Property Tax Resources · Rusk County, Texas
East Texas oil and timber heritage centered on Henderson — Rusk County’s 1.63% effective rate is above the state median, falling on an East Texas community with deep oil history and growing recreational land pressure.
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.
Rusk County lies in East Texas with Henderson as its county seat, in a region where the East Texas Oil Field — one of the largest oil discoveries in American history — was developed in the 1930s and defined the economy for generations. Henderson is the birthplace of the East Texas oil boom, and the county’s economy has blended petroleum, timber, and agriculture ever since. The county also sits in the Haynesville Shale formation, adding natural gas to its energy profile.
At 1.63%, Rusk County’s effective rate is above the state median. On timber and recreational land whose values have risen with East Texas outdoor demand, and on mineral interests that may carry peak-era production values, the protest process is worth pursuing. More than half of those who protested in 2024 achieved reductions. 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.
Rusk 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 Rusk County.
Enter the date your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed to find your exact filing deadline.
Every taxing unit in Rusk 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.) |
|---|---|---|
| Rusk County | County | ~$0.50/$100 |
| Henderson ISD | School District | ~$0.94/$100 |
| Kilgore ISD | School District | ~$0.92/$100 |
| City of Henderson | City | ~$0.40/$100 |
| Multiple Special Districts | Special District | Varies |
Rates shown are approximate 2024 adopted rates. Verify current rates at rusk.countytaxrates.com.
Search your account at ruskcad.org. Know your Notice of Appraised Value and the deadline printed on it.
File online, by mail, or in person at Rusk County Appraisal District: P.O. Box 7, Henderson, TX 75653. 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
Rusk County’s East Texas Oil Field changed the economics of petroleum production in America and built communities that still stand on that legacy. The founders of the Republic wrote that no property shall be taken without consent and just compensation. A 1.63% rate on timber, minerals, and land that has carried East Texas for a century deserves careful, accurate appraisal. Look up your value. File your protest. East Texas oil heritage deserves fair assessment.
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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