What should I say at the hearing?
What should I say at the hearing?
State the value you're requesting up front, walk the board through your comparable sales or record-error evidence with the math shown, stay factual and calm, and close by restating the value you want — don't argue about your tax bill, the rate, or your ability to pay.
A property tax hearing is a short, evidence-driven conversation — not a courtroom interrogation. Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union, via Bankrate (Oct 31, 2025), describes it plainly: "Most assessment appeals processes are set up to be no more difficult than traffic court." You have a few minutes to make a clear, factual case.
Open with your requested value. "I'm here regarding [address/account number]. The assessed value is $X. Based on my evidence, the correct value is $Y, and I'm asking the board to reduce it to that figure." Telling the board what you want first gives your evidence a target.
Walk through your evidence in order:
- Comparable sales: "Here are three recent sales of similar nearby homes. After adjusting for [size/age/condition], they support a value of about $Y." Show the adjustment math — boards reward transparency.
- Record errors: "The record lists 2,500 square feet, but the home is 2,000 — here's the measurement." Sepp gives the example of a record showing "2,500 square feet of livable space when it's really 2,000." Factual errors are the easiest wins.
- Condition/defects: "These photos and this repair estimate show foundation damage the assessment doesn't account for."
- Unequal appraisal: "Identical neighbors are assessed at $Z; mine is out of line."
Know who carries the burden. In Texas, the Comptroller warns: "It is up to you to have what you need to prove your case. You cannot go to the hearing and just say the appraisal district is wrong." Bring organized evidence and enough copies.
What to avoid: don't argue that your taxes are too high, that you can't afford the bill, or that the rate is unfair — the board controls value, not rates or hardship. Don't get emotional or personal. Don't volunteer that you recently paid more than your opinion of value unless asked.
Close by restating the value you're requesting and thanking the board. Many cases settle at the informal stage before this; treat the formal hearing as your structured backup.