---
kind: "section"
citation: "25 C.F.R. § 2.503"
title: "25"
number: "2.503"
heading: "May an appeal be dismissed without a decision on the merits?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/25/2.503"
---

# §2.503. May an appeal be dismissed without a decision on the merits?


Yes, the reviewing official may dismiss an appeal without a decision on the merits when:

- (a) You are late in filing your appeal;
- (b) You lack standing because you do not meet the requirements of [§ 2.200](/cfr/25/2.200.md) for bringing an appeal;
- (c) You have withdrawn the appeal;
- (d) You have failed to pay a required appeal bond;
- (e) The reviewing official lacks the authority to grant the requested relief;
- (f) If you are represented and your representative does not meet the standards established in [43 CFR part 1](/cfr/43/part1.md) related to eligibility to practice before the Department, and you have failed to substitute yourself or an eligible representative after being given an opportunity to do so; or
- (g) The reviewing official determines there are other circumstances that warrant a dismissal and explains those circumstances in the dismissal order.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1457; 25 U.S.C. 9; 5 U.S.C. 301.

### Source

Source: 88 FR 53779, Aug. 9, 2023, unless otherwise noted.