Property Tax Appeal:
Do it Yourself. Do it Right.

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How to Appoint a Property Tax Agent in Texas (Form 50-162)

If you’d rather have a professional handle your property tax protest, you’ll appoint an agent using Form 50-162. Appointing an agent gives them legal authority to represent you before your county appraisal district (CAD): file protests, receive settlement offers, attend ARB hearings, and negotiate on your behalf.

How Agent Appointments Work

Texas Tax Code §1.111 lets a property owner authorize a representative by filing Form 50-162 (Appointment of Agent). After the CAD processes the form:

  • Notices and settlement offers go to your agent
  • The agent can file protests and negotiate values
  • The appointment stays in effect until you revoke it or until any expiration date you specify

If you do not set an expiration date, the appointment remains valid indefinitely.

Should You Hire an Agent or Protest Yourself?

Using a property tax agent helps if you are short on time or prefer to outsource. Most agents manage hundreds, sometimes thousands, of protests each season and can move paperwork efficiently.

Trade-offs and risks:

  1. Less individual attention
    High volumes can mean bulk-driven strategies and limited case-specific work.

  2. Contract terms
    Some agreements auto-renew, trigger recurring fees for future years, or hide tough cancellation clauses. Read termination and renewal terms carefully.

  3. Fee structures vary
    Most professionals charge a percentage of savings above the 10% appraisal cap, others on any reduction, capped or not. Anywhere from 20% to 50% of the tax saved! Clarify the exact calculation and triggers.

  4. No guaranteed savings
    Results vary; outcomes are not guaranteed. Much like D-I-Y. Professional representation does not guarantee a reduction!

  5. DIY success rates
    In some CADs, homeowners who protest themselves have a higher chance of reduction and often land larger reductions. See the analysis: Harris County Protest Data.

Bottom line:

  • If you do not have the time, appointing an agent can make sense.
  • If you are willing, DIY often delivers better results and you avoid hidden fees or restrictive contracts.

How to Fill Out Form 50-162

Download the official form: Form 50-162 — Appointment of Agent (PDF)

Step 1. Property owner information
Names of all owners, mailing address, phone, and optionally email.

Step 2. Property details
Account numbers and property addresses. You can appoint for all properties within the CAD, or limit to specific properties you list.

Step 3. Agent information
Agent’s full name, company (if any), mailing address, phone, and email.

Step 4. Scope of authorization
Authorize the agent to receive communications, file protests, attend ARB hearings, and negotiate offers; or limit authority to specific tasks.

Step 5. Expiration date (optional - but recommended)
Consider setting an end-of-season expiration so the authorization does not linger.

Step 6. Sign and date
Owner signature required. Some CADs require all co-owners to sign.

How to Submit Form 50-162

Submission methods vary by CAD. Examples:

County (CAD)How to Submit
Dallas CADEmail the signed PDF to [email protected]
Fort Bend CADOnline Appointment Form: https://www.fbcad.org/appointment-of-agent/
Other CADsSend the signed form to the email or upload portal on your CAD’s Contact Us page

Appointing a New Agent vs Replacing an Old One

Filing a new Form 50-162 usually replaces the old agent of record. To avoid any processing gap, consider first filing Form 50-813 (Revocation of Agent), then submit the new Form 50-162.

Pro Tips

  • File early, before protest season peaks
  • Set an expiration date to avoid indefinite authorizations
  • Keep a signed copy and delivery proof
  • Call the CAD to confirm the appointment is active

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Form 50-162 used for?

It appoints a property tax agent to represent you before your CAD.

How long is an agent authorization valid?

Indefinitely, unless you specify an expiration or revoke it using Form 50-813.

Can I appoint multiple agents at the same time?

Texas generally allows only one active agent per CAD per property. A new appointment typically replaces the previous one.

Do I need to notify my old agent before appointing a new one?

Not required, but recommended to prevent confusion or duplicate actions.

Can I limit my agent’s authority?

Yes. Limit to specific properties or tasks directly on the form.

Can I submit Form 50-162 online?

Some CADs, like HCAD and FBCAD, have online forms. Others accept email, mail, or in-person submissions.

What if I later want to handle my protest myself?

Revoke your agent using Form 50-813. Related guide: How to remove a property tax agent in Texas?

Have questions? Use the comments section below to ask. We respond to all questions!

Disclaimer

Articles presented here are for general information and education only. It is provided as a courtesy to the general public. SQD Taxtech LLC does not warrant that it is accurate or complete. Opinions expressed and estimates or projections given are those of the authors or persons quoted as of the date of the article with no obligation to update or notify of inaccuracy or change. This article may not be reproduced, distributed or further published by any person without the written consent of SQD Taxtech LLC. Please cite source when quoting.

SQD Taxtech LLC, its managed affiliates and subsidiaries, as a matter of policy, do not give tax, accounting, regulatory or legal advice. Rules in the areas of law, tax, and accounting are subject to change and open to varying interpretations. You should consult with your other advisors on the tax, accounting and legal implications of actions you may take based on any strategies presented, taking into account your own particular circumstances.