Registering as a property tax consultant in Texas

TDLR registers property tax consultants under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1152 and its rules in 16 TAC Chapter 66. Here is what it takes to get registered, stay registered and qualify as a senior consultant.

Updated October 20, 2026

Who has to register

The statute is direct: "A person may not perform property tax consulting services for compensation unless the person holds a certificate of registration" (Occupations Code §1152.151). The chapter lists some exceptions, so read it if you think one may apply to you.

Basic eligibility

Under §1152.155(a), an applicant must:

• be at least 18 years old;
• hold a high school diploma or its equivalent;
• pay the required fees; and
• have a place of business in Texas, or designate a Texas resident as agent for service of process.

People who hold an active Texas real estate broker or sales license, or an active appraiser license or certificate, are eligible under a separate path in §1152.155(b).

The 40 hours of education

For an original registration, 16 TAC §66.20(d) requires at least 40 classroom hours:

The exam

The exam is given by PSI: 50 scored questions plus 5 unscored, 80 minutes, closed book. The passing score is 70% (16 TAC §66.20(c)). Appraisal is 26 of the 50 questions. The exam guide has the full outline.

Renewal and continuing education

To renew, a registrant completes 24 hours of approved continuing education (16 TAC §66.25(c)):

Keep each course completion certificate for two years after you finish the course (§66.25(f)).

Rules you follow once registered

• Every written contract must carry TDLR's "Regulated by The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation" statement with the department's contact information (§66.70(b)).
• Report a change of address within 30 days (§66.70(c)), and notify TDLR in writing of a change in employment or association within 30 days (§66.70(g)).
• Keep client records for at least three years after the last action or service for that client (§66.71(b)).
• Work for pay only while employed by or associated with, and acting for, a registered senior property tax consultant or a Texas attorney who has passed the senior exam (Occupations Code §1152.152(a); 16 TAC §66.70(e)). People registered through the real estate or appraiser path under §1152.156(a)(2) or §1152.158 are not subject to this rule (§1152.152(b)).

Senior property tax consultant

On top of the basic requirements, §1152.157 requires a senior applicant to:

• earn at least 25 credits under §1152.159;
• have performed or supervised property tax consulting as a primary occupation for at least four of the seven years before applying; and
• pass the senior exam, or hold a qualifying professional designation in property taxation. TDLR's rules name the Certified Member of the Institute (CMI) from the Institute for Professionals in Taxation (16 TAC §66.10).

Requirements change. Confirm current details with TDLR before you apply.

Texas License Prep is not affiliated with TDLR or PSI. This page is a study aid, not legal or tax advice. The official statutes and rules control.