Videos

Summary

Appraiser Cyndi Burns discusses how property owners can protest their appraised value online through HCAD's iFile program, and how you may be able to settle your value online without coming to HCAD in person by using the iSettle program. This video will help you find your iFile number, your account number, and navigate your way through an online protest. (3:22 mins.)

iFile & iSettle

Hi, I'm Cyndi Burns and I work for the Harris Central Appraisal District. You either have or will soon receive a notice of the value HCAD has placed on your home as of January 1st of the current tax year.

Texas law guarantees you the right to protest that value if you think it's incorrect. Today, I’d like to outline for you two programs that we have in place to help streamline any appeal you choose to make. – iFile and iSettle – These electronic programs allow you to protest remotely from the comfort of your home or office.

The notice you receive in the mail has important information that you should be aware of. Your account number is prominently displayed on the top right area of the appraisal notice. Directly above that you will find your unique iFile number. You’ll need both numbers if you choose to file a protest online.

In addition to these numbers, you will also see two values; Your market value and your appraised value. The market value is what we believe your home was worth on January 1st. The appraised value will either be the same as the market value or it may be lower if your value is "capped".

The online protest process begins at our website at www.hcad.org. When you reach the HCAD website click on the ONLINE SERVICES tab and select iFILE PROTEST from the drop-down menu. Then click on HCAD ELECTRONIC FILING AND NOTICE SYSTEM.

When you click on this button you will be directed to our electronic File a Protest site. If you want to go directly to this new site, the address is owners.hcad.org. New users should “Create an Account” and follow the steps to create a unique account with HCAD. Existing users can simply log-in directly to their online account.

Once you are logged in, follow the easy directions to file your protest online. If you want to be considered for iSettle, it is important to check this option on your protest and provide an opinion of value for your property as well. Your protest will be immediately verified by email. Once complete, your data will be reviewed along with other market information by an appraiser, and you’ll be notified by email of a decision on your iSettle protest.

As soon as HCAD notifies you of our decision you will have immediate online access to all the information including the comparable sales we used in considering your appeal. You can then use that information to decide whether to accept or reject HCAD’s decision. If you’re not satisfied, you’ll be scheduled to make your case at a formal Appraisal Review Board hearing. iFile and iSettle helps save you time and, if you succeed in gaining a reduced value on your property, you won’t have to share your tax savings with an outside tax consultant.

If you have any questions about iFile, iSettle or appraisal, please visit our website at www.hcad.org. Thanks for watching!