How to Protest Your Collin County Appraisal From Allen

Sticker shock from your Collin County appraisal in Allen? You are not alone. Many homeowners see a jump and wonder if the value is fair. The good news is you have a clear path to protest, and with the right steps you can present a strong case.

In this quick guide, you will learn the key deadlines, how to file, what evidence to gather, how hearings work, and local tips that matter in Allen. You will also find links to official resources so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Key deadlines in Collin County

Understanding timing is half the battle. In Texas, you file a Notice of Protest when you disagree with an appraisal action, and an independent Appraisal Review Board (ARB) decides the case. The state’s overview lays out what a protest is and who decides it. You can review those basics on the Texas Comptroller’s page on appraisal protests and appeals.

• Filing deadline: May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mails your Notice of Appraised Value, whichever is later. This clock starts when the notice is mailed, not when you open it. See the Texas Comptroller’s explanation of protest deadlines and Form 50-132 at the Comptroller’s protests and appeals page.
• Local timing: Collin CAD typically mails notices in mid April and prints your exact filing deadline on the notice. See Collin CAD’s overview of how properties are appraised and notice timing.
• Filing form: You can use Texas Form 50-132 or send a written notice that identifies the property, owner, and what you are protesting. Filing in writing by the deadline preserves your rights. The Comptroller’s protests page provides the form and filing guidance.

Filing your protest from Allen

Step 1: Read your notice closely

Your Notice of Appraised Value shows last year’s value, the proposed value, exemption status, your owner ID, and often an eFile PIN. Confirm every detail, including owner name and square footage. Collin CAD describes what appears on the notice and local procedures on its appraisal overview page.

Step 2: Submit your Notice of Protest

File by mail, hand delivery, or online if the portal is available and you have your owner ID and PIN. If you cannot access the portal, file a paper protest to meet the deadline. The Comptroller’s protests page explains accepted filing methods and how the process works.

Step 3: Request the district’s evidence early

If you check the “evidence requested” box or request it in writing, the chief appraiser must provide the data they plan to use. If they fail to deliver requested materials at least 14 days before your hearing, that material generally cannot be used. See a summary of the 14 day evidence rule.

Step 4: Try the informal conference

Many protests resolve at an informal conference with a Collin CAD appraiser by phone or video. File your written protest first to protect your hearing rights. The Comptroller outlines informal conferences on its protests page.

Grounds to protest and how value is set

Common reasons to protest include:

• Incorrect market value
• Unequal appraisal compared to similar properties
• Clerical errors such as ownership, square footage, or lot size
• Denied or miscalculated exemptions
• Property included that should not be on the roll

You can find this list on the Comptroller’s protests page. Collin CAD values property at market value using approaches such as cost, sales comparison, and income where appropriate, as described in its property appraisal overview. Your NOAV shows the proposed value and any exemptions on the account.

Build persuasive evidence

Strong, specific evidence helps you settle early or win at hearing. Useful items include:

• Comparable sales from your subdivision or nearby similar streets, with adjustments for lot, age, and condition
• Closing disclosure if you bought recently
• A recent independent appraisal
• Dated photos of condition issues and differences from the tax record
• Contractor estimates for needed repairs
• Income and expense records for rentals
• Proof of square footage, lot size, or ownership corrections
• Documents to support homestead or other exemptions

The Comptroller’s ARB materials summarize what persuades a board and how hearings run. Review the hearing procedures and burden of proof in the ARB manual.

Allen homeowner evidence checklist

• Pull your NOAV. Note your owner ID, any eFile PIN, and the printed deadline.
• Gather 3 to 6 recent sales from your same subdivision or nearby comparable blocks, ideally within 6 to 12 months.
• If you purchased in the last year, include your closing disclosure and listing contract.
• Take dated interior and exterior photos that show condition differences.
• If square footage is off, obtain a floor plan, survey, or independent measure.
• If you requested the district’s evidence, keep a copy of your written request and proof of delivery. Remember the 14 day rule.

What to expect at your ARB hearing

Hearings can be in person, by phone, or by video, and you may see a single member or a three member panel depending on local rules. The ARB will issue a written order after your hearing. Review hearing procedures in the Comptroller’s ARB manual.

For most value or unequal appraisal protests, the appraisal district has the initial burden to support its value by a preponderance of the evidence. Present a concise, labeled packet, stick to facts, respond to the district’s comps, and explain your requested value clearly. Bring originals or certified copies of key items.

After the ARB decision

If you disagree with the ARB order, you can appeal. Options include filing a lawsuit in district court or seeking regular binding arbitration. Arbitration requests are typically due within 60 days of the ARB order and have eligibility rules and deposits. See the Comptroller’s page on regular and limited binding arbitration for timelines and requirements.

Local Allen tips for comps and context

• Use neighborhood level comps. Allen prices vary by subdivision and builder type. The ARB expects nearby, like for like sales.
• Watch for errors in square footage or lot size compared to your survey or builder plan.
• Do not accept mismatched comparables from different subdivisions or different plan types.
• Check that your homestead or other exemptions are properly applied on the notice.
• For a quick snapshot of local pricing context, see the Allen market report view. For hearings, rely on the most similar nearby sales.

Get help when you need it

You do not need to navigate this alone. If you want neighborhood level sales, pricing context, or a second set of eyes on your evidence, our team is here to help. Reach out to Mark Bradford for local comps, timely guidance, and a steady plan from start to finish.

Mark Bradford

FAQs

What is the deadline to protest my Collin County appraisal?

• You must file by May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district mails your notice, whichever is later; the exact date is printed on your notice and explained on the Texas Comptroller’s protests page.

How do I file if I lost my eFile PIN?

• File a written Notice of Protest by the deadline using Form 50-132 or a written letter with the required details, then contact Collin CAD about portal access; see the Comptroller’s protests page for form and filing options.

What evidence works best for an Allen single family home?

• Recent, nearby comparable sales from your subdivision, clear photos of condition items, closing documents if you bought recently, and any independent appraisal or repair estimates you have.

Can I protest if I bought my Allen home last year?

• Yes, include your closing disclosure and details about the sale; the district will consider the timing and whether sale conditions were typical for market value.

What if I disagree with the ARB’s decision?

• You can appeal to district court or request regular binding arbitration within the stated timelines; see the Comptroller’s arbitration page for rules and deadlines.