Appeals Process

Considering Appeals

If you think the appraised value of your property is more than you would reasonably get if you sold your home, you should consider an appeal. Remember the appraiser is required to value all property at fair market value. The appraiser office staff members can help you review and verify data on your property. Reviewing real estate advertisements or visiting with real estate professionals can also provide helpful information about market conditions.

Filing an Appeal

The appraiser’s office tries to make the filing process as simple as possible. The appeal instructions are on the back of the Annual Notice of Value. You can also request a telephone hearing. By law, you must file your appeal within 30 days of the date the valuation was mailed to you. Forms can be obtained from the County Appraiser's office or via email.

After You Appeal

The first level of an appeal is the informal hearing. You are notified at least 10 days in advance of the date of the hearing. Once you start this appeal, be sure to pursue it to your satisfaction. If you drop it, you can not appeal later on the same property in the same tax year.

The informal hearing is a meeting with an appraiser that lasts about 20 minutes. You can designate someone to represent you, if you wish, by filing a Declaration of Representation.

Preparing an Appeal

The appraisers have the burden of proof and will provide documentation showing why they believe the valuation is correct. However, it is also important for you as a homeowner to prepare specific reasons and documentation showing why you feel the property is not appraised at fair market value.

For example, you might want to bring:

• Any recent appraisals or sales contracts
• Copies of surveys or other pertinent data
• Copies of recent estimates for repairs
• Data on recent sales in your area for properties similar to your own
• Photographs of any structural damage