Informal Conference with DCAD
Under Texas Tax Code §41.445, a property owner who files a protest can request an informal conference with DCAD staff before the protest hearing. This page compiles what Texas law and DCAD’s own published materials say about it, with a source for each fact.
About these sources
Sources retrieved 2026-09-25. They describe the 2026 protest season; DCAD’s procedures for the current year may differ. Confirm with DCAD at (214) 631-0910.
This page is general information compiled from public sources. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. TaxProtestTx is a document preparation service and does not represent you before DCAD or the Appraisal Review Board.
How to request it
- Under Tax Code §41.445, the appraisal district holds an informal conference with a property owner who files a protest and requests one. The conference is held before the protest hearing.
Source: Tex. Tax Code §41.445 - The request is made on your notice of protest form (Form 50-132) or in writing before your scheduled hearing date.
Source: Texas Comptroller, Pub. 96-295, Taxpayer Assistance Pamphlet (rev. January 2026), p. 1 - The Comptroller's pamphlet states that the protest is still to be filed by the deadline "even if you expect to resolve your concerns at the informal meeting."
Source: Texas Comptroller, Pub. 96-295, Taxpayer Assistance Pamphlet (rev. January 2026), p. 1
How DCAD offers it
- DCAD's uFile Online Settlement Offer Program is available only when you file through uFile. DCAD states most residential properties may qualify. Not eligible: agent-represented properties, land-only properties, properties that already have a protest filed, and protests whose reason is not value. Offers are sent by e-mail.
Source: DCAD, The Protest Process (04/26), §B.4 and §C.1 - DCAD states that it can conduct an informal telephone hearing and that it is not necessary to visit DCAD's office. DCAD states you may talk to an appraiser by telephone up until the day before your hearing, if you have filed a protest. Residential phone line: 214-905-9402.
Source: DCAD, The Protest Process (04/26), §B.8, §C.2 and §F.2
Timing
- DCAD states that if it has not contacted you at least 3 business days before your scheduled ARB hearing, it encourages you to call the appropriate division and request a review.
Source: DCAD, The Protest Process (04/26), §C.1
Evidence
- DCAD states that its appraisers will not conduct an informal hearing and settlement offer on a property's value unless a protest has been filed and evidence has been submitted as to the owner's opinion of value.
Source: DCAD, The Protest Process (04/26), §C.1
If no agreement is reached
- DCAD states: "If the appraiser is unable to resolve your issue(s) with an Informal Telephone hearing then you will need to attend your ARB Hearing."
Source: DCAD, The Protest Process (04/26), §C.3
If you accept an agreement
- Under Tax Code §1.111(e), an agreement between a property owner and the chief appraiser is final if it relates to a matter that may be protested to the appraisal review board, or on which a protest has been filed but not determined by the board.
Source: Tex. Tax Code §1.111(e) - The Comptroller's ARB training manual states that the appraisal review board "cannot review a section-1.111(e) agreement."
Source: Texas Comptroller, 2026 ARB Continuing Education Training Manual, p. 24