Walk through our step-by-step tool, then get a free AI analysis of your case — with ready-to-file protest documents.
84%of protests win a reduction
206kprotests filed in 2024
Freeno signup required
Step 1 of 5
Your property details
Enter the information from your DCAD Notice of Appraised Value — mailed in April, or look it up at dallascad.org.
ⓘYour account number is in the top-right of the mailed notice. The large number in the middle is your appraised value. Enter what you believe your home is actually worth in today's market.
Notice of Appraised Value
Property Characteristics
Step 2 of 5
Comparable sales
Find 3–5 similar homes that sold recently near yours. If they sold for less than DCAD's value for your home, that's your core evidence. Use Zillow or Redfin — filter to "Sold," last 12 months.
ⓘLook for similar square footage, age, and bedroom count within about 0.5 miles. A home that sold for $350k when yours is appraised at $425k is powerful evidence.
Recent Comparable Sales
Enter at least 3 sales. Address, price, and square footage are most important.
Address
Sale Price
Sq Ft
Equity Comparison (optional but powerful)
If similar nearby homes are appraised lower than yours per square foot, that's an "unequal appraisal" argument — often the strongest protest ground.
Step 3 of 5
Get your free AI analysis
Review your numbers below, then copy the message and paste it into Claude.ai for a full case assessment — case strength, best arguments, and evidence checklist.
DCAD Value
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Your Value
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Difference
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How the AI analysis works
1
Copy your message
Click the copy button below — your property data is pre-filled into a detailed prompt.
2
Paste into Claude.ai
Open claude.ai (free account works), start a new chat, and paste the message.
3
Get your results
Claude will reply with your case rating, ranked arguments, evidence checklist, and protest documents.
Your pre-filled analysis request — copy and paste into Claude.ai
Fill in your property details and comps in steps 1 and 2 first.
Step 4 of 5
Protest documents
Copy these prompts into Claude.ai to generate your ready-to-file documents. File the protest notice at dallascad.org/uFile before May 15, 2026.
⚠ These documents are a starting point. Review them carefully, fill in your account number and contact details, and verify deadlines at dallascad.org before filing.
Prompt for Claude.ai — generates your protest notice letter
Complete steps 1 and 2 first, then return here.
Prompt for Claude.ai — generates your ARB evidence summary
Complete steps 1 and 2 first, then return here.
Prompt for Claude.ai — generates your hearing script
Complete steps 1 and 2 first, then return here.
Step 5 of 5
Preparing for your hearing
The Appraisal Review Board is a panel of independent citizens — not DCAD employees. Think low-stakes panel, not courtroom. Most hearings are 15–20 minutes.
ⓘAbout 60–70% of protests settle informally before a formal hearing — often the same day you file. You may never need to present to the panel at all.
What to expect, step by step
1
File your protest (before May 15)
Use DCAD's uFile portal at dallascad.org, mail Form 50-132, or go in person. You'll receive a hearing date by mail.
2
Informal meeting with a DCAD appraiser
Before the formal hearing, a DCAD appraiser will offer a settlement. Bring your comps. If the offer is close to your target, take it — most cases end here.
3
Formal ARB hearing (if needed)
You'll have 15 minutes. Present your comps and condition evidence. Stay factual and calm. Use the hearing script from step 4.
4
ARB decision
You'll receive a written order. If unsatisfied, you can escalate to binding arbitration (values under $5M) or District Court.
5
After a win
Texas law restricts DCAD from raising your value again without "substantial evidence" — your savings often persist for 2+ years.