Informal Conference with TCAD
Under Texas Tax Code §41.445, a property owner who files a protest can request an informal conference with TCAD staff before the protest hearing. This page compiles what Texas law and TCAD’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; TCAD’s procedures for the current year may differ. Confirm with TCAD at (512) 834-9317.
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 TCAD 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 TCAD offers it
- TCAD e-File: when an online settlement offer is available, TCAD emails a notice, and you accept it by logging in to your online account. If there is no offer, or you do not agree with it, TCAD states you may have an informal meeting with a TCAD appraiser or go to the ARB.
Source: TCAD, e-File - TCAD informal meetings occur by phone or videoconference, one per property. You can book a date and time in your online account.
Source: TCAD, Informal Meetings - TCAD's Get in Line Online adds you to that day's queue for an informal meeting and sends wait-time updates by email or text.
Source: TCAD, Get in Line Online
Timing
- TCAD states that owners should expect a settlement offer within 10 business days after the meeting. Offers can be answered by email, the online portal, mail, or phone.
Source: TCAD, Informal Meetings
Evidence
- TCAD states that you are eligible for an informal meeting after you file your protest and your evidence has been submitted and processed.
Source: TCAD, Protests
If no agreement is reached
- TCAD states that if you do not accept a settlement offer during the informal process, you will be given the opportunity to be heard by the Travis Appraisal Review Board.
Source: TCAD, Protests
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