HCAD Informal Review vs ARB Hearing Explained

When you file a property tax protest in Harris County, you have two opportunities to challenge your assessed value: the HCAD informal review and the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing. Understanding the difference between these two processes can help you choose the right strategy for your situation.

This guide explains:

• How the HCAD informal review process works
• How ARB hearings work
• Key differences between the two approaches
• Pros and cons of each option
• When to choose informal review vs ARB hearing

For a complete overview of the protest process, see our Harris County property tax protest guide.

What Is an HCAD Informal Review?

An informal review is a negotiation-style meeting with HCAD appraisal staff that occurs before any formal hearing. It's your first opportunity to resolve your protest without going to the Appraisal Review Board.

How it works:

1. After filing your protest, HCAD schedules an informal review
2. You meet with an HCAD appraiser (in person, by phone, or online)
3. Both parties discuss the property value
4. HCAD may make a settlement offer based on your evidence
5. If you accept, your protest is resolved
6. If you decline, your case proceeds to the ARB

Key characteristics:

• Less formal than ARB hearings
• Conducted by HCAD staff (not independent board members)
• Negotiation-focused
• No sworn testimony required
• Can result in quick resolution

In Harris County, approximately 89% of informal protests result in value reductions.

What Is an ARB Hearing?

The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is an independent panel of citizens appointed to resolve disputes between property owners and the appraisal district. If your informal review doesn't result in an acceptable settlement, your case goes to the ARB.

How it works:

1. You receive at least 14 days notice before your hearing
2. You attend in person, by phone, or by video conference
3. Both you and HCAD present evidence and arguments
4. The ARB panel makes a binding determination
5. You receive a written decision
6. You can appeal the decision if you disagree

Key characteristics:

• Formal hearing with independent board members
• Strict evidence submission deadlines
• Both parties present arguments
• Board makes binding initial decision
• Creates record for potential appeal

In Harris County, approximately 68% of formal ARB appeals result in value reductions.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Pros and Cons of Informal Review

Pros:

• Faster resolution (weeks instead of months)
• Less adversarial atmosphere
• Direct negotiation with appraiser who knows the valuation
• Good for cases with clear evidence
• Preserves negotiation leverage if filed early
• Many cases resolve without formal hearing

Cons:

• HCAD staff may not offer significant reductions without pressure
• Less formal protection if HCAD is unreasonable
• Settlement depends on HCAD's willingness to negotiate
• No independent review of HCAD's methodology
• May not address all claim types effectively

Pros and Cons of ARB Hearing

Pros:

• Independent third-party review
• Board members not incentivized to defend HCAD's value
• Better for challenging HCAD's methodology
• Formal legal protections
• Creates record for appeal if necessary
• Strong for unequal appraisal claims

Cons:

• More time-consuming process
• More formal and potentially intimidating
• Requires precise evidence submission by deadline
• Large hearing volumes in Harris County
• HCAD has resources to defend their valuation
• Requires prepared presentation

When to Choose Informal Review

The informal review is often the best first step, especially if:

• You have clear, strong comparable sales showing overvaluation
• There are obvious property record errors (wrong square footage, etc.)
• You filed early and have negotiation leverage
• You want a fast resolution
• HCAD's initial settlement offer seems reasonable
• You have unequal appraisal evidence showing comparable homes assessed lower

When to Request an ARB Hearing

Proceed to the ARB if:

• The informal review doesn't achieve an acceptable reduction
• HCAD won't move substantially from their original value
• You have significant evidence that HCAD's valuation is excessive
• Property condition issues aren't reflected in the appraisal
• You believe HCAD's mass appraisal model is flawed for your property
• Comparable sales data strongly supports a lower value
• You want an independent review of HCAD's methodology

Can You Do Both?

Yes. In fact, this is the normal process. Every property owner who files a protest is entitled to:

1. First, an informal review with HCAD staff
2. Then, if not satisfied, a formal ARB hearing

You don't have to choose one or the other. If the informal review doesn't produce an acceptable result, you automatically have the right to an ARB hearing.

Key Evidence for Both Approaches

Whether you're in an informal review or ARB hearing, strong evidence wins cases:

Submit evidence at least 5 days before your hearing date to ensure HCAD reviews it.

HCAD-Specific Procedures

Harris County has unique systems you should understand:

• iFile: Online protest filing system
• iSettle: Online settlement offer system
• Evidence deadline: 5 days after filing (midnight of fifth calendar day)
• Hearing options: In-person, phone, or video conference
• Settlement offers: Delivered via email through iSettle

HCAD handles the largest protest volume in Texas, so filing early and submitting strong evidence improves your chances at both stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an HCAD informal review and ARB hearing?

An informal review is a negotiation with HCAD staff where you can reach a settlement. An ARB hearing is a formal proceeding before an independent citizen panel that makes a binding decision. Most homeowners start with informal review and only proceed to ARB if unsatisfied.

Do I have to attend both the informal review and ARB hearing?

No. If you reach an acceptable settlement at informal review, your protest is resolved and you skip the ARB. You only attend the ARB hearing if informal review doesn't produce satisfactory results.

Can I skip the informal review and go straight to the ARB?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The informal review gives you a chance to resolve your case quickly and provides insight into HCAD's position before a formal hearing.

What evidence works best at HCAD informal reviews vs ARB hearings?

Both require the same types of evidence: comparable sales, unequal appraisal data, photos, and repair estimates. However, ARB hearings require more formal presentation and may benefit from organized exhibits and a clear argument structure.

How long do HCAD informal reviews and ARB hearings take?

Informal reviews typically last 10-15 minutes. ARB hearings usually take 15-20 minutes, though complex cases may take longer. Both are scheduled in advance with specific time slots.

How This Fits Into the Texas Protest Process

Harris County follows Texas Property Tax Code procedures, but HCAD has specific systems and timelines.

For statewide context on deadlines, evidence strategies, and hearing procedures, see our Texas property tax protest guide.

Get Help With Your Harris County Property Tax Protest

Navigating informal reviews and ARB hearings requires strategy, evidence, and experience. Whether you're negotiating with HCAD staff or presenting to the ARB, professional representation can improve your results.

Learn more in our Harris County property tax protest guide, visit our Harris County page, or get started today with Ballard Property Tax Protest.