How to file "Property Owner's Notice of Protest"?

Remember that the deadline to apply for your Notice of Protest is May 15!

Filing a property tax protest can feel overwhelming, but we're here to guide you through the process step by step. The Notice of Protest form is your official way to challenge the appraised value of your property. Sections 1 and 2 of the form—covering basic contact and property information—are straightforward and self-explanatory. For Sections 3 and 4, which involve stating your reason for the protest and providing supporting evidence, we offer detailed assistance through our paid property tax reports, which include comps, analysis, and tailored recommendations. Below, we’ll walk you through the remaining sections of the form, starting with how to choose your hearing type and communication preferences.

Section 5 – Hearing Type

Purpose:
This section lets you choose how you want your protest to be handled, both during the informal and formal stages.

1. Do you request an informal conference with the appraisal office before the protest hearing?
   Meaning:
   An informal conference is your first chance to resolve the protest before appearing before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). You’ll speak directly with an appraiser and try to negotiate a lower property value.
   Answer options:
   Yes – You want to try to resolve the protest informally with the appraiser:
   If you want to do this by email, select Yes and be sure to efile the protest (explained at the end).
   If you want to meet in person, select Yes and do not efile.
   No – You want to skip the informal meeting and go straight to the ARB hearing.
   Note: If you accept the appraiser’s offer after this meeting, the process ends. If you reject the offer, you'll move on to the formal ARB hearing.
2. Do you request a hearing with a single-member ARB panel or a regular panel of at least three members?
   Meaning:
   If you reach the ARB stage (either by skipping the informal meeting or rejecting the appraiser’s offer), this decides who will hear your case.
   Answer options:
   Single-member panel – One person hears your case. May feel more personal.
   Regular panel – A group of three or more board members hears your case. May offer broader consideration.
   This is a personal preference.
3. I intend to appear in the ARB hearing scheduled for my protest in the following manner:
   Meaning:
   Choose how you want to attend your formal hearing with the ARB.
   Answer options:
   In person
   By telephone
   By video conference
   By written affidavit (you won’t appear; your case is reviewed based on your written submission)

Section 6 – Hearing Communication Preferences

Purpose:
This section determines how the ARB will contact you about your hearing and whether you want reminders or additional documentation.

1. I request my notice of hearing to be delivered by:
   Answer options:
   Regular first-class mail – Standard delivery method.
   Certified mail – Includes tracking and requires a signature, but you may need to pay extra.
2. I want the ARB to send me a copy of its hearing procedures:
   Answer options:
   Yes – You'll receive the rules and procedures for the hearing.
   No – You decline this information.
3. Do you request an electronic reminder by text or email of the date, time and place of your ARB protest hearing?
   Answer options:
   Yes, by text message
   Yes, by email
   No
   Choose whichever method helps you keep track of your hearing schedule.

Section 7 – Special Panel Request for Property Value of $61 Million or More

Purpose:
This applies only to high-value properties.
Is your property appraisal $61 million or more?
Answer options:
Yes – If your property is valued at $61 million or more. Your case may qualify for a special panel.
No – If the property value is below $61 million.

E-Filing Reminder

If you want to:

Have the informal meeting with the appraiser handled by email (not in person),
Then you must choose to e-file the Notice of Protest.

E-filing allows you to handle the informal negotiation with the appraiser through email only.
If that doesn't resolve your protest, you can still appear before the ARB.