How are property values decided?

On May 1, the Hays Central Appraisal District began mailing appraisals to county property owners alerting them of changes to their property’s value. Because property values are half of the equation that determines one’s property tax bill—tax rate multiplied by taxable property value—residents are likely interested to know how their appraisal was determined.

Each property in Hays County is reviewed by an appraiser at least once every three years. The appraiser will note changes to the property, such as the addition or removal of a barn or shed. The district then uses one of three methods to determine the property value: the sales approach, which considers what similar properties have sold for recently; the cost approach, which considers what it would cost to build an identical structure on the property; and the income approach, which is used to appraise income-producing properties.

If your property value increased—which it almost certainly did, as the average market value of Hays County properties increased 9 percent from 2016 to 2017—protests can be filed through May 31 by visiting the HCAD, 21001 N. I-35, Kyle; by calling 512-268-2522; or by visiting www.hayscad.com.