How Best to Prepare for Your ARB Hearing: 8 Things You Need to Know

 Here’s what you need to know about the ARB hearing process in Texas:

• An ARB hearing is a formal meeting with the local Appraisal Review Board to resolve a property tax dispute between a property owner and the county appraisal district.
• It’s crucial to take the necessary steps to build and present a strong case to increase your potential for a significant tax appraisal reduction.
• Be sure to properly fill out your protest form, gather and submit strong evidence, review the county’s evidence, meet all deadlines on time, and be respectful during the hearing.
• Gill, Denson & Company can guide you through the entire protest process and help you pursue the best possible outcome in an ARB hearing.

What Is the ARB Hearing?

The appraisal review board (ARB) is an independent group of citizens locally appointed to ensure fairness and transparency in disputes between property owners and the appraisal district. Prior to a hearing, you have a right to an informal meeting to settle your protest with the county appraisal district (CAD). If that does not satisfy your grievance, you can participate in a formal ARB hearing.

The hearing is your opportunity to present a strong case in front of the board to support your argument for a lower tax appraisal value. You’ll present your evidence, hear evidence from the CAD, and then have a chance to rebut their argument. Each side may call on witnesses if needed. The board will likely ask questions of both sides before deliberating on the outcome.

8 Tips for Your ARB Hearing

Here are eight tips to help you prepare for your ARB hearing to try and achieve the best possible outcome:

#1. Check All Relevant Boxes on Your Protest Form

Be sure to check off all potential reasons for protesting when you submit your protest form. If you do not check a particular reason, you will not be able to argue that reason in your ARB hearing.

#2. Gather Strong Evidence

Gather strong, relevant evidence to support your reasoning(s) for a lower tax appraisal value. This could include comparable properties, proof of property damage or defects, or documentation contradicting information in your appraisal.

#3. Organize Your Evidence Packet

You’ll need to submit your evidence to the ARB before the hearing. Most counties require you to submit anything that will be presented at least one day prior. Be sure you submit an organized packet to make it easier for the board to review it. This also makes it easier for you to confidently present your case during the hearing.

#4. Review the CAD’s Evidence

The appraisal district also has to submit its evidence in advance, typically at least fourteen days prior to the hearing. This means you have an opportunity to review it before the ARB hearing and adjust your strategy as needed. This is typically not provided automatically, so you will need to request a copy of it from the ARB.

#5. Pay Attention to Deadlines

Do not miss important deadlines! While it varies by county, the general deadline for filing a protest is May 15. You can verify the date on your Notice of Appraised Value, typically mailed in April. Protest hearings are then held from May through the fall, depending on the number of hearings needed. If you miss your ARB hearing date, you will forfeit your right to protest that year.

Again, you also need to submit your evidence prior to the hearing, so pay read your hearing notice carefully and follow the instructions and stated deadlines. If you do not, your case could be dismissed for not following procedures.

#6. Be Respectful

Be polite and respectful during the hearing. The appraisal district may make an argument that is frustrating to you. After all, they are there to argue against your case. Remember to approach the hearing with as little emotion as possible, focusing only on the facts. It’s also important to respect everyone’s time. Do your best to get your point across in the allotted time frame.

#7. Consider Further Action

If the ARB hearing doesn’t go in your favor, don’t be discouraged. You could still have options to pursue a property tax reduction. There are rare circumstances you must meet to go through binding arbitration or litigation to appeal the decision. So, don’t count on this option, but know that it could be possible.

#8. Hire a Professional Property Tax Protest Company

The ultimate piece of advice we can give is to hire a professional. Property tax protests can be a complex, time-consuming process that the average property owner isn’t prepared to navigate. Our team of property tax experts can efficiently assist you throughout the entire process, leveraging our extensive database and local expertise in all 254 Texas counties.

Don’t let the protest process intimidate you and keep you from pursuing a lower property tax bill. Get started with Gill, Denson & Company today and ensure you only pay your fair share.