Property Tax Protest and Appeal Procedures

Property owners have a right to protest their property tax appraisals. As property values continue to increase, so does the county assessor’s opinion of value. Many people believe that they shouldn’t bother protesting taxes, as they won’t receive any relief. But I say, protest taxes EVERY YEAR! This is the only way to hedge the increase. Or attempt to slow down an escalating base. Here’s a brief overview of the property tax protest procedures.

We all like a good strong real estate market, but unless you have updated your home this year, you should not be compared to the updated home that sold.

You may follow appeal procedures if they have a concern about:

• the appraised (market) value of your property
• the unequal value of your property compared with other properties
• the inclusion of your property on the appraisal roll
• any exemptions that may apply to you
• the qualification for an agricultural or timber appraisal
• the taxing units taxing your property
• the property ownership
• the change of use of land receiving special appraisal
• failure of the chief appraiser or appraisal review board (ARB) to send a required notice
• any action taken by the chief appraiser, county appraisal district (CAD) or ARB that applies to and adversely affects you.

Informal Review

An owner or his authorized agent is requested to contact the Appraisal District staff to discuss and hopefully resolve any concerns that the owner/agent might have regarding the appraised value, or any other item listed above.

Review by the ARB

If you cannot resolve your problem informally with the CAD, you file a notice of protest requesting to have your case heard by the ARB.

The ARB is an independent board of citizens that hears and determines protests regarding property appraisals or other concerns listed above. It has the power to order the CAD to make the necessary changes based on evidence heard during the ARB hearing.

Review by the District Court, an Arbitrator or SOAH

After it decides your case, the ARB must send you a copy of its order by certified mail. If you are not satisfied with the ARB’s decision, you have the right to appeal to district court. As an alternative to district court, you may appeal through binding arbitration or the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) if you meet the qualifying criteria.

For more detailed information about the protest procedures view the Collin CAD website: 2018 Press Releases.

If you need a market analysis or would like a referral for a professional tax consultant to file your protest for you, please contact me with your property details.

Need Help? Contact Franceanna for a consultation: 972-588-8863 Or click here to book a consultation.