How to Remove a Property Tax Agent in Texas (Form 50-813)
By Harsha N Hegde
Homeowners often hire property tax agents to handle their protests, but many don’t realize one critical detail: once you appoint an agent, that authorization stays in effect until you explicitly revoke it. If you later decide to handle your protest yourself, you must take specific steps to remove the agent’s authorization; otherwise, your appraisal district will continue dealing exclusively with your agent. In this guide, we’ll explain:
- How agent appointments work in Texas
- Why you must revoke authorization before going DIY
- How to remove an agent using Form 50-813
- What happens after you revoke authorization
How Agent Appointments Work
When you authorize an agent to represent you in your property tax protest, you typically file an Appointment of Agent form (Form 50-162). Once processed, the appraisal district:
- Sends all notices, communications, and settlement offers to the agent — not you
- Restricts your direct access to certain protest actions
- Keeps this authorization on file until you revoke it
Most homeowners assume agent appointments automatically expire after the tax year. That’s wrong. Unless you specify an expiration date on the original form or file a revocation, your agent remains your official representative indefinitely.
Why You Need to Revoke Authorization Before Going DIY
If you want to protest your property value yourself, the appraisal district must recognize you — not your agent — as the authorized contact. Without revocation:
- You won’t get hearing notices or settlement offers directly
- The agent may continue negotiating on your behalf
- You risk missing deadlines if your agent doesn’t communicate updates
How to Remove a Property Tax Agent in Texas
To remove your agent and regain control, you need to submit Form 50-813 — Revocation of Appointment of Agent.
Steps to File Form 50-813
-
Download the form
Get it from the Texas Comptroller’s website. -
Complete your details
- Property owner’s name
- Property address or account number. IMPORTANT: List all the properties you want to remove the agent from.
- Appraisal district name
-
Sign and date the form
Only the property owner can sign to revoke authorization. -
Submit the form to your appraisal district
- You can usually submit by email, mail, or in person
- Check your district’s website for instructions
Once processed, the appraisal district will:
- Update their records to remove your agent’s authorization
- Start sending all notices directly to you
Where to Submit Form 50-813 (by County)
| County (CAD) | How to Submit |
|---|---|
| Harris CAD | Online removal form |
| Dallas CAD | Email signed Form 50-813 to [email protected] |
| Fort Bend CAD | Online revocation form |
| Williamson CAD | Email signed Form 50-813 to [email protected] |
| Galveston CAD | Email signed Form 50-813 to [email protected] |
| Other CADs | Download Form 50-813 and send to the email or upload portal listed on your CAD’s “Contact Us” page. |
Tip: Under Texas Tax Code §1.111, the revocation only takes effect after the CAD receives your form.
What Happens After Revocation
- If your protest is already filed, you take over all communication
- If no protest is filed yet, you can now file one yourself
- If the agent has already negotiated a settlement, confirm with the CAD whether it still stands
Pro Tips
- Act early — Submit Form 50-813 before protest season heats up
- Keep proof — Always retain a copy of your signed form and delivery receipt
- Verify CAD records — Call your appraisal district to confirm your agent is removed
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a property tax agent authorization expire automatically?
No. Unless you specify an expiration date when you file the Appointment of Agent form (50-162), the authorization stays active until you revoke it using Form 50-813.
2. Can I protest my property taxes myself after appointing an agent?
Yes, but only after you revoke the agent’s authorization. Until then, the CAD will continue to recognize your agent as your legal representative.
3. How long does it take to remove an agent?
It usually takes a few business days after submitting Form 50-813. However, during protest season, processing times may be longer, so submit early.
4. Can I submit Form 50-813 online?
Some appraisal districts allow online submission, while others require email, fax, mail, or in-person delivery. Always check your CAD’s instructions.
5. Do I need to notify my agent before revoking them?
No, Texas law doesn’t require you to notify the agent. However, it’s good practice to inform them to avoid confusion or duplicate filings.
6. How do I remove my agent with Harris CAD?
Use HCAD’s online Removal of Agent form and submit electronically.
7. How do I remove my agent with Dallas CAD?
Email the signed Form 50-813 to [email protected].
8. How do I remove my agent with Fort Bend CAD?
Use the online Revocation of Agent form to submit electronically.
9. How do I remove my agent with Williamson CAD?
Email the signed Form 50-813 to [email protected].
10. How do I remove my agent with Galveston CAD?
Email the signed Form 50-813 to [email protected].
Related Resources
- Form 50-813 — Revocation of Appointment of Agent
- Form 50-162 — Appointment of Agent
- Texas Property Taxpayer Rights and Remedies
About the Author
Harsha N Hegde is the founder of squaredeal.tax, a DIY platform that helps Texas homeowners protest unfair property tax assessments. He has helped thousands of Texas homeowners save money using comps-based evidence and practical guidance.
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