Online Protest Portal & Contact
Address: Johnson County CAD: 109 N Main St , Cleburne TX 76033
Phone: (817) 648-3000
1
File Your Protest Online Before July 2, 2026
File at johnsoncad-taxpayer.gsacorp.io/login. Check the following on the protest form:
Informal Conference Request
Conferences are offered by telephone or virtually before all formal hearings.
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Informal Conference Request: Yes — always select Yes to get a chance to settle before the formal ARB hearing.
Evidence Requested
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Evidence Requested — check this box. Under §41.461(a)(2), the CAD must deliver all evidence at least 14 days before your hearing. If they don't, their evidence is excluded (§41.67(d)).
Reasons for Protest
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"Incorrect appraised (market) value and/or value is unequal compared with other properties" — check this box to preserve both protest grounds. This is your most important selection.
Protest Value
Enter the suggested protest value from your LoneStarTaxSave report as your requested value. This is the average of the lowest and median indicated values from our comparable analysis — the amount supported by §41.43 equal and uniform appraisal standard.
2
Attend the Informal Conference
Most protests begin with an informal telephone or virtual meeting with a CAD appraiser.
Roughly 60–80% of residential cases settle here.
- Bring your LoneStarTaxSave report — at least 3 printed copies
- Lead with your comparable properties: addresses and lower assessed values per square foot
- State the exact value you are requesting and reference Texas Tax Code §41.43
If offered a reduction informally: Consider accepting if it is close to your target —
but do not give up your unequal appraisal argument until you have a satisfactory offer in hand.
3
Prepare for the ARB Hearing (If Needed)
If the informal conference fails, you appear before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) —
independent from the CAD. You present first. Testimony is sworn.
- Check in by calling (817) 648-3098 upon arrival — wait in vehicle until called
- Hearings: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM daily; The ARB will schedule protest hearings on Thursday evening’s beginning at 4:30 PM with good cause
- Be concise — ARBs hear dozens of cases per day. Keep your presentation under 5 minutes
- Submit evidence to arb@johnsoncad.net for telephone/Zoom hearings before your scheduled hearing
| Argument | Basis | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Over-Market-Value §41.41(a)(1) |
CAD value exceeds sale price. Requires comparable sales data. | Harder — battle of appraisals |
| Unequal Appraisal §42.26 / §41.43 |
Higher assessed rate per sqft than neighbors. Uses CAD's own records. | Stronger — hard to dispute |
Don't have your evidence report yet?
Get your free estimate at LoneStarTaxSave.com
Strong opening: "These [X] comparable properties in my neighborhood are assessed at a lower improvement value per square foot than mine. Under Texas Tax Code §42.26, that constitutes unequal appraisal. I request a reduction to bring my assessment in line with my neighbors."
4
Appeal the ARB Order (If Warranted)
You have 60 days after the ARB Order to appeal: District Court (Ch. 42),
Binding Arbitration for properties ≤$5M (Ch. 41A; $500–$1,500 filing fee), or SOAH for
commercial ≥$1M. Under §41.43(a-3), if the CAD lowered your value in a
prior year, they must prove the current value at the clear-and-convincing standard.