Helpful Information
ARB Member Application Letter and Qualifications for Membership
Property Tax Protest and Appeal Procedures
ARB Hearing Rules and Procedures
Seeking alternate Appraisal Review Board members. Alternate members may fill in any time regular members are unable to attend. Any person interested should fill out an application and return it to UCAD office. Applications are available at the office and on the website under organization and the Appraisal Review Board. Alternate and regular members are appointed by the District Judge.
ARB/Protest Forms
Property Owner Affidavit of Evidence
Correct One Third Over Appraisal
Settlement and Waiver of Protest
The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is an independent, impartial group of citizens authorized to resolve disputes between taxpayers and the appraisal district. The District Judge appoints ARB members; however, he has no authority over how the ARB conducts its business. The ARB is a separate entity from the appraisal office and serves a different function. Members must be residents of the appraisal district for at least two years to serve. Current officers and employees of the appraisal district, taxing units and the Texas Comptroller’s office may not serve. ARB members also must comply with special state laws on conflict of interest and must complete a training course and receive a certificate of course completion from the Comptroller.
The ARB hears and resolves disputes over appraisal matters based on evidence provided by both the taxpayer and the appraisal district. While this is a broad and important responsibility, the ARB must be sensitive to its legal and practical limits while adhering to Texas property tax codes. The ARB only has authority over protests submitted to it and has no role in the day-to-day operations of the appraisal office or in appraising property. It cannot instruct the appraisal staff about how to perform appraisals. Only in resolving taxpayer protests can the ARB make changes or set a value on its own, and such a change only affects the property in question.
The ARB is the first level of review in the property tax system. It is a quasi-judicial entity with responsibility to review appraisals that have been protested by property owners. An appearance before the ARB is often the first time a taxpayer faces a decision-making body of government. The ARB is encouraged to make the experience a positive one by its demeanor and willingness to listen. All ARB members should demonstrate fairness and courtesy in conducting hearings and consider the evidence presented by all parties to the protests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I protest my appraised value?
The appraisal district has protest forms available but you need not use one. A notice of protest is sufficient if it identifies the owner, the property that is the subject of the protest and indicates that you are dissatisfied with a decision of the appraisal district. For your convenience, a protest form is included on the reverse side of your notice of appraised value or may be downloaded from our website.
What is the deadline for filing a protest?
You should file your written protest by May 15 or no later than 30 days after the appraisal district mailed you a notice of appraised value, whichever is later.
Can I file a protest after my deadline?
If you file a protest before the ARB approves the appraisal records, you are entitled to a hearing only if the board decides that you had good reason for failing to meet the deadline.
If your protest is late because the chief appraiser or ARB failed to mail a required notice of appraised value or denial of exemption or agricultural appraisal, you may file your protest any time before the taxes become delinquent.
In some limited cases, you may file with the ARB to correct an error even after these deadlines. Contact your appraisal district if you have questions regarding clerical errors, substantial value errors, double taxing or other possible errors.
What is an ARB?
An Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is a group of Upshur County citizens, appointed by a District Judge to perform an independent review of your protest and trained by Texas State Comptroller’s Office. The ARB is a separate body from the Upshur County Appraisal District and has no role on the day-to-day operations of the appraisal district; however, in resolving protests and/or challenges, the ARB can order the chief appraiser to change a value or correct the appraisal records.
When will I get my hearing?
The ARB will start hearings on or about June 1. At least fifteen days prior to your formal hearing you will receive a letter from the ARB notifying you of the date, time and place of your hearing. The ARB for the Upshur County Appraisal District meets at the appraisal district offices in meeting rooms that have been designated for their use.
How do I prepare for a protest hearing?
You will receive a copy of the Texas Comptrollers Texas Property Taxes:Taxpayer Rights, Remedies and Responsibilities pamphlet with your notice of protest hearing letter. This pamphlet offers advice on how to prepare for an ARB Hearing. In addition, you will receive a copy of the ARB Formal Hearing Procedures which will explain the procedures to be used in a hearing.
The appraisal district website is one resource you may use in preparing for your hearing, in addition you may visit the appraisal district offices to inspect and obtain copies of the data, schedules, formulas and any other information the chief appraiser plans to introduce at your hearing.
Go prepared to your hearing and take anything that will help you make your case. If your protest is that you recently purchased you home and the appraisal district has it valued higher than your purchase price, bring in copies of your signed Settlement Statement. If your protest is that the condition of your home affects the value, such as you have a cracked slab or need a new roof, bring photos, engineering reports or written estimates to repair deficiencies.
Be on time and prepared for your hearing.
Stick to the facts of your presentation.
Keep it simple and well organized.
Stress key facts and figures.
Provide the ARB with facts and not with emotional arguments.
Do I have to attend the formal ARB hearing in order to resolve my protest?
No, you may be able to resolve your protest informally with an appraiser prior to attending the formal hearing with the ARB. You should bring the appropriate documentation to the informal meeting so that it may be reviewed. You may need to bring in a copy of your closing statement, fee appraisal or other related documents if you have recently purchased your home. Depending upon your situation, you may want to provide sales and comparables, repair estimates, and/or photographs. If you are unable to resolve your protest informally, you will need to attend the formal hearing with the ARB.