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 Conference: 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. The informal conference is considered any discussion on value and property characteristics whether discussed in person, by telephone or by email. 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 conference and will deliver this information at the informal conference.

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, conferences and 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 Conference: Unfortunately, no.  The appraisers will continue the informal conference by telephone or email. In the event there is no resolution between the property owner and the appraisal district the account will be routed for scheduling of a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board.

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 Conference: No, not at all.  If you miss your appointment the appraiser will make one attempt to contact the property owner by telephone or email. In the event there is no response or no resolution the account will be routed for scheduling of a formal hearing before the Appraisal Review Board.

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 Conference?

Your property will be scheduled for 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.