Arbitration

Binding Arbitration

Once the ARB rules on your protest, it sends you a written order by certified mail. If you are dissatisfied with the ARB's findings, you have the right to appeal its decision. In 2005, the Legislature made available a less costly method of recourse- Binding Arbitration!

The State Comptroller has a pamphlet of Frequently Asked Question about Arbitration. The actual form is located here along with instructions.

Now there are 2 types of Arbitration; one is normal for $500, the other is expedited at a lesser fee of $250.

In a nutshell, the owner pays $500 to the Texas Comptroller for the arbitrators fee and application. If the owner wins the arbitration, $450 is returned and the Appraisal District must pay the Arbitrator... more details are

	The protest must have been heard by the ARB and a decision made;
	The owner may have an agent to represent him.
	The owner must request Arbitration within 45 days and pay the $500 fee;
	The Appraisal District must comply. They cannot wiggle out.
	The protest must be "value over market" on real property only... no personal property.
	If the Owner and the Appraisal District cannot agree on an Arbitrator, one will be appointed by random drawing.
	The Arbitrator is selected from the Comptroller Registry.

    Arbitrator are usually knowledgeable in real estate values because they have a real estate or appraiser's license.

    They must have completed required State's required courses for alternative dispute resolution.

    The Arbitrator must be listed in the Comptroller's Registry.

	The Arbitrator will set the time and place of the hearing and how it will be conducted.
	When the Arbitrator has heard both sides a decision will be made and the parties notified.
	If the decision is in favor of he District, the value remains as set be the ARB.
	If the decision is in favor of the owner, the owner's value is reduced and 90% of the fee returned.
	The district must pay the Arbitrator fee if the owner wins.

You also are required to pay the property taxes -- before the delinquency date and a suit may NOT have been filed in District Court.

817-795-0350 ● Property Tax and Exemption Service of Texas ● fax eight 66-818-8299