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Texas Property Tax Protest & ARB Resources
A Texas property tax protest gives property owners an opportunity to challenge certain actions taken by their appraisal district, including the appraised value of their property. Understanding the protest process, deadlines, evidence and Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing procedures can help owners make informed decisions about their property tax matters.
Laura Dash served on the Comal County Appraisal Review Board from 2021 through 2024, providing firsthand experience with the ARB hearing process and the types of evidence property owners may present when protesting an appraisal.
This resource provides practical information about Texas property tax protests, preparing evidence, comparable sales, appraisal district records and ARB hearings. Laura also assists qualifying property owners with appraisal protest and ARB representation when appropriate. Written authorization from the property owner is required for representation.
Texas Property Tax Articles
How to Protest Your Property Appraisal in Texas
How the Texas Property Tax Protest Process Works
The Texas property tax protest process generally begins when a property owner receives a Notice of Appraised Value or becomes aware of an appraisal district action they want to challenge. Property owners should review the notice carefully and pay close attention to the protest deadline.
After a protest is filed, the appraisal district may offer an informal review where the owner can discuss the property and present supporting information. Evidence may include comparable sales, photographs, repair estimates, property characteristics, appraisal district records and other information relevant to the issue being protested.
If the matter is not resolved, the property owner may proceed to an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. At the hearing, both the property owner or authorized representative and the appraisal district may present evidence and arguments. The ARB considers the evidence and makes a determination based on the issues properly before it.
Preparation matters. Owners should understand what they are protesting, what evidence supports their position and how that evidence relates to the property being reviewed.
Evidence to Prepare for an ARB Hearing
Strong evidence should relate directly to the issue being protested and to the property’s value or characteristics as of the applicable appraisal date. Simply believing an appraisal is too high generally is not enough; the goal is to support the requested value with relevant information.
Useful evidence may include recent comparable sales, photographs showing property condition, estimates for needed repairs, surveys, closing statements, independent appraisals, construction costs and documentation showing characteristics that may affect value.
Property owners should also review the appraisal district’s evidence before the hearing. Comparing the district’s property information and comparable properties with the subject property may reveal differences in size, condition, location, improvements, acreage or other characteristics.
Evidence should be organized so the ARB can easily understand the owner's position. A concise explanation supported by relevant documents is generally more useful than submitting a large amount of material without explaining how it supports the protest.
What to Expect at an ARB Hearing
An Appraisal Review Board hearing gives the property owner and the appraisal district an opportunity to present evidence concerning the protest. The ARB is an independent body that hears property tax appraisal disputes and makes decisions based on the evidence presented at the hearing.
At the hearing, the property owner or authorized representative can explain the protest, present evidence and respond to the appraisal district’s position. The appraisal district may present its own valuation information, comparable properties and other evidence supporting its appraisal.
Property owners should be prepared to explain clearly what value or correction they are requesting and why. Staying focused on the evidence that directly supports the protest can make the presentation easier for the ARB to follow.
Laura Dash served on the Comal County Appraisal Review Board from 2021 through 2024 and brings firsthand familiarity with the ARB hearing process, evidence presentation and property valuation disputes.
Property Tax Protest & ARB Representation
Property owners do not have to navigate the appraisal protest process alone. Laura Dash assists qualifying Texas property owners with appraisal protests, evidence preparation and representation at Appraisal Review Board hearings.
Representation requires written authorization from the property owner, and the appropriate appointment-of-agent documentation must be completed as required. Each property and protest is different, so the first step is reviewing the property, appraisal information and the issue the owner wants to protest.
Need help with a property tax protest or upcoming ARB hearing? Contact Laura to discuss your property and the next steps.
Request Property Tax Protest Help