How to prepare for a hearing before the Appraisal Review Board.

  • The First most important step is to make sure that you have filed a timely appeal with the appeal district.
  • With an appeal on file most appraisal districts will give you the opportunity meet informally with a staff appraiser to discuss the current valuation.
  • Most appeals are resolve at this point in the appeal process.
  • If a valuation agreement is not reached the taxpayer is entitled to a formal hearing before the appraisal review board.
  • When you prepare for your ARB hearing remember several important points:
  • File a request with the appraisal district for a copy any and all evidence they plan to present at your hearing. This must be done 14 days before your hearing.
  • Prepare an outline with the relevant facts and follow it during your presentation.
  • Provide copies of your evidence for the ARB members and the staff appraiser.
  • You will have a short period of time to explain you’re the nature of your protest.
  • What relief are you asking for?
  • Therefore make your presentation short and concise.
  • Be prepared to rebut the appraisal district evidence.
  • I have attached a link to the Texas Comptrollers web site.
  • This particular link is used to train ARB members.
  • http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/arbslides/2011_comprehensive_training.pdf
  • This link will explain to you;
  • The role of the ARB
  • Hearing procedures
  • The rules of evidence
  • Remember if you do agree with an ARB ruling you have three options.
  • File suit in district court
  • File for bidding arbitration
  • File for a hearing before a State Office of Administrative Hearing or SOAH.