Tarrant County property tax protest evidence checklist.

Start with the protest issue

Do not collect random documents first. TAD's procedures list protest issues such as market value, unequal value compared with other properties, appraisal-record inclusion, exemptions, ownership, required notices, and other appraisal district or ARB actions that apply to the owner.

For most residential value protests, the evidence packet should answer one practical question: what value or record correction should TAD or TARB make, and what proof supports it?

• Write the current TAD value and your requested value at the top of the packet.
• Pick the strongest lane: market value, unequal appraisal, property facts, condition, recent purchase, exemption, or notice issue.
• Keep every exhibit tied to that lane.
• Remove documents that do not help a reviewer understand the requested change.

Market value evidence

Market value evidence is aimed at showing what the property would likely sell for as of the relevant appraisal date. The Texas Comptroller says owners should bring information relevant to true value, including property photographs, repair receipts or estimates, sales price documentation, appraisals, surveys, deed records, and other support.

For Tarrant County, start with comparable sales near the property and close in time, then explain differences in size, age, condition, location, lot, features, and sale date. A shorter list of genuinely similar sales is usually easier to follow than a long list of weak comparisons.

Unequal appraisal evidence

Unequal appraisal evidence is different from pure sales evidence. It compares how similar properties are appraised, not just what properties sold for.

Use the TAD property search or portal records to find comparable properties with similar use, neighborhood, size, age, condition, lot, and features. Then show the appraised values in a simple table so the comparison is clear.

• Use similar residential properties, not just the same city or ZIP code.
• Include account numbers or property identifiers so the records can be checked.
• Explain why each comparable is similar enough to matter.
• Calculate the value pattern you are asking TAD or TARB to recognize.

Property record errors

If the TAD record has wrong facts, the evidence should prove the correct fact. Common issues include living area, land size, extra improvements, pool, garage, condition, quality, year built, ownership, exemption status, or property classification.

Save a screenshot or PDF of the TAD record before asking for changes. Then attach supporting proof such as surveys, deeds, building plans, permits, photos, measurements, insurance records, or inspection documents.

Condition and damage evidence

Condition evidence should show a real value impact, not just ordinary maintenance. Pair photos with dates, room labels, repair estimates, inspection reports, insurance claim documents, contractor notes, or engineering reports when those documents exist.

If the issue is storm damage, foundation movement, roof condition, interior damage, deferred repairs, flooding, noise, traffic, or another limitation, explain whether the issue existed as of the appraisal date and how it affects market value.

Recent purchase or sale documents

If the property recently sold, collect the closing statement, purchase contract if available, listing history, appraisal, seller concessions, inspection report, and any repair negotiations that explain the price. The Comptroller specifically lists sales price documentation such as listings and closing statements as examples of useful evidence.

A purchase price is strongest when it reflects an arm's-length market transaction and when you can explain any unusual financing, concessions, personal property, repairs, or non-market conditions that affected the price.

Organize differently for informal review and TARB

For TAD value negotiation or informal review, make the packet short: a one-page summary, requested value, three to five best comps or corrections, and the strongest photos or documents. The goal is to make the settlement point quickly.

For a TARB hearing, prepare a complete exhibit set. TAD's procedures say the owner and appraisal district must provide each other copies of evidence intended for the ARB before the hearing or immediately after it begins. The same procedures say evidence may be submitted in paper form or on a small portable electronic device kept by the ARB, and warn not to bring evidence on a smart phone.

What not to argue

Do not make the packet about the tax bill being too high. The Texas Comptroller explains that the ARB and appraisal district do not set property taxes and that personal economic circumstances, emotional arguments, or unsupported claims do not determine the ARB decision.

Translate frustration into evidence. Instead of saying the bill is unaffordable, show comparable sales, comparable appraisals, record errors, condition issues, or a recent purchase price that supports a specific value.

FAQ