Most Travis County property tax protests are resolved at the informal review stage — a phone or video call with a TCAD appraiser where you present your evidence and, ideally, reach an agreed value. But if you and the appraiser don't agree, you move to the next step: a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing.
ARB hearings sound more intimidating than they are. This guide explains exactly what happens, how to prepare, and how to give yourself the best shot at a favorable outcome.
What is the Appraisal Review Board?
The ARB is an independent panel of citizens appointed by a local administrative district judge. They are not TCAD employees. Their job is to hear evidence from both sides — you and a TCAD appraiser — and issue a binding determination of value.
ARB panels typically consist of three members. You present your case, the TCAD appraiser presents their case, and the panel deliberates and votes. The entire hearing usually lasts 15–30 minutes.
When and where are Travis County ARB hearings?
Hearings are scheduled June through August. You'll receive written notice at least 15 days before your hearing with the date, time, and location or call-in details.
Travis County ARB hearings are held at 850 E Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78752 (the TCAD office). You can also request to appear:
- By telephone
- By videoconference
- By submitting a written affidavit in lieu of appearing in person
If you need to reschedule, contact TCAD before your hearing date — rescheduling is allowed once with reasonable notice.
What to bring
Prepare 5 sets of your evidence package — one for each ARB panel member (3), one for the TCAD appraiser, and one for yourself. Each set should include:
- Your opinion of value and how you arrived at it (1 page summary)
- 3–5 comparable sales with addresses, sale prices, dates, and square footage
- Photos of any condition issues affecting value (if applicable)
- Repair estimates from licensed contractors (if applicable)
- Your Notice of Appraised Value showing the contested value
- Closing documents if you recently purchased and paid less than the assessed value
How the hearing runs
When your case is called, the panel chair will introduce everyone and explain the process. The typical order:
- TCAD appraiser presents first — they explain how they arrived at the assessed value, what comparable sales they used, and their opinion of your property's market value.
- You present your case — walk through your evidence. Start with your opinion of value (“I believe the market value is $X based on these sales”), then present each comp briefly.
- Questions from the panel — ARB members may ask clarifying questions of both sides.
- Rebuttal — brief opportunity to respond to the other side's evidence.
- Panel deliberates — usually takes a few minutes. They vote on the value.
Tips for presenting effectively
- Lead with your strongest comp. If one sale is a near-identical house three streets away that sold for $40,000 less than your assessed value, start there.
- Stick to facts. “My taxes went up 20% and that's unfair” is not evidence. “This comparable home at 123 Oak St sold for $385,000 in October, while my assessed value is $430,000” is evidence.
- Acknowledge the TCAD appraiser's comps. If they use comparable sales that are genuinely similar, engage with them: explain why they're not comparable, or what adjustments should be made.
- Be concise. You have 15 minutes. Practice a 3-minute summary of your case before you go in.
- Don't bring children or make emotional appeals. The ARB can only consider evidence relevant to value — not hardship, financial difficulty, or how much you love your home.
After the hearing
The ARB will mail you a written notice of their determination. If you disagree with the ARB decision, you have further appeal options: binding arbitration (for properties under $5 million), the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH), or district court. These paths have their own deadlines and requirements — consult a tax attorney if you're considering them.
Ready to prepare for your hearing? Our free Travis County guide includes a full hearing prep checklist and evidence guide. If you'd like professional help putting together your evidence package, see our document preparation service.