Submitting Evidence for a Telephone or Zoom ARB Hearing

If you plan to attend your Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing by telephone or Zoom (videoconference), there are special requirements for submitting evidence. Texas law requires that all evidence be accompanied by a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration before the hearing begins. This article explains who the requirement applies to, how to submit your evidence, and what happens if the required documentation is not received.

Who Does This Requirement Apply To?

This requirement applies only to property owners or authorized agents who choose to attend their Appraisal Review Board (ARB) hearing by telephone or Zoom (videoconference).

If you attend your ARB hearing in person, you may present your evidence directly to the ARB during the hearing. A notarized affidavit or an unsworn declaration is not required for evidence presented in person.

Why Do I Need an Affidavit or Unsworn Declaration?

If you choose to attend your ARB hearing by telephone or Zoom (videoconference), Texas law requires that any evidence you want the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) to consider be submitted with either:

• A notarized Affidavit of evidence (form 50-283), or
• An Unsworn Declaration

This requirement is established by Texas Tax Code §41.45(b), which states that a property owner appearing by telephone conference call or videoconference must offer any evidence by affidavit. The notarized affidavit or an unsworn declaration must be submitted to the ARB before the hearing begins.

What Happens if I Do Not Submit a Notarized Affidavit or an Unsworn Declaration?

If you attend your hearing by telephone or Zoom and your evidence is not accompanied by a notarized affidavit or an unsworn declaration before the hearing begins:

• The ARB cannot consider or review your submitted evidence.
• Your testimony will generally be limited to your opinion of your property's value.
• You may not testify about or rely on supporting evidence that was submitted without the required affidavit or unsworn declaration.
• You may not rebut or respond to the district's evidence using unsupported documents.

To ensure the ARB can consider all of your evidence, submit the required affidavit or unsworn declaration along with your evidence before your hearing begins.

Where Can I Obtain an Unsworn Declaration?

A blank Unsworn Declaration is available from the following sources:

• On the www.bcad.org website by navigating to Forms → ARB. The Unsworn Declaration is the final document listed on the right-hand side.
• A blank unsworn declaration is also included with your Notice to Appear for your formal ARB hearing, once scheduled.
• The Unsworn Declaration does not require notarization

Where Can I Obtain an Affidavit of Evidence (form 50-283)?

A blank Property Owner’s Affidavit of Evidence is available on the www.bcad.org website by navigating to Forms → ARB.

The Property Owner’s Affidavit of Evidence is the final document listed on the Left-hand side.

Please note that the Property Owner’s Affidavit of Evidence must be signed in front of a notary.

How Do I Submit My Evidence and Affidavit?

Your notarized affidavit or your unsworn declaration should be submitted with your evidence at least 48 hours before your ARB hearing begins.

If You Filed Your Protest Online

The easiest way to submit your notarized affidavit or your declaration, along with your evidence, is through the online protest portal.

1. Log in to your protest portal at bcadonline.org.
2. From the Protest Summary page, select the Evidence View tab.
3. Click Upload under the Upload column to open the Evidence page.
4. Follow the instructions to upload your evidence and your signed affidavit or unsworn declaration.
5. After uploading, your documents will appear in your evidence list.
6. The appraisal district will review your submission. If appropriate, you may receive a settlement offer before your scheduled hearing.

If You Did Not File Your Protest Online

You may submit your notarized affidavit or your declaration, along with your evidence, electronically through the BCAD Help Center. Before submitting your documents, please ensure your protest has been received and entered into Bexar Central District’s system.

Once your protest has been verified to be active:

1. Visit help.bcad.org.
2. Click "I need help with..."
3. Enter the requested information.
4. Under Request Type, select Protest, then Submitting Evidence.
5. Upload your evidence, including your signed Affidavit of Evidence or Unsworn Declaration, along with any supporting documents such as photographs or comparable sales.
6. Click Submit.
7. You will receive confirmation once your submission has been received.

Mail or In-Person Delivery

If you prefer, you may submit your notarized affidavit or your unsworn declaration, along with your protest evidence, by mail or you can deliver them in person.

Please refer to the contact information provided below.

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

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