McLennan County is anchored by Waco, home to Baylor University and one of Central Texas's fastest-growing cities over the past decade. The 'Fixer Upper' effect — the HGTV show starring Chip and Joanna Gaines — brought significant national attention and tourism to Waco, contributing to real estate appreciation that has been dramatic relative to Waco's traditional price levels. The McLennan County Appraisal District (MCAD) now manages assessments in a market where values have run up sharply and in some neighborhoods have since moderated. The 2026 protest deadline is May 15, 2026.
Waco Market and Assessment Patterns
Waco's Fixer Upper-driven appreciation and Baylor enrollment growth pushed values to levels that surprised long-time residents. The mass appraisal models used by MCAD tracked this appreciation aggressively, and in neighborhoods where values have since moderated, the assessments may lag the correction. Properties near Baylor's campus also experience unique investor rental dynamics that can distort comparable sale data.
- ✓Historic Waco neighborhoods (Sanger Heights, Castle Heights): Renovation-driven appreciation; MCAD models may over-assess based on peak sales
- ✓Hewitt/Woodway: Premium Waco suburbs with stable demand; correction from peak visible
- ✓Lorena/Hillsboro corridor: Growing outer suburbs with new construction moderating resale prices
- ✓Near Baylor campus: Investor rental purchases inflate comps for primary residence owners
- ✓Older east and south Waco: Affordable stock with condition variation not captured in mass appraisal
The 2026 MCAD Protest Deadline
McLennan County property owners must file a protest with MCAD by May 15, 2026, or 30 days after MCAD mails their Notice of Appraised Value — whichever is later.
- ✓MCAD address: 315 S. 26th Street, Waco, TX 76710
- ✓Online filing: Available at mclennancad.org
- ✓Deadline: May 15 or 30 days from notice mailing date
- ✓TaxAppeal files via USPS certified mail before the deadline
TaxAppeal USA: $89 Flat for McLennan County
TaxAppeal USA files your McLennan County protest before May 15. We pull your MCAD data, analyze comparable sales in your Waco neighborhood, generate a protest letter citing Texas Tax Code §41.41 and §41.43, and file via certified mail. Flat $89. At McLennan County's effective tax rate of approximately 2.1-2.5%, a $20,000 reduction saves $420-500 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 McLennan County property tax protest deadline? ▾
May 15, 2026, or 30 days after MCAD mails your Notice of Appraised Value — whichever is later.
Does TaxAppeal serve Waco and Hewitt? ▾
Yes. TaxAppeal USA serves all McLennan County communities including Waco, Hewitt, Woodway, Lorena, Bellmead, Lacy-Lakeview, and all unincorporated areas.
Did the Fixer Upper effect over-inflate Waco assessments? ▾
In some neighborhoods, yes. Rapid appreciation driven by tourism and media attention pushed MCAD assessments to levels that some resale sales no longer support. If your just value exceeds comparable sales, you have grounds to protest.
Can my MCAD appraisal go up if I protest? ▾
No. Texas Tax Code §41.43 prohibits MCAD from raising your appraised value solely because you filed a protest.
How much can Waco homeowners save? ▾
A typical successful protest reduces appraised value by $15,000-$35,000, saving $315-875 per year at McLennan County rates.
How do I file a McLennan County property tax protest? ▾
File online at mclennancad.org, by mail, or in person at 315 S. 26th Street, Waco. TaxAppeal USA handles everything for $89 flat.