Texas ARB Hearing Checklist — What to Bring to Your Protest

Verify Your Appraisal Record

Appraisal districts sometimes have incorrect data on file. Errors in your property record can directly inflate your assessed value. Review your county's appraisal district website and check the following:

Square footage — Does the recorded living area match your actual home? Measure if unsure.Bedroom and bathroom count — Verify the number matches your property.Year built — Confirm the construction year is correct.Garage, pool, and outbuildings — Make sure extra structures are accurately recorded. Removed structures should not still be listed.Condition and quality classification — Check how the district rates your home's condition. If your home has significant wear, the classification may be too high.Homestead exemption — Confirm your homestead exemption is applied if you qualify. This affects your taxable value.Other exemptions — Over-65, disabled veteran, or agricultural exemptions should be verified if applicable.

Property Condition Photos

Photos documenting damage, deferred maintenance, or negative conditions can support your case — especially if comparable properties are in better condition. Use clear, well-lit photos with both close-up and wide-angle shots.

Exterior front and rear — Overall condition of siding, paint, trim, and landscaping.Roof — Missing shingles, sagging areas, visible wear, or storm damage.Foundation — Cracks, shifting, uneven settling, or water intrusion at the base.Water damage or stains — Ceiling stains, wall discoloration, mold, or evidence of past leaks.Flooring — Worn carpet, cracked tile, warped hardwood, or subfloor damage.Kitchen and bathrooms — Outdated fixtures, damaged countertops, non-functional appliances, or aging finishes.Windows and doors — Damaged frames, broken seals, fogged glass, or difficulty opening/closing.Driveway and drainage — Cracked concrete, poor drainage, standing water, or erosion.

Photo tips: Include a date stamp if possible. Take multiple angles of each issue. Pair each photo with a brief written description of what it shows and where the issue is located.

Repair Estimates and Reports

Written estimates from licensed contractors or inspectors add concrete dollar figures to your condition evidence. Photos show the problem — estimates quantify the cost.

Contractor repair estimates — Get written quotes for any significant repairs (roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing, etc.).Home inspection report — A recent inspection report documents all issues found by a professional.Engineering or structural report — For foundation issues, a structural engineer's report carries significant weight.Receipts for recent repairs — If you've already made repairs, receipts document the cost of correcting deficiencies.

Negative Property Features

Some factors that reduce property value aren't about damage — they're about location or lot characteristics that comparable properties may not share. Document any that apply:

Traffic or road noise — Property backs to or faces a busy road, highway, or commercial area.Power lines or utility easements — High-voltage lines over or near the property.Commercial adjacency — Neighboring commercial, industrial, or multi-family properties.Flood zone designation — Property is in a FEMA flood zone, requiring additional insurance.Lot shape or slope — Irregular lot, steep grade, limited usable yard space, or drainage issues.View or privacy concerns — Obstructed view, facing a wall or fence, or lack of privacy from adjacent properties.Airport or rail noise — Proximity to airports, rail lines, or other persistent noise sources.

What to Bring to Your Hearing

Texas ARB hearings are typically brief. Having your materials organized makes the best use of your time in front of the panel.

Two printed copies of your protest packet — One for you and one to hand to the panel.Printed photos — Organized by issue, with brief descriptions. Color prints are more effective than black and white.Repair estimates and reports — Printed copies of any contractor quotes, inspection reports, or engineering assessments.Your appraisal notice — The notice you received from the appraisal district showing your assessed value.Property record printout — The appraisal district's record for your property, with any errors highlighted.Notes on your key points — A brief outline of the 2-3 main arguments you plan to make, so you stay focused.

At Your Hearing

Lead with your strongest argument. If your unequal appraisal evidence is stronger than your market value evidence, present that first.

Be concise and factual. Focus on data and specific evidence — comparable assessments, sales prices, repair costs. Avoid opinions about whether taxes are fair.

State the value you are requesting. Your protest packet includes a recommended requested value based on the analysis. Have that number ready.

Be respectful and professional. The panel members are volunteers. A calm, organized presentation is more effective than an emotional one.

Know your next steps. If you disagree with the panel's decision, you may appeal to binding arbitration or the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).

This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or property tax consulting services. Consult a licensed property tax consultant or attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Hearing Preparation
Checklist

Verify Your Appraisal Record

Property Condition Photos

Repair Estimates and Reports

Negative Property Features

What to Bring to Your Hearing

At Your Hearing

Ready to See If You Have a Case?

Hearing PreparationChecklist

Verify Your Appraisal Record

Property Condition Photos

Repair Estimates and Reports

Negative Property Features

What to Bring to Your Hearing

At Your Hearing

Ready to See If You Have a Case?

Hearing Preparation
Checklist