Bee County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Bee County in 2026
BeeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Bee County, Texas. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed values, recorded instruments, tax information, and related documents. Available record categories include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, tax assessments, and property characteristics. Information presented through public databases may not reflect the most recent filings or transactions.
Records may be searched through several official resources maintained by Bee County and the State of Texas:
- Bee County Appraisal District – property valuations, ownership data, and exemption information
- Bee County District Clerk – recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector – tax bills, payment history, and delinquency records
- Texas General Land Office – historical land grants and survey records
- TexasFile and similar state-authorized platforms – recorded document searches
Multiple Access Methods:
Members of the public may access Bee County property records through the following methods:
- Online searches – the most convenient option, available through county and state portals at no cost for basic inquiries
- In-person visits – required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
- By mail – written requests submitted to the appropriate county office with applicable fees
- Through professionals – title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors provide comprehensive searches for transactional purposes
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Bee County Appraisal District serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. The district's online portal provides free public access without registration.
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID or account number
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
- By legal description
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Property site address and legal description
- Parcel/account number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics including square footage, year built, lot size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and building type
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Bee County Appraisal District website
- Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or account number)
- Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
- Review the results list returned by the system
- Select the desired property to view the full property card
- Review ownership data, valuation history, sales history, and map information
- Print or save the property card as needed
2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The Bee County Clerk maintains the official records index for all instruments recorded against real property. Basic searches are available at no cost; document image retrieval may involve a per-page fee.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller or conveying party)
- Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number or volume and page
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and right-of-way instruments
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Subdivision plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA-related recorded documents
How to Search:
- Visit the Bee County Clerk's Office official records portal
- Select the search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the applicable search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a document to view the image, if available online
- Note the instrument number or volume and page for future reference
- Request certified copies in person or by mail if official copies are required
3. Tax Collector Website
The Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector provides free online access to property tax information.
Search By:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Account number
Information Available:
- Current tax bill and amount due
- Payment history by tax year
- Outstanding balances and penalties
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Tax certificate status for delinquent accounts
- Payment options and installment plan status
4. GIS / Mapping System
Bee County participates in regional GIS mapping that allows visual property searches through interactive maps.
How to Use:
- Navigate the map to the desired location
- Click on a parcel to view linked property information
- Access ownership and valuation data through the property pop-up
- View zoning layers, flood zone designations, and aerial photography
- Measure distances and view adjacent parcel boundaries
In-Person Searches:
Property Appraiser Office
Bee County Appraisal District 401 N. Washington St. Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 358-1122 Bee County Appraisal District
Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance with property searches, printed property cards, plat maps, and exemption application processing.
Clerk of Court / Recorder Office
Bee County Clerk 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 104 Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 621-1556 Bee County Clerk
Services include viewing official recorded instruments, requesting certified copies, searching the grantor/grantee index, accessing record books and microfilm, and receiving staff assistance with document retrieval.
Tax Collector Office
Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 106 Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 621-1560 Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector
Services include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.
By Mail Requests:
Property Appraiser
Written requests for property information may be submitted to:
Bee County Appraisal District 401 N. Washington St. Beeville, TX 78102
Requests should include the property address or account number, a description of the information sought, and a self-addressed return envelope. Copying fees may apply.
Clerk / Recorder
Requests for copies of recorded instruments may be submitted to:
Bee County Clerk 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 104 Beeville, TX 78102
Requests should specify the instrument by volume and page, instrument number, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals:
Title Companies
Licensed title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests affecting a property and are standard in real estate transactions. Costs vary by transaction type and property complexity.
Real Estate Attorneys
Licensed real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances or defects in title. Fees vary based on the scope of services required.
Real Estate Agents
Licensed real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and compile comparable sales data as part of their representation services.
Search Tips:
By Address
- Use the complete street address including directional prefixes or suffixes
- Try variations with and without unit or apartment numbers
- Attempt searches with and without street type abbreviations
By Owner Name
- Search by last name first, then full name
- Try name variations including middle initials and maiden names
- Search both individual names and associated business entity names
By Legal Description
- Use the exact legal description as it appears on the deed
- Include subdivision name, lot number, and block number
- For rural properties, include section, township, and range
For Historical Records
- Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse
- Staff at the Bee County Clerk's office can assist with retrieval from microfilm or bound record books
- Advance notice is recommended for records more than 50 years old
Common Search Challenges:
Not Found Online
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing delays
- Older records may not have been digitized
- Indexing errors or name spelling variations may affect search results
- Property address changes over time may require searching by legal description or parcel number
Multiple Results
- Common owner names may return numerous results
- Verify the correct property by cross-referencing the parcel number or legal description
- Review additional identifying information such as the property address and recording date
What You Cannot Find Online:
- Unrecorded private agreements
- Pending sales prior to closing and recording
- Documents filed under seal by court order
- Some records predating county digitization efforts
- Confidential personal information redacted from recorded instruments
What Is Bee County Property Records
Property records in Bee County are official documents related to real property — encompassing land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by county government offices as permanent public records. These instruments establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the foundation for property taxation and title insurance. Under Texas Property Code § 11.001, instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the county clerk of the county where the property is located to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Transfer-on-death deeds and life estate deeds
- Trustee's deeds and trust documents affecting title
- Ownership history and chain of title documentation
Encumbrance Records
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
- Easements and right-of-way instruments
- Deed restrictions and restrictive covenants
- HOA-related recorded instruments
- Lis pendens notices
Tax and Assessment Records
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Homestead, senior, veteran, and other exemptions
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions
- Subdivision plat maps
- Surveys and re-plats
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Condominium declarations and unit descriptions
Building and Permit Records
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation notices
- Zoning designations and land use classifications
Who Maintains Property Records:
County Clerk of Court / County Recorder
The Bee County Clerk records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.
Bee County Clerk 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 104 Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 621-1556 Bee County Clerk
Property Appraiser
The Bee County Appraisal District maintains property valuations, assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, and exemption applications.
Bee County Appraisal District 401 N. Washington St. Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 358-1122 Bee County Appraisal District
Tax Collector
The Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax accounts, and tax certificate information.
Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 106 Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 621-1560 Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector
Building / Planning Department
The City of Beeville and Bee County planning authorities maintain building permits, zoning records, and code enforcement files for properties within their respective jurisdictions.
Legal Framework:
The recording of instruments affecting real property in Texas is governed by Texas Property Code § 13.001, which establishes that a conveyance of real property is void as to a creditor or subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration without notice unless the instrument is acknowledged, sworn to, or proved and filed for record as required by law. The Texas Constitution further protects property rights, and the state's recording statutes establish the notice and constructive notice principles that underpin the entire system of public land records.
Are Property Records Public Information in Bee County?
Property records in Bee County are public information. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), government records are presumed open to the public unless a specific statutory exception applies. Property records recorded with the county clerk are among the most consistently public categories of government information, accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or ownership interest.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
The public nature of property records in Texas derives from multiple sources:
- The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) establishes the general right of public access to government records
- Texas Property Code § 11.001 and § 13.001 require recording of instruments to provide constructive notice, which by definition requires public accessibility
- Centuries of common law tradition establishing land records as public documents
- The practical necessity of a transparent recording system to support real estate commerce, title insurance, and lending
Why Property Records Are Public:
Transparency
The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how property is taxed, and what encumbrances affect title. Transparent land records prevent fraudulent transfers, support accurate taxation, and enable accountability in government property assessments.
Commercial Purposes
Real estate transactions depend on the ability of buyers, lenders, and title companies to search public records and verify ownership, encumbrances, and title history. The entire title insurance industry is built on the public accessibility of recorded instruments.
Legal Protections
Public recording provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties, establishes priority among competing interests, and protects against fraudulent conveyances. Without public access, the recording system would serve no legal purpose.
Public Interest
Property records support community planning, historical and genealogical research, journalistic investigation of property ownership, and academic study of land use patterns.
What Property Information Is Public:
The following categories of information are freely accessible to any member of the public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, encumbrances, and releases
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
While property records are public, certain personal information within those records receives protection:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Texas law
- Bank account numbers and personal financial details beyond recorded instrument amounts are not disclosed
- Certain individuals — including active law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of family violence — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under the Texas Address Confidentiality Program
- Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully public; the Bee County Appraisal District can advise on applicable policies
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any person may access Bee County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
- Title companies and abstractors
- Lenders and mortgage servicers
- Real estate attorneys
- Property investors and developers
- Genealogists and historians
- Journalists and researchers
- Out-of-state and foreign inquirers
Commercial Use of Property Records:
Commercial aggregation and use of public property records is permitted under Texas law. Title companies, data services, and real estate platforms routinely compile and resell property record information. Anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how information may be used regardless of its public nature.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Bee County?
The cost to obtain Bee County property records varies by record type, format, and the office providing the record. Members of the public may inspect most records at no charge; fees apply to copies, certifications, and certain document retrieval services.
Bee County Clerk Recording and Copy Fees:
Under Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, county clerks are authorized to charge statutory fees for recording and copying instruments. Current standard fees for Bee County include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording fee (first page) | $26.00 |
| Recording fee (each additional page) | $4.00 |
| Certified copy of recorded instrument | $5.00 (first page) + $1.00 per additional page |
| Non-certified copy of recorded instrument | $1.00 per page |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies |
| Plat recording | Statutory rate per page |
Bee County Appraisal District:
- Online property searches: Free, no registration required
- Printed property cards: Nominal copying fee (typically $0.10–$0.25 per page)
- Certified appraisal records: Contact the district for current rates
Bee County Tax Assessor-Collector:
- Online tax account searches: Free
- Copies of tax bills: Nominal fee per page
- Tax certificate searches: Contact the office for current rates
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Bee County Clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Bee County Clerk. Credit and debit card payments may be accepted for online transactions; members of the public should confirm current accepted methods directly with each office.
Fee Waivers:
Texas law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Governmental entities and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees in specific circumstances. Inspection of records — without requesting copies — is available at no charge to any member of the public during regular business hours.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online viewing of property appraisal data through the Bee County Appraisal District portal
- Online viewing of tax account information through the Tax Assessor-Collector
- In-person inspection of recorded instruments at the Bee County Clerk's office
- Online index searches for recorded documents
What's Included in a Bee County Property Record
A complete Bee County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information:
Ownership Information:
Current Ownership
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type: individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenancy by the entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate
- Ownership percentage where multiple parties hold title
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
Previous Ownership
- Chain of title reflecting all prior owners
- Transfer dates and historical deed references
- Grantor and grantee names for each recorded conveyance
Property Identification:
- Site address (physical location) and mailing address if different
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section/township/range for rural properties
- Parcel/account number assigned by the appraisal district
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
Land Information
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and street frontage
- Corner lot designation
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year built
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type (frame, masonry, or other)
- Exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage type and number of spaces
- Pool, porch, patio, and other additional features
- Central air conditioning and heating type
- Water source and sewer system type
Valuation Information:
- Land value and improvement value as assessed
- Total assessed value and market/just value
- Capped value where applicable under Texas law
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural use valuation where applicable
Tax Information:
- Total tax amount due for the current year
- Exemptions applied (homestead, over-65, disability, veteran, and others)
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, and special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Prior years' tax payment history
- Delinquency history where applicable
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent and historical transactions
- Grantor and grantee names for each transfer
- Instrument numbers and recording references
- Qualified or unqualified sale designation
- Documentary stamp or transfer tax amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Currently recorded mortgages and deeds of trust with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements and right-of-way instruments
- Deed restrictions and restrictive covenants
- Lis pendens notices
- Releases and satisfactions of prior encumbrances
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water, and other taxing districts)
- Flood zone designation per FEMA maps
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Images:
- Exterior property photograph
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial imagery where available
Building Permit Information (where integrated):
- Building permits issued, permit dates, and descriptions
- Contractor information and permit valuations
- Certificates of occupancy and inspection records
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
- Interior photographs
- Confidential exemption application details
- Social Security numbers (redacted under Texas law)
- Private unrecorded agreements
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Bee County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Bee County are maintained permanently. The permanent retention of recorded instruments is a legal requirement under Texas law and a practical necessity for maintaining an unbroken chain of title from original land grants to present ownership.
Legal Basis for Retention:
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes records retention schedules for local government entities under the Texas Government Code. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records that may never be destroyed. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission Local Schedule CC governs retention requirements for county clerk records and confirms that all recorded instruments must be retained permanently.
Records Kept Permanently:
Deed Records
All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records extend back to the formation of Bee County in 1857 and, for some properties, to original Texas land grants issued during the Republic of Texas period.
Mortgage Records
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments, modifications, satisfactions, and releases are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records
All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and their releases — are maintained permanently as part of the official property record.
Plats and Surveys
All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently and are essential for interpreting legal descriptions.
Other Recorded Instruments
Easements, restrictions, covenants, powers of attorney affecting real property, and court documents recorded against real property are all maintained permanently.
Format and Storage:
Historical Records
- Pre-1900 records: Handwritten ledger books maintained in protected vault storage
- Early-to-mid 1900s: Typed entries in bound record books and microfilm
- Late 1900s to present: Digital scans of original documents stored in electronic document management systems
Modern Format
The Bee County Clerk currently maintains recorded instruments in a digital document management system with scanned images of original documents. Backup systems and off-site storage protect against data loss.
Access to Historical Records:
Online Access
Records digitized by the Bee County Clerk are accessible through the county's online portal. The extent of online availability varies; members of the public seeking records from earlier decades may need to visit the courthouse.
In-Person Access
All records, regardless of age or format, are available for public inspection at the Bee County Clerk's office during regular business hours. Staff can retrieve records from bound books, microfilm, or digital archives. Advance notice is recommended for records more than 50 years old.
Property Appraiser Records:
The Bee County Appraisal District maintains current and historical assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls permanently. Recent years of assessment history are accessible through the online portal; historical assessments are available at the district office.
Tax Records:
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules. Tax deed records resulting from delinquent tax sales are maintained permanently. Delinquency records are retained for several years following resolution.
Chain of Title:
The chain of title for any Bee County property can be traced from the present owner back through every prior recorded conveyance to the original land grant. Title searches conducted for real estate transactions review a minimum of the past 30 to 60 years, though a full abstract may extend to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.
Accessing Records by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability | Access Method |
|---|---|---|
| Last 20 years | Fully online in most cases | Online portal, immediate |
| 20–50 years ago | Partially online; microfilm available | Online or in-person |
| 50–100 years ago | Microfilm or bound books | In-person, staff retrieval |
| 100+ years ago | Archive storage, bound books | In-person, advance notice recommended |
Contact for Historical Records:
Bee County Clerk 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 104 Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 621-1556 Bee County Clerk
Bee County Appraisal District 401 N. Washington St. Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 358-1122 Bee County Appraisal District
How To Find Liens on Property in Bee County?
Liens recorded against real property in Bee County are public records maintained by the Bee County Clerk and are searchable through the official records index. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must generally be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. Common lien types include federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's and materialman's liens, HOA assessment liens, and code enforcement liens.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Visit the Bee County Clerk's official records search portal
- Select the grantor/grantee index search option
- Enter the current property owner's name as the grantor to identify instruments recorded against that party
- Filter results by document type to isolate liens, notices of lis pendens, and related instruments
- Review each result for recording date, lien amount, and lienholder identity
- Note the instrument number or volume and page for any lien identified
- Request a copy of the full lien document for review
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the county clerk in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may also search the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for federal tax lien information. Federal tax liens attach to all real and personal property of the taxpayer and must be released before clear title can pass.
State Tax Liens:
Texas Comptroller tax liens are filed with the county clerk and are searchable through the county's official records index. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts maintains information on state tax lien filings.
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens in Texas arise when an abstract of judgment is recorded with the county clerk in the county where the debtor owns real property. A judgment lien attaches to all non-exempt real property owned by the judgment debtor in that county. Searching the grantor index under the judgment debtor's name will identify recorded abstracts of judgment.
Mechanic's and Materialman's Liens:
Under Texas Property Code Chapter 53, contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who are not paid for work or materials furnished to improve real property may file a mechanic's lien against the property. These liens are recorded with the county clerk and are searchable through the official records index by the property owner's name or the property address.
HOA and Code Enforcement Liens:
Homeowner association assessment liens and municipal code enforcement liens are recorded with the county clerk and appear in the official records index. Searching by the property owner's name or the HOA's name as grantor will identify these instruments.
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Bee County Clerk's office using public access terminals. Staff can assist with searches and retrieve documents from the official records index.
Bee County Clerk 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Suite 104 Beeville, TX 78102 Phone: (361) 621-1556 Bee County Clerk
Through Title Companies:
Licensed title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A title commitment issued by a title company will identify all recorded liens and encumbrances affecting a property and is the standard method used in real estate transactions to ensure clear title.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Bee County?
The property owner rule in Texas is a legal doctrine that permits a property owner to testify as to the market value of their own real property in legal proceedings, including condemnation cases, property tax protests, and damage claims. Under Texas law, a property owner is considered qualified to offer an opinion of value for their own property without being designated as an expert witness, provided the testimony meets certain foundational requirements.
Legal Foundation:
The property owner rule in Texas is recognized under Texas Rules of Evidence and has been affirmed by Texas courts in numerous decisions. The rule is grounded in the principle that an owner has inherent knowledge of their property's characteristics, condition, and value. Texas courts have held that an owner's opinion of value is admissible as lay opinion testimony under Texas Rules of Evidence Rule 701, which permits opinion testimony by a lay witness that is rationally based on the witness's perception and helpful to the determination of a fact in issue.
Application in Property Tax Protests:
Property owners in Bee County who disagree with the appraised value assigned by the Bee County Appraisal District may protest that value before the Appraisal Review Board. Under the Texas Tax Code, a property owner may present evidence of the property's market value, including the owner's own opinion of value supported by comparable sales data, independent appraisals, or other relevant evidence. The Texas Comptroller's Property Tax Assistance Division provides guidance on the protest process and the types of evidence that may be presented.
Protest Deadlines and Procedures:
- Property owners must file a notice of protest with the Bee County Appraisal Review Board by May 15 of the tax year, or within 30 days of the date the appraisal notice is delivered, whichever is later
- Protests are heard by the Appraisal Review Board, an independent body separate from the appraisal district
- Property owners may appear in person, submit evidence by affidavit, or be represented by an agent
- Following the ARB hearing, property owners who remain dissatisfied may appeal to district court or, for certain property types, to the State Office of Administrative Hearings
Application in Condemnation Proceedings:
When a governmental entity exercises eminent domain to acquire private property in Bee County, the property owner has the right to just compensation under both the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution. The property owner rule permits the owner to testify as to the market value of the condemned property. Texas Property Code Chapter 21 governs eminent domain proceedings