What Is iSettle?
iSettle is HCAD's online settlement system. After you file a protest, HCAD's staff reviews your property and may make you a settlement offer — a reduced assessed value — through the iSettle platform. Think of it as HCAD saying, "We looked at your case and we are willing to lower your value to this number. Do you agree?"
If you accept the offer, your protest is resolved right there. No hearing, no phone call, no trip to the HCAD office. Many homeowners resolve their protests entirely through iSettle without any further steps.
If you reject the offer (or if HCAD does not make an offer), your protest moves forward to the informal hearing stage. Rejecting an iSettle offer does not hurt your case in any way — you always retain the right to a hearing.
How the iSettle Process Works
You file your protest through iFile
This triggers the iSettle process automatically. You do not need to do anything extra.
HCAD reviews your property and evidence
An HCAD staff member reviews your property details and the evidence you submitted. This typically takes a few weeks after the filing deadline.
HCAD sends you an iSettle offer (if applicable)
You will receive a notification (usually by email and on the iFile portal) with HCAD's proposed value. Not every protest receives an iSettle offer.
You review and respond to the offer
Log in to your iFile account to see the offer details. You can accept, reject, or let it expire. You typically have a limited window (often 5 to 7 business days) to respond.
Case is resolved or moves to hearing
If you accept, you are done. If you reject or the offer expires, your case moves to an informal hearing. HCAD may also make a second offer in some cases.
How to Evaluate an iSettle Offer
When you receive an offer, the key question is: "Is this reduction good enough, or should I hold out for the hearing?" Here is how to think about it:
Consider Accepting If...
- ✓ The offered value is at or below the neighborhood median per-square-foot value shown in your evidence packet
- ✓ The reduction represents a meaningful decrease from your current assessed value (thousands, not hundreds)
- ✓ You would rather avoid the time and effort of attending a hearing
- ✓ The offered value is close to or better than the target value in your evidence packet
Consider Rejecting If...
- ✗ The offered value is still well above the comparable properties in your evidence packet
- ✗ The reduction is very small (for example, only a 1-2% decrease from a much higher starting value)
- ✗ You have strong evidence that your home should be valued significantly lower
- ✗ You are comfortable attending a hearing and presenting your case
A Simple Way to Decide
Compare the iSettle offer to the target value in your evidence packet:
- Offer is at or below your target: Accept it. You got what your evidence supports.
- Offer is within 5% of your target: Accepting is reasonable. The extra amount you might gain at a hearing may not be worth the effort.
- Offer is more than 5% above your target: Consider rejecting and going to the informal hearing. You likely have room for a better result.
Typical iSettle Timelines
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| You file your protest | Before May 15 |
| iSettle offer received | Late May through July (varies widely) |
| Response deadline | 5 to 7 business days after offer |
| If accepted, case closed | Within days of acceptance |
| If rejected, informal hearing scheduled | Typically within a few weeks of rejection |
Note: Timelines vary each year depending on protest volume. In high-volume years, the entire process may take longer. Check your iFile account regularly for updates.
Important Things to Know About iSettle
Rejecting does not hurt your case
If you reject an iSettle offer, the appraiser at your informal hearing does not know what the offer was or that you rejected it. Your hearing is a fresh start. Do not feel pressured to accept a low offer just because it is on the table.
Not every protest gets an iSettle offer
HCAD does not send iSettle offers for every protest. If you do not receive one, it simply means your case will go directly to an informal hearing. This is completely normal and does not indicate anything negative about your case.
Check your email and iFile account regularly
iSettle offers have a deadline. If you miss the response window, the offer expires automatically. Check the email you used to create your iFile account, including your spam folder. Also log in to iFile periodically to check for offers.
HCAD may make multiple offers
In some cases, if you reject the first offer, HCAD may come back with a second, improved offer. However, this is not guaranteed. Do not reject an acceptable offer assuming a better one will follow.