Property Tax Resources · Shelby County, Texas
Deep East Texas timber and poultry country near the Louisiana border — Shelby County’s 0.93% effective rate is just below the national median, where Center serves one of the largest poultry-producing counties in Texas.
Sources: Population — U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 estimates; Effective Tax Rate & Avg Annual Bill — Ownwell / Census ACS 2024; Protest Success Rate — Texas Comptroller PTAD data, approximate.
🔴 2026 Protest Deadline: May 15, 2026 — or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value is mailed, whichever is later. Miss this date and you waive your right to protest.
Shelby County lies in Deep East Texas near the Louisiana border, with Center as its county seat — a city that is one of the largest poultry-processing centers in Texas. The county’s economy blends broiler chicken production, timber, and the related agricultural processing that supports the region. Center’s economy has been shaped significantly by the poultry industry over the past several decades, making it an unusual mix of heavy agricultural processing and East Texas timber culture.
At 0.93%, Shelby County’s effective rate falls just below the national median. For timber and agricultural landowners, accurate valuations remain the key lever. Few protests are filed in counties this size. Your deadline is May 15, 2026.
Official CAD site — appraisal notices, exemption applications, and district contact information.
Search your property record, view current appraised value, and verify exemption status.
Shelby County Appraisal District protest procedures, online filing portal, and deadline information for the current year.
Every taxing entity’s proposed rate, adopted rate, and public hearing schedule for Shelby County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in Shelby County must publish its proposed rate and hold a public hearing before adopting any rate exceeding the no-new-revenue rate. These meetings are open. Your voice is on the record.
| Taxing Entity | Type | Rate (2024 approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shelby County | County | ~$0.40/$100 |
| Center ISD | School District | ~$0.86/$100 |
| City of Center | City | ~$0.35/$100 |
| Multiple Special Districts | Special District | Varies |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at shelby.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at shelbycad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at Shelby County Appraisal District: P.O. Box 998, Center, TX 75935. Deadline: May 15, 2026 or 30 days after your notice was mailed.
Recent sales of comparable properties, your purchase price, photos of condition issues, and repair estimates all strengthen your case.
Before your ARB hearing, a CAD appraiser may offer to settle. Review any offer carefully — you can accept or proceed to the formal hearing.
The Appraisal Review Board is independent of the CAD. Present your evidence clearly and concisely. Most hearings run 15–30 minutes.
Disagree with the ARB ruling? You may appeal to district court, binding arbitration, or SOAH (properties over $1 million).
“No person’s particular services shall be demanded, nor property taken or applied to public use, unless by the consent of himself or his representative, without just compensation being made therefor.”
— Section 13, Declaration of Rights, Republic of Texas, 1836
Shelby County’s poultry and timber workers have built an agricultural processing economy in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods — honest, hard work that deserves honest assessment. The founders wrote that no property shall be taken without consent and just compensation. That principle applies to the Center poultry farmer and the timber landowner alike. Look up your value. File your protest. Deep East Texas agriculture deserves fair treatment.
For informational and educational purposes only. Property-Taxes-Texas.com is a citizen advocacy and education resource. Nothing on this site constitutes legal, financial, tax, or appraisal advice. We are not attorneys, CPAs, or licensed appraisers. Consult a licensed Texas attorney, qualified financial advisor, or certified appraiser for guidance specific to your situation. Deadlines, rates, and statutes are subject to change — verify all details with your county appraisal district or the Texas Comptroller before acting.
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