Collin County ARB Hearing: What to Expect
If your Collin County property tax protest isn't resolved at the informal stage, you'll be scheduled for a formal hearing with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB). The ARB is independent from CCAD and makes binding decisions on disputed property values. Here's how to prepare.
What Is the Collin County ARB?
The Appraisal Review Board is a panel of Collin County residents — not CCAD employees — appointed to hear property tax protests. They review evidence from both the property owner and the appraisal district, then vote on the appraised value.
When and Where
ARB hearings run from approximately May through August each year. Hearings are held at the CCAD offices at 250 Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney, TX 75069.
CCAD must provide at least 15 days' notice of your scheduled hearing date and time.
How to Participate
Collin County offers several ways to attend your ARB hearing:
- In person: Appear at the CCAD office on your scheduled date
- By telephone: Request a phone hearing when filing your protest
- By videoconference: CCAD offers remote video hearing options
- By affidavit: Submit a sworn written statement with all your evidence instead of appearing. Include your name, property address, account number, hearing date, and supporting documents.
What to Bring
- Comparable property data: A printed list of 3-5 similar properties with their appraised values and $/sqft. Collin Value generates this automatically from CCAD's own records.
- Recent sales data: Sale dates, addresses, and prices for comparable homes that sold for less than your appraised value.
- Photos: Dated photos of any condition issues — foundation cracks, roof wear, outdated interiors, drainage problems, or proximity to busy roads or commercial properties.
- Repair estimates: Written estimates from licensed contractors for any needed repairs.
- Your CCAD notice: The notice of appraised value showing your account number and current assessment.
How the Hearing Works
Residential ARB hearings in Collin County typically last 15-20 minutes:
- Both you and the CCAD representative are sworn in
- You present your evidence first (aim for 5-10 minutes)
- CCAD presents their evidence and analysis
- Both sides can ask questions and respond to each other's points
- The ARB panel deliberates and announces their decision
Stay focused on the data. The panel reviews hundreds of cases and responds best to clear, organized evidence — not emotional appeals. Lead with your strongest comps and the $/sqft comparison.
If You Disagree with the Decision
If the ARB decision doesn't go your way, you have three options:
- Binding arbitration: File within 60 days for homesteads appraised at $5 million or less. Deposit ranges from $450 to $1,550 depending on value.
- District court appeal: File a petition within 60 days. Requires partial tax payment and typically legal representation.
- SOAH appeal: File within 30 days with a $1,500 deposit. Heard by an Administrative Law Judge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't compare your home to properties in different CCAD neighborhoods or vastly different sizes
- Don't argue about tax rates — the ARB only determines appraised values
- Don't skip the informal review — most Collin County protests are resolved there
- Don't bring irrelevant evidence (your tax bill amount, personal financial situation, etc.)
- Don't wait until the last minute to prepare — organize your evidence well before the hearing
Sources and evidence for Collin County
Prepared by Collin Value. Filing resources checked September 4, 2026.
Start with the Collin Central Appraisal District property record and your current notice. Our property pages organize imported public assessment records and available comparable evidence. Check the tax year and data dates shown on each page: a prior-year record is useful history, but does not establish the value on a new notice.
Comparable homes are candidates for review. Verify their size, age, condition, location, and sale details before using them. Value per square foot helps screen candidates; it does not account for every difference. Estimated savings depend on the final assessment, exemptions, assessment limits, and applicable tax rates.
Texas filing and valuation checks
For 2026, the ordinary May 15 filing date has passed. A notice mailed later can have a later deadline. Confirm the date on your notice and the CCAD filing instructions. Review Texas Comptroller protest guidance for procedures and owner rights.
Separate a market-value argument from unequal appraisal, and compare the same tax year. A homestead cap or exemption can make taxable value differ from market value; lowering market value may not change the bill immediately. Texas sales coverage is incomplete because sale prices are not universally disclosed.
Check the source before filing
Collin Value is an independent research tool. Verify the current procedure with Collin Central Appraisal District, save a copy of your evidence, and retain your filing confirmation. The appraisal authority or review board decides the outcome.