Protest FAQ’s

How do I protest the value?

You may use our online protest option.  Directions are on our website under the Forms & Guidelines or  ARB located along the header or you may choose to complete the protest form that was mailed to you.  If you choose to fill out the form sent to you, you will need to either create a PDF and email it to protest@bastropcad.org, mail it in using USPO or use the drop box that we have located on the south side of the building.

What happens after I file the protest?

Informal Hearings: Once we receive your protest, we will schedule you for a date and time to speak with an appraiser.  We will mail you a letter with your appointment date and an information sheet explaining how the process works. Evidence requests are for formal protest hearings.  Evidence request for informal hearings is not a provision of the law.  The appraiser will develop the evidence he/she will be presenting at the informal hearing and will deliver this information at the informal hearing.

Formal Hearing before the Appraisal Review Board, you will receive notification of your appointment date, the model hearing procedures and an information sheet explaining how the process works.  Evidence requests will be fulfilled.

Can I choose my date?  The time?

If you are aware of any dates that you will not be available, please include a note with your protest.  Otherwise, protests are scheduled for the first available hearing date/time in the order they are received.

Will I be able to reschedule the meeting if the date or time does not work for me?

Informal Hearings: Unfortunately, no.  The appraisers should be able to work something out in order to answer your questions.

Formal Hearing before the Appraisal Review Board, yes.  A first time request for reschedule is automatically granted.  A second request is up to the Appraisal Review Board to grant.

If I miss my appointment does my protest get cancelled?

Informal Hearings: No, not at all.  If you miss your appointment and you and the appraiser are just not able to get in touch with each other, you will be scheduled for a formal hearing.  This is one of the reasons we ask you to go ahead and file an appeal.  We want to protect your rights as a property owner.

Formal Hearing before the Appraisal Review Board, possible.  You have four calendar days from the date of the hearing to request a reschedule.  Depending if the reschedule is a first time request or second time request will determine if the hearing will be rescheduled or marked as a no-show.

What if I can’t come to an agreement with the appraiser at my Informal Hearing?

You have the right as a property owner to continue your appeal and have a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board.  These hearings typically begin after June 1st.

What if the appraiser answers my questions and I don’t want to continue with my appeal?

You will be able to withdraw your appeal at any time during the process. You will be asked to submit a withdraw of protest in writing.

What happens if I miss the deadline or just don’t file an appeal?

If you miss the deadline but wish to file an appeal, there are provisions in the law for filing a late protest.  Please refer to Forms and Guideline on the Home page – Protest Forms for information on filing protests.  If you do not file an appeal at all, everything remains as noticed.

What does protesting incorrect appraised (market) value mean?

This is a protest of the market value.  This is the value the property should sell for on January 1, between a willing seller and willing buyer, that are knowledgeable.  The best evidence to present at your hearing is sales information of property similar to yours.  These sales will be taken into consideration and adjusted for differences between the subject and the comparable.

What is an unequal protest?

This is a protest in which the property owner feels that the value of their property is not equal to the value of similar property.  The best evidence to present at your hearing is a random selection of properties that are similar to yours.  These properties will be taken into consideration and adjusted for differences between the subject and the comparable.  The amount of change in value from one year to another or as compared to another property is NOT an unequal protest.  The appraisal district will randomly select approximately 10 properties similar in class, size, age and land size and make adjustments for any differences.