Arbitration Information

The Comptroller's arbitration informational videos do not reflect changes from the 85th Regular Session or changes to the Comptroller rules, but are in the process of being updated to reflect those changes.

Applying for Inclusion on the Arbitrator Registry (Video)
This video discusses the statutory requirements for becoming an arbitrator, how to apply to the registry, the importance of procedures and how to get paid for service.

Binding Arbitration Basics for Appraisal District Staff (Video)
This video offers a general overview of binding arbitration for appraisal district staff new to the Texas property tax arbitration process and those seeking a refresher.

Binding Arbitration for Beginners (Video)
This video offers a general overview of binding arbitration for persons new to the Texas property tax arbitration process.

Taking Your Case to Binding Arbitration (Video)
This video gives a general overview of preparing for and taking your case to binding arbitration in the Texas property tax arbitration process.

Sept. 1, 2017 and Later

For an arbitration received by the Comptroller's office on or after Sept. 1, 2017, the Comptroller's office assigns an arbitrator upon the review and acceptance of the Request for Binding Arbitration and the required deposit.

Tax Code Section 41A.07 requires arbitrators to reside in Texas. Arbitration cases must first be assigned to arbitrators residing within the county where the arbitration request was filed. If no arbitrators reside in the county where the request was filed, or if all arbitrators residing in the county decline the case, the arbitration is open to be assigned from a statewide list of eligible arbitrators. A list of arbitrators by their county of residence, along with a listing of their ineligible counties, is available on this website.

An arbitrator is not eligible for appointment to an arbitration case if any time during the preceding five years, he or she has:

• represented a person for compensation in any Tax Code proceeding in the appraisal district in which the property that is the subject of the appeal is located, including representation before the ARB, in binding arbitration, at a SOAH hearing or in district court;
• served as an appraisal district officer or employee; or
• served as an ARB member for that appraisal district.

Prior to Sept. 1, 2017

Arbitrations received prior to Sept. 1, 2017, are subject to the arbitration requirements and selection and assignment process in place prior to that date using the Comptroller's Arbitrator Registry for arbitrator selection. Arbitrators may be selected by property owners from the Arbitration Registry or assigned to an arbitration by random selection.

Arbitrators desiring to be included on the Arbitrator Registry must file the Application for Arbitrator Registry - Individuals Only (PDF) with the Comptroller's office. Arbitrator's must conduct arbitrations according to Comptroller Rule 9.804 and all applicable laws.

Arbitrators who are currently on the Arbitrator Registry can make changes to the information included in the registry by completing the Form 50-708, Information Change For Arbitrator Registry (PDF), and returning it to the Comptroller's office. Arbitrators are required to inform the Comptroller's office if any information previously submitted has changed.

The Comptroller's office may remove an arbitrator from the registry if:

• the arbitrator does not renew his or her agreement to serve as an arbitrator in compliance with the Tax Code and Comptroller rules; or
• the Comptroller's office determines by clear and convincing evidence that there is good cause for the removal, including evidence of repeated bias or misconduct of the person while acting as an arbitrator.
• evidence exists of repeated bias or misconduct by the person while acting as an arbitrator.

Tax Code Section 41A.06 requires persons seeking to become arbitrators, except attorneys, to complete 30 hours of training on arbitration and alternative dispute resolution procedures in order to become eligible to serve as arbitrators. The Comptroller's office further requires all new arbitrators to take the online training below to become eligible to hear arbitrations.

Required Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Training

Below are links to some arbitration and alternative dispute resolution classes, seminars or training. These links are meant neither as an endorsement of the class or as automatic qualification for compliance with Tax Code Chapter 41A. Anyone signing up for any class, seminar or training should verify it meets the requirements under Tax Code Chapter 41A for all required training, both initial training and continuing education, outlined in that statute. There may be many more providers and this set of links should not be considered all inclusive.

Associated with a university or college:

• Southern Methodist University — Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education
• University of Texas at Austin — School of Law
• Dallas Community College District — North Lake College
• University of Wisconsin-Madison — Continuing Studies
• University of Texas at Arlington

Associated with a legal trade association:

Texas Bar CLE

Required Arbitration Training Videos

The Comptroller's arbitration training videos are in the process of being updated to reflect changes from the 85th Regular Session or changes to the Comptroller arbitration rules.

Persons seeking to become arbitrators may watch the unchanged versions if they agree to watch the updated versions within 90 days of their posting to our website. For additional information or to request the videos links and the affidavit indicating your agreement, contact our Information Services team at ptad.cpa@cpa.texas.gov.