Tea TEXAS Montgomery Central Appraisal District [ MCAD ] appraisal of homes and other real estate; This value determines the amount of the property tax. Reducing property taxes takes some knowledge and a modest time commitment, although you have the option of hiring a professional property tax consultant. Basic steps to reduce the taxable value set by the appraisal district include protesting the market value and / or uneven appraisal annually, reviewing the appraisal district evidence, preparing your case for presentation, attending the informal conference with a staff appraiser and attend a formal meeting. appraisal review board (ARB) hearing if necessary.

Note: Most people do not know that the Texas property tax code provides for the property owner to obtain the evidence from the appraisal district. This information, sometimes called the House Bill 201 package, can be very helpful in preparing the case for reduction.

The administrative appeal process at the appraisal district office generally involves two steps: 1) an informal conference and 2) a formal ARB hearing. Although the property owner is not required to attend an informal hearing, most property tax protests are resolved through an agreement between the property owner (or property tax assessor) and a property tax assessor. county at these meetings. County appraisers are supposed to make changes if there is evidence to support the change, but they are generally reluctant to reduce the home’s taxable value by significant amounts. The next level of meeting, which can occur if you cannot reach an individual agreement with the county assessor, is a formal ARB hearing. Homeowners who were unable to reach an agreement through an informal conference have a second chance to present their case and can sometimes receive a resolution at a formal ARB hearing.

It is important to arrive early for evaluation district meetings and make an effort to be courteous, pleasant, and calm, even if you feel anxious. After checking in with the front desk clerk, be prepared to wait 30 to 60 minutes. Maybe bring a book or some work to pass the time. Greet the appraisal staff with kindness and courtesy. At this level, your goal is like yours, to reach an agreement in a timely manner. After discussing the evidence with a county assessor, they will sometimes make you an offer to settle your property tax protest. You can accept the offer or continue your appeal with the ARB hearing. In most cases, the county assessor will also informally recommend the offered security at the ARB hearing. The appraisal district knows that most homeowners are often reluctant to attend the ARB hearing due to the additional time involved and the formal filing process can be intimidating for some people.

Formal hearings generally consist of panels of three or more representatives from the ARB, the property owner (or property tax assessor), and the county assessor. After introductions and a brief explanation of the process, the county assessor will describe the property in question. The property owner presents initial evidence and responds to any questions from ARB representatives. The staff appraiser then presents evidence on behalf of the appraisal district and answers any questions from the ARB panel. The property owner has the opportunity to rebut and respond to any additional questions from the ARB panel to clarify the facts presented. Finally, the ARB panel deliberates and announces a decision. The decision is not subject to further negotiation at the hearing. You should kindly thank the members of the ARB for their consideration. If you are not satisfied with your decision, you may be able to seek binding arbitration or court appeal.