There are limited options depending on the issue. For issues related to the appraisal review board hearing, you can contact the chairman of the board of the appraisal review board. It is sometimes possible to find the appraisal review board chairman during the day at the appraisal district. An in person discussion has the highest probability of success. Other options are contact by phone or mail. This is sometimes successful.

If it is not, you can ask the chief appraiser to join you in a 25.25H motion to revise the value. It is possible to complete and mail such an appeal (25.25h). Attempt to contact the person at the appraisal district who processes these protests. Ask to meet with the person to gain their suggestions and support. The probability of success is much higher if the appraiser supports your effort. Another options are protesting based upon 25.25c. This is a clerical error protest. If the appraisal district incorrectly described the size of your property, you can protest using 25.25c for the current year and for prior years. Such a motion must be approved by the appraisal review board by the tax delinquency date (typically January 31st of the subsequent year).

You could contact the local media. Depending on your media contacts, persistence and the appeal of your story, this would work.

You can file a judicial appeal of the appraisal review board decision. Unfortunately, this is not financially feasible for most properties.

You can file a lawsuit in state district court based upon section 41.45f of the Texas property Tax Code (TPTC). This section of the TPTC addresses not receiving a fearing to which you are entitled. This is also not financially feasible for most properties.

In practice, there are few practical options for a homeowner to resolve unlawful behavior at the appraisal review board. This is perhaps the Achilles Heel of a reasonable property tax code.

Proposed topics for comments:

1. What has your experience been at the Travis County Appraisal Review Board?
2. If you were subjected to unlawful action by an appraisal district or appraisal review board, and want to pursue litigation through trial, contact apendergraft@poconnor.com

 

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