• How do I protest?
  • The Notice of Protest form is recommended; however, a protest is sufficient if it is in writing and identifies the property subject to protest, the protesting owner name(s), and reason(s) for protest. To preserve all rights during the hearing, an owner should check all protest reasons that apply and make additional written statements to clarify the protest.

• Can I file a protest through email or fax?
  • No. The ARB will not accept protests submitted by fax or email. Protests to the ARB must be filed by mail, in person, drop-box (available 24/7) or, if eligible, an owner may file their protest through the appraisal district’s Online Appeals eFile site. If your appraisal notice includes a secure PIN to eFile, we strongly encourage you to use the eFile site to file your protest.

Mailing Address:
Collin Appraisal Review Board
250 Eldorado Pkwy
McKinney, TX 75069

• When is the deadline to file a protest?
  • A protest must be filed by May 15, or no later than 30 days after the date of your notice, whichever is later. However, if the protest deadline falls on a weekend or legal state or national holiday, the deadline is the next business day. It is very important to file your protest on time. If you mail your protest, make sure it is postmarked timely. If you deliver your protest in person, you must have it to our office prior to close of business on the deadline date. The doors lock promptly at 4:00 P.M. The drop-box next to the main entrance door of the District will be emptied at midnight on May 15th.

• What happens after I file my protest?
  • Upon receiving a protest, the ARB assigns a case number to the protest and schedules a hearing. The ARB must notify you 15 days before your hearing of the date, time and place of the hearing. At least 14 days before the ARB hearing, the appraisal district must send you a copy of Property Taxpayer Remedies, ARB hearing procedures and notify you of your right to inspect documentation and information the appraisal district will use at the hearing.

• Do I need to appear in person?
  • A property owner may participate in their ARB protest hearing by appearing in-person, by sworn affidavit or written declaration, accompanied by a telephone or video (screenshare) conference, if requested. If you are not the property owner according to the district’s record, you will be required to provide:
    • Proof of ownership, power of attorney, probated will, etc.
    • –OR–
    • If you hire a person who will be compensated to represent you, the Comptroller’s Appointment of Agent for Property Taxes (Form 50-162) must be used. If you have your spouse, family member or friend representing you at the hearing, please use the Appointment of Non-Agent Representation Form.

• What forms of documentation will the ARB accept for the hearing?
  • A copy of all evidence submitted to the ARB must be retained for public record. The ARB requests that one (1) complete copy of all evidence and documents be presented at the time of registration for scanning. The ARB will also accept evidence on USB flash drive or CD/DVD, which may be kept by the ARB. Electronic evidence should be submitted in the following file types: PDF, MS Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint); or image types: JPEG, PNG, TIFF. Multiple files may be submitted, however, the total combined size must not exceed 20MB per property.  Labels files with the Property ID. The ARB will not download from external links within the body of an email. The ARB will not accept evidence on SD memory cards or any other type of memory cards, cameras, video cameras, phones, computers, tablets or any other medium that cannot be retained for record. All documents and photos must be scanned prior to the hearing. The ARB does not have the ability to view or listen to audio/video files.

• Can I reschedule my hearing?
  • On request made to the ARB before the date of the hearing, a property owner who has not designated an agent under Section 1.111 is entitled to 1 postponement, without showing cause. The request can be emailed to reschedule@cadcollin.org. The request should include the requester’s name, Property ID and Protest Case ID, if available. In addition, the ARB is required to postpone a hearing under Tax Code, Sections 41.45e-1, 41.45g, 41.66h, 41.66i, and 41.66k. For more information, please review the ARB hearing procedures, included in the Notice of Protest.

• Can I cancel my hearing?
  • If you wish to withdraw your protest and cancel your hearing, the request may be submitted in writing by mail, fax (469-742-9201), or email (reschedule@cadcollin.org). The request should include the requester’s name, Property ID and Protest Case ID, if applicable.

• What happens if I do not appear for my scheduled hearing?
  • Failure to appear at a scheduled hearing will result in the dismissal of the protest without a determination by the ARB. An owner/agent may file a written statement showing “good cause” for failure to appear, within 4 days, following the scheduled date. An ARB panel may approve or deny the request; the owner/agent will be notified of the decision.

• Do I have any options if I miss my protest filing deadline?
  • The Texas Property Tax Code, Section 41.44(b) entitles a property owner who files his notice of protest after the deadline, but before the ARB approves the appraisal records, a hearing and determination, if good cause is determined. Good Cause is defined as a reason that includes an error or mistake that was not intentional or was not a result of conscious indifference and will not cause undue delay or injury to the person authorized to extend the deadline or grant a rescheduling.

• Are hearings held at night or on weekends?
  • The ARB must provide hearing times for protests in the evening or on a Saturday. You should contact the appraisal district to see when these hearing times are available.

• What are some helpful hints when protesting to the ARB?
  • Check the appraisal to make sure the property description and measurements of your property are correct.
  • Check the appraisal to see if it accounts for hidden defects – for example, a cracked foundation or inadequate plumbing. Evidence of a hidden defect could be a photograph, or a statement from a builder or independent appraiser.
  • Research appraisal records on similar properties in the area to learn if similar properties are treated equally.
  • Consider using an independent appraisal by a real estate appraiser. Insurance records are often helpful.
  • Use sales of properties that are similar to the subject property in size, age, location, and type of construction.
  • Use sales that occurred closest to January 1 of the taxing year.
  • Obtain documents or sworn statements from the person providing the sales information.
  • Ask to inspect and obtain a copy of the data, schedules, formulas, and any other information that the appraisal district plans to introduce at the hearing. The appraisal district must make this information available during the 14 days before the protest hearing.
  • Be on time and prepared for your hearing.
  • Stick to the facts of your presentation. The ARB has no control over the appraisal district’s operations or budget, tax rates for local taxing units, inflation, or local politics; addressing these topics in your presentation wastes time and will not help your case.
  • Present a simple and well-organized protest. Stress key facts and figures. Photographs and other documents are useful evidence.
  • Recognize that the ARB acts as an independent judge. The ARB listens to both you and the appraisal district before making a decision. It is not a case of you against the ARB.