Direct answer
Do You Need a Property Tax Attorney in Dallas?
You can file a DCAD protest yourself, and an attorney is not
necessary for every property. Attorney-led representation may
make more sense when the property is commercial, multifamily or
high-value, the valuation depends on complex income or equity
evidence, the dispute presents a legal issue, or the owner wants
continuity if the case proceeds beyond the Appraisal Review Board.
PropertyTaxes.Law is led by Texas attorney
Brandon Barchus,
who is based in Houston and represents Dallas County owners.
The firm reviews appraisal records, develops the valuation
position, prepares evidence, handles eligible protest and
hearing stages, and evaluates available post-ARB options
under the engagement.
Deadline reminder: The usual Texas protest
deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district
delivers the notice of appraised value, whichever is later.
Use the date on your notice and confirm the current
requirements before filing.
Timing
What Dallas Owners Should Know Right Now
Dallas County voters rejected Proposition A on November 3, 2026, and
the county held back its 2026 tax bills until after the vote.
Those bills reflect the values DCAD set this year. For most owners
the 2026 protest window has closed, so the practical next step is
preparing for 2027.
Dates to plan around: 2026 Dallas County taxes are
due by January 31, 2027. The 2027 protest deadline is May 15 or
30 days after your notice is delivered, whichever is later; because
May 15, 2027 is a Saturday, confirm the exact date on your notice.
Between those dates is when most owners compare firms and decide
whom to hire. Read our summary of
Dallas County's 2026 tax bills after Prop A.
Find help for your stage
Find the Right Help for Your Dallas Property
Looking for representation, filing instructions or help after
an ARB order? Choose the resource that matches the stage of
your case.
Dallas attorney representation
Review attorney credentials, representation scope
and the information needed for a Dallas case assessment.
Request a Dallas case review
Statewide protest service
Representation scope and service details for property
owners across Texas.
View the protest service
Post-ARB appeal representation
Attorney-led assessment of available appeal routes,
evidence, deadlines and engagement terms.
Review appeal services
Attorney or self-represented
When a Dallas Property Tax Attorney May Add Value
Complex Valuation
Commercial income data, unequal-appraisal analysis,
ownership issues and unusual property characteristics
can require a tailored evidentiary position.
Legal Escalation
An attorney can advise on legal rights and represent an
owner in district court when an eligible dispute should
continue beyond the administrative process.
Continuity
One strategy can guide the file from initial review
through an ARB hearing and, when appropriate, a
post-ARB appeal evaluation.
High-Value or Portfolio Work
Owners with major tax exposure or multiple accounts may
benefit from coordinated evidence, deadlines and
valuation positions.
Non-attorney agents may represent owners in many administrative
proceedings. Compare scope, legal advice and escalation
options in our
property tax attorney versus consultant guide.
Representation
Dallas Property Tax Representation
The firm handles residential, commercial and multifamily matters
in Dallas County. The exact scope and fee arrangement should
be confirmed in a written engagement.
DCAD Protests and ARB Hearings
Review of the appraisal record, protest grounds, comparable
or equity evidence, informal resolution opportunities and
hearing preparation. See the
Dallas County protest guide.
Commercial and Multifamily Property
Evidence may include rent rolls, leases, vacancy, expenses,
capitalization rates, comparable sales and equal-and-uniform
analysis. Review our
commercial property tax protest services.
High-Value Residential Property
Custom homes may require careful comparable selection
and adjustments for location, condition, construction
quality and distinctive improvements. Learn about
high-end residential property tax work.
Post-ARB Appeal Evaluation
After an ARB order, the firm can assess whether binding
arbitration, SOAH review or district court is available
and appropriate. Eligibility, deadlines, costs and
strategic value differ by route. Review our
Texas property tax appeal services.
Published firm case examples
Representative Dallas County Results
These selected Dallas County examples are from tax year 2025. They
show reported property-value reductions, not tax savings, and do
not predict another outcome.
Reported value reduction
$2,553,350
5214 Lobello
2025 noticed value: $7,053,350
2025 final value: $4,500,000
Reported value reduction
$19,521,750
Parkside Apartments
2025 noticed value: $44,521,750
2025 final value: $25,000,000
Review the firm's published results and client statements.
No result is guaranteed. Results depend on the
property, evidence, tax year, procedural posture and applicable
law. Confirm fee terms, expenses and scope in the engagement agreement.
How it works
What to Expect From Your Dallas Case Review
The review starts with your property and current notice, then
defines the proposed work and fee terms before representation begins.
-
01
Review your Dallas property
Share the DCAD account, appraisal notice, property type
and any ARB order. The initial review identifies the
stage of the dispute and any deadline needing immediate attention.
-
02
Discuss scope and proposed terms
Ask which stages are included, who will handle the matter,
how fees are calculated, and whether expenses or later
appeals require a separate agreement.
-
03
Develop the property-specific position
The team evaluates relevant records and valuation support.
Commercial and apartment files may need income and lease
records; residential files may need condition evidence and
suitable comparable properties.
-
04
Handle the agreed representation
Work may include appraisal district discussions, evidence
preparation and ARB hearing representation, depending on
the engagement. Settlement recommendations should reflect
the evidence and your goals.
-
05
Review the result and next decision
If an ARB order leaves a disputed value, request an
assessment of available appeal routes, likely costs and
deadlines. Further representation depends on eligibility
and agreed terms.
Experience and verification
About Property Tax Attorney Brandon Barchus
Brandon Michael Barchus is eligible to practice
law in Texas and has been licensed since April 6, 2006.
His State Bar profile lists Houston as his primary location
and includes real estate, taxation and commercial litigation
among his practice areas. He represents property owners in
Dallas County and across Texas.
State Bar Status
Eligible to practice in Texas. Bar card number 24052873.
Primary Location
The official profile identifies Houston as his primary practice location.
Relevant Practice Areas
The State Bar profile includes real estate, taxation and commercial litigation.
Firm Role
PropertyTaxes.Law identifies Brandon as its founder and attorney.
Verify Brandon Barchus with the State Bar of Texas
or
read his firm biography.
Where we work
Dallas County Service Areas
The firm serves owners across Dallas County, including the
following communities and neighborhoods:
DallasPreston HollowUptownOak LawnLake HighlandsOak CliffHighland ParkUniversity ParkIrvingGarlandMesquiteFarmers BranchDeSotoDuncanvilleCedar Hill
Properties in neighboring counties are valued by different appraisal
districts. See the firm's guides for
Collin County,
Denton County,
Tarrant County,
Rockwall County
and
Kaufman County.
Dallas Property Tax Attorney FAQs
What does a Dallas property tax attorney do?
A Dallas property tax attorney can review a DCAD valuation, identify protest grounds, develop evidence, represent an owner in an ARB hearing, advise on legal issues and evaluate eligible post-ARB options. The exact services depend on the written engagement.
Do I need an attorney to protest DCAD?
No. Owners can protest their own property, and non-attorney agents can handle many administrative matters. Attorney-led representation may be useful for complex or high-value disputes, legal issues, or a matter that may continue beyond the ARB. For local filing instructions, read our
Dallas County property tax protest guide.
How much does Dallas property tax representation cost?
Fees depend on the property, stage and agreed scope. Contingency arrangements may be available, while arbitration and litigation terms can differ. Ask for the fee calculation, expense responsibility, covered stages, cancellation terms and payment trigger in writing. Compare potential savings and costs in our guide to
whether hiring a property tax firm is worth it. No reduction is guaranteed.
What is the DCAD protest deadline?
The usual deadline is May 15 or 30 days after the appraisal district delivers the notice of appraised value, whichever is later. In 2027, May 15 falls on a Saturday, so confirm the exact date on your notice. Exceptions can apply, and business personal property can have a different date. Our
Dallas County protest guide links to local filing resources.
When should I hire a property tax attorney in Dallas?
Owners often compare firms before the appraisal notice arrives, because the protest window starts when the notice is delivered. Early review gives time to gather rent rolls, leases, expense records, condition evidence and comparable properties. You can also request a review after you receive a notice or an ARB order, as long as you confirm the deadline on that document first.
Can an attorney handle a commercial or apartment property tax protest in Dallas County?
Yes. Commercial and multifamily cases can involve the income, sales-comparison and cost approaches, plus equal-and-uniform analysis. Useful records may include leases, rent rolls, vacancy, expenses, condition evidence, comparable sales and capitalization data. Review our
commercial property tax protest services.
Can you review my case after an ARB order?
What should I send for a Dallas case review?
Send the property address, DCAD account number, tax year, appraisal notice and any hearing notice or ARB order. Include the dates you received the documents and any settlement offer. For commercial or apartment property, identify the asset type and available lease, income and expense records. Confirm any filing deadline immediately.
