Requesting Evidence for an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) Formal Hearing

Property owners have the right to request evidence from the appraisal district to prepare for an Appraisal Review Board (ARB) formal hearing. This evidence typically includes the information the appraisal district plans to present in support of the appraised value.

Requirement: Active Protest on File

Before evidence can be requested or released, the property owner must have an active protest on file in the appraisal district’s system, or the evidence must have been requested during the protest filing process. Evidence requests cannot be processed unless a protest has already been received and loaded into the appraisal district’s system.

If you are unsure whether your protest is active or on file, you may contact the appraisal district office to confirm before submitting an evidence request.

How Do I Request Evidence?

• Protest Form: The easiest and most common way to request evidence is during the protest filing process. When filing your protest, check the box labeled “Evidence Requested” on the protest form. This automatically notifies the appraisal district that you are requesting evidence for your formal hearing.

Other Ways to Submit a Written Evidence Request

If you did not check the box or did not have an opportunity to request evidence at the time you filed your protest, you may still submit a request. The appraisal district only requires that the request be in writing, as long as a protest is already on file.

You may request evidence using any of the following methods:

• Mail:
  Send a written request that includes your property address, account number, and a statement requesting evidence for your ARB formal hearing.
• Fax:
  Fax a written request with your property information and evidence request.
• Online Help Center (Recommended):
  Submit your request through the appraisal district’s online help center at help.bcad.org by following these steps:
  1. Select “I need help with”
  2. Choose “Submit or Request Evidence” from the drop-down menu
  3. Complete the requested information and submit your request

When Will the Appraisal District Provide its Evidence?

If a property owner has an active protest on file and submits a timely written request, the appraisal district is required to provide the requested evidence no later than 14 days before the scheduled formal ARB hearing.

Timely requests help ensure that both the property owner and the appraisal district have adequate time to prepare for the hearing.

Important Reminders

• An active protest must be on file before evidence can be requested or released.
• Evidence must be requested in writing and within the required timeframe.
• If the request is received timely and an active protest is on file, the appraisal district must provide the evidence at least 14 days before the formal ARB hearing.
• Be sure your request includes sufficient property information to avoid processing delays.

Requesting evidence in advance allows you to better understand how your property was appraised and helps you prepare effectively for your ARB formal hearing.

We’re here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Contact Information:
Bexar Central Appraisal District
411 N Frio St
PO Box 830248
San Antonio, TX 78283-0248
Phone: 210-242-2432
Fax: 210-242-2454 or 210-242-2453