The informal hearing is your first — and often best — opportunity to resolve your property tax appeal. In Texas, over 80% of protests are settled at the informal hearing stage. In most other states, a similar pre-hearing review process exists. Preparing well for this stage can save you from ever needing to appear before a formal board.
What Is an Informal Hearing?
An informal hearing is a one-on-one meeting (or phone call) between you and an appraiser from the appraisal district or assessor's office. Unlike a formal board hearing, there is no panel of judges, no formal rules of evidence, and no transcript. It is a negotiation.
How to Request an Informal Hearing
In Texas, informal hearings are automatically offered when you file a protest. In most other states, you can request a pre-hearing review by calling the assessor's office after filing your appeal. Ask specifically for an 'informal review' or 'pre-hearing settlement conference.'
What to Bring to Your Informal Hearing
- Your notice of appraised value (shows current assessed value and parcel number)
- Your printed comps grid (3–5 comparable sales, organized in a table)
- Photos of your property showing condition issues, deferred maintenance, or negative factors
- A copy of your property record card with any factual errors highlighted
- Your assessment ratio analysis (if your ratio exceeds the jurisdiction median)
- Any recent appraisal you have obtained
- A specific target value you are requesting
The Opening Statement
Keep your opening to 2–3 minutes. State your name, property address, and parcel number. Say: 'My current assessed value is $X. Based on the comparable sales I've gathered, I believe the correct market value is $Y, and I'm requesting a reduction to $Y.' Then present your evidence.
The single most effective thing you can say at an informal hearing: 'Here are five comparable sales in my neighborhood with a median sale price of $X. My assessed value of $Y is $Z higher than what the market says my home is worth.'
How the Appraiser Will Respond
The appraiser will review your evidence and either: (1) agree to a reduction, (2) offer a partial reduction, (3) present their own comps to justify the current value, or (4) decline to settle. Most appraisers are reasonable and will settle if you have solid evidence.
Negotiating a Settlement
If the appraiser offers a partial reduction, consider it carefully. A bird in hand is worth two in the bush — a certain partial reduction is often better than the risk of no reduction at a formal hearing. However, if the appraiser's offer is far below what your evidence supports, it is reasonable to decline and proceed to the formal hearing.
Never accept the first offer without asking: 'Is that the best you can do?' Appraisers often have flexibility beyond their initial offer, especially if your evidence is strong.
If You Reach a Settlement
Get the settlement in writing. You should receive a written agreement showing the new assessed value and the tax year it applies to. Keep this document — it is your proof of the settlement and the basis for verifying your tax bill.
If You Don't Reach a Settlement
If the informal hearing does not result in a satisfactory settlement, you proceed to the formal hearing before the board. Your evidence from the informal hearing can be reused at the formal hearing. Do not be discouraged — some cases are simply better suited for the formal process.