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1. How do I know if I need to file an appeal?

Check listings of properties similar to yours in a similar location, check for sales of properties similar to yours, and consider the use of the property. Agriculture use is recognition of an agricultural business. Insubstantial agriculture use does not necessarily qualify a property for an agricultural use appraisal.

2. How do I file an appeal?

An equalization appeal is made in the spring after valuation notices have been mailed. It is started by contacting the Appraiser’s Office, completing the proper forms, and setting an appointment. Appeals to the Court of Tax Appeals are made on Court of Tax Appeals forms available in the County Clerk’s Office. Appeals to the Court of Tax Appeals are made to the court.

A payment under protest appeal may be filed when the taxes are paid if an equalization appeal was not filed for that tax year. The form is available from the Treasurer’s Office to be filed at the time the payment is made.

3. Do I need an attorney?

It is generally not necessary to hire an attorney to represent you at an informal hearing. You may have an attorney or another individual represent you if you choose, or you may wish to have someone accompany you to the informal hearing. You will need to provide a signed Declaration of Representative form to allow someone else appear in your behalf. This form is available in the Appraiser’s Office or in the Treasurer’s Office.

4. What information is needed to help prove my appeal?

If you have checked sales and listings and have determined that you could not sell your property for its appraisal in the current market, provide the documentation that convinced you that it was over appraised. This documentation may include:

• Photos of your property showing damage not considered in the appraisal
  
• Sales or listings of comparable properties with photos
  
• Current sale contract or listing of your property
  
• Documentation of damage or unusual circumstances
  
• You will probably be asked to bring photos of your property that are representative of the overall property from the front, the rear, and some interior photos