted buyers priced out of central Austin. With that growth came dramatic increases in property values — and property tax bills to match.
If you own a home in Hays County and haven't protested your appraisal lately, there's a real chance you're paying more than you should. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Who handles appraisals in Hays County?
Hays Central Appraisal District (HCAD) appraises all property in Hays County. Note: this is a different agency from Harris County Appraisal District (also abbreviated HCAD) in Houston — be sure you're filing with the right district. Hays CAD is located at 21001 N IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640 and their phone number is 512-268-2522.
When do notices go out and what's the deadline?
Hays CAD mails Notices of Appraised Value in April each year. Your protest deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the notice was mailed — whichever is later. Check the date printed on your notice, add 30 days, and compare it to May 15. Use whichever date is later. There are no exceptions or extensions under Texas law.
Step-by-step: how to protest in Hays County
Step 1 — File your protest online
Go to hayscad.com/protest and file using your Property ID and PIN from your notice. Online filing is the fastest and most reliable method. You can also mail a written notice of protest or deliver it in person to the HCAD office in Kyle.
Step 2 — Gather your evidence before the informal review
After you file, HCAD will schedule an informal meeting with one of their appraisers. This is your best opportunity to resolve the protest without a formal hearing. Prepare:
- Comparable sales: Recent sales (last 6–12 months) of similar homes in your neighborhood or ZIP code. Focus on similar square footage, age, and condition.
- Purchase documents: If you bought recently and your appraised value exceeds your purchase price, your settlement statement (HUD-1 or closing disclosure) is strong evidence.
- Photos and repair estimates: If your home has condition issues — foundation, roof, HVAC, drainage — document them with photos and written contractor estimates.
Step 3 — Attend the informal review
Informal reviews in Hays County are typically done by phone or in person at the Kyle office. Present your evidence clearly and calmly. Many protests are resolved at this stage without ever proceeding to an ARB hearing.
Step 4 — ARB hearing (if you don't reach an agreement)
If you and the appraiser don't agree at the informal stage, you'll be scheduled for a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. The ARB is an independent panel that hears evidence from both sides and issues a binding decision. Hearings are held June–August at the HCAD office in Kyle.
Tips specific to Kyle, Buda, and Dripping Springs
- New construction neighborhoods: If you live in a new or recently built neighborhood, HCAD may not have accurate data on your home's specific finishes or lot characteristics. Review your property record online for errors.
- Rapid appreciation followed by cooling: Many Hays County neighborhoods saw peak prices in 2022 that have since softened. If your assessed value still reflects 2022 peak comps, more recent sales data should support a lower value.
- Lot size variability: Kyle and Buda have a mix of large and small lots in the same neighborhoods. Make sure HCAD is comparing your home to properties with similar lot sizes.
Start your Hays County protest
Use our free Hays County protest guide for a full step-by-step walkthrough, deadline calculator, and direct links to file with HCAD. Or if you'd like a certified realtor to prepare your comparable sales analysis and evidence package, we offer that for a flat $199 or 25% of your first-year savings — whichever you prefer.