🔑 Step 1: Gather Your Login Credentials

You will need:
- Owner ID
- PIN Number

These are located on your Notice of Appraised Value.

📬 Don’t have your Notice? Contact our office. For security, your PIN can only be mailed, never given over the phone. (helpful hint: check prior year appraisal notices for PIN if available)

🌐 Step 2: Access the Online Portal

Go to: https://bcad.org/online-portal/

Once logged in:
- Select your property using your Owner ID or Property ID
- Click the File Protest button

🔒 Eligibility Reminder: Properties with multiple owners or undivided interest (UDI) are not eligible for online protests, but you can still use other online services.

📅 Step 3: File by the Deadline

- Standard Deadline: May 15 or 30 days after your Notice of Appraised Value was mailed, whichever is later

- Late Protests may be accepted for good cause if submitted before the appraisal records are certified—typically by July 20. These must be filed using a physical protest form and delivered by mail or in person, as electronic submissions are not permitted. Please contact our office.

⏳ Don’t delay! Protests received after the deadline cannot be accepted unless special conditions apply.

🗂️ Step 4: Choose How You Want to Proceed with Your Protest

After you begin your protest in the online portal, you’ll be asked how you want to continue the process. You must select one of the two options:

Option 1: E-File My Protest and Complete the Entire Process Online
This is the most convenient and fastest option. By choosing this, you agree to complete all communication, document submission, evidence review, and settlement discussions through the portal.

- The appraisal district will begin reviewing your protest 10 days after it’s submitted or after your evidence packet is posted (if requested)
- You will receive email notifications when a settlement offer is ready
- If no agreement is reached, a formal ARB hearing will be scheduled

⚠️ Important: This method is 100% digital—no phone calls or in-person appointments will occur. All updates and interactions are made through your online account.

Option 2: File My Protest Only and Communicate Directly with the Office
This hybrid option allows you to file online, but continue the process through phone, video, or written communication.

- You will be notified by mail on how to schedule an informal meeting with an appraiser
- Evidence may be submitted online or brought in person to your ARB hearing

💬 Need assistance or prefer human interaction? This is the best option if you want to speak with staff or work through your protest with direct support.

📤 Step 5: Upload Your Evidence

After your protest is submitted, you may upload evidence through the portal:

1. Log in at https://bcad.org/online-portal/
2. Go to the Protest Summary page
3. Click the Evidence View tab
4. Select Upload next to your property to submit documents

📎 Evidence Upload Rules:
- Accepted formats: PDF or JPEG
- Max file size: 10MB per file
- Total upload limit: 20MB
- Maximum of 10 photos

🕒 Timing Tip: Upload your evidence within 7 days of receiving your protest confirmation email for timely review.

📬 Alternative Ways to File a Protest

Don’t want to use the online portal? You can still protest your property value using Form 50-132: Notice of Protest available at https://bcad.org/forms/→ ARB.

Submit your completed form by:
- Mail: PO Box 830248, San Antonio, TX 78283-0248
- Fax: 210-242-2454 or 210-242-2453
- In Person: 411 N Frio St, San Antonio, TX 78207
- Online Help Center: https://help.bcad.org

📌 Remember: You can protest even if you didn’t receive an appraisal notice—don’t miss the deadline.

❓ Need Help?

📺 Watch tutorials and FAQs at: Online Services Portal
💬 Submit a Help Request: https://help.bcad.org