Protesting Your Property Value in Henderson County: A Step‑by‑Step Guide to the ARB Process

Think your Henderson County property value is too high? You can challenge it through the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). This guide covers the timeline, what "appraisal date" actually means, how to build evidence that works, what happens at your hearing, and what to do if you miss it.

Your protest starts with the notice from the appraisal district. By rule, these notices go out by May 1 - or April 1 for residence homesteads - though sometimes they arrive a bit later. When yours shows up, read it carefully. Calendar every deadline. Then start gathering the documents you'll need to support your case.

Need to confirm details, ask questions, or drop off paperwork? The Henderson County Appraisal District office is at 1751 Enterprise St., Athens, TX 75751. Hours are 8:00 to 5:00, and you can call (903) 675-9296.

In Texas, property values are based on what your property was worth on January 1. That date matters. If something changed before Jan. 1 - damage, renovations, whatever - make sure the appraisal reflects it. When building your protest, focus on conditions as of that date. That's how the value is supposed to be determined.

Strong evidence makes your case easier to explain and harder to dismiss. Gather anything that supports your opinion of value: clear photos showing condition issues, a recent appraisal, comparable sales, repair estimates or invoices documenting problems. You're entitled to an explanation of available remedies if you disagree with your appraised value. Ask early, confirm your options, then tailor your evidence to the path you're taking. Walk into the hearing with a tight story: what the property is worth as of Jan. 1, and the documents that prove it.

Treat hearing day like an appointment you can't reschedule. Show up on time and ready to go - the ARB may limit how long you have. Skip the long explanations. Point to your strongest proof and explain, in plain language, why it supports a lower value.

Missing your ARB hearing has real consequences. You may lose the right to be heard on your protest - and the right to appeal. If there's any chance you can't make it, act fast. Don't wait and lose your options.

1. Act immediately after you miss the hearing - the window is short, so don’t wait to “see what happens.”
2. Write a statement that explains good cause - describe the reason you (or your authorized representative) didn’t appear and make clear it wasn’t intentional.
3. Request a new hearing in that statement - say directly that you are asking the ARB to reschedule.
4. File it with the ARB within four days of the hearing date - you must file the written statement showing good cause no later than four days after your scheduled hearing date to get a new ARB hearing.

Hearing Checklist

• ✓ Arrive early so you’re not rushed (the ARB may place time limits on hearings)
• ✓ Bring your key evidence (photos, comparable sales info, recent appraisal, repair invoices/estimates)
• ✓ Bring extra copies of your evidence so it’s easy to share during the hearing
• ✓ Bring the Henderson County Appraisal District contact info in case you need it: 1751 Enterprise St., Athens, TX 75751; (903) 675-9296; hours 8:00 to 5:00
• ✓ Prepare a short, factual summary of your position so you can present it quickly if time is limited
• ✓ Be ready to ask for an explanation of the remedies available if you’re not satisfied with the appraised value