Informal Conference with HCAD
Under Texas Tax Code §41.445, a property owner who files a protest can request an informal conference with HCAD staff before the protest hearing. This page compiles what Texas law and HCAD’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; HCAD’s procedures for the current year may differ. Confirm with HCAD at (713) 957-7800.
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 HCAD 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 HCAD offers it
- iSettle: HCAD's online settlement offer. HCAD lists these requirements: the property "must be listed as single-family residential", and the "owner must iFile with a valid email address and give an opinion of value." Offers are sent by email, and HCAD states: "You may accept an offer up to the day before your formal hearing online through the website."
Source: HCAD, iFile and iSettle - HCAD states, about an iSettle offer: "If you are not satisfied, you'll be scheduled to make your case at a formal Appraisal Review Board hearing."
Source: HCAD, iFile and iSettle - HCAD states: "If HCAD has previously sent you an online or mail settlement offer regarding your protest and you reject that offer, you will only be scheduled for the formal ARB hearing."
Source: HCAD, Protest Process (GTA:IAD:001, 2021 revision) - Tax Code §41.445 provides for an informal conference on request (see above). For how this applies after an iSettle offer, contact HCAD.
Source: Tex. Tax Code §41.445 - HCAD states that if you do not receive an iSettle offer, "your protest will be scheduled for an informal meeting."
Source: HCAD, owners.hcad.org Help - HCAD states that informal meetings with an HCAD appraiser are held in person or by videoconference. Remote meetings use Cisco Webex through owners.hcad.org ("Virtual Meeting"). To change an in-person meeting to a remote one, HCAD lists 713-812-5860.
Source: HCAD, Informal Remote Meetings with Appraiser
Timing
- HCAD states that the ARB hearing date generally differs from the settlement / informal meeting date.
Source: HCAD, ARB 2026 Hearings Rules and Procedures, §IV.1 - HCAD states that informal meetings and hearings generally take 15 minutes or less. For in-person meetings, HCAD suggests allowing two hours between signing in and the start of the meeting.
Source: HCAD, Frequently Asked Questions - HCAD states that for a remote meeting it sends a text or email 1 hour before the meeting, and check-in is open from 1 hour before to 1 hour after the scheduled time. If you miss the window, HCAD lists Hearings Support at 713-812-5802.
Source: HCAD, Property Owner Instructions for Remote Meetings
Evidence
- HCAD states that evidence for the informal meeting is uploaded on owners.hcad.org at least 3 days before the meeting date, and mailed evidence must arrive at least 5 business days before. For an in-person meeting, you may bring it with you.
Source: HCAD, Informal Remote Meetings with Appraiser
If no agreement is reached
- HCAD states: "The Appraisal Review Board (ARB) is not bound by any offer made by any employee of the district."
Source: HCAD, owners.hcad.org Help
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