A new report from the Texas Taxpayers And Research Association titled “Relief from Rising Values: 2019 Property Tax Reforms Cutting Tax Rates at a Record Pace” shows the effects of legislative tax reform bills passed over the past few sessions of the legislature.
From the report: “Now almost three years after both bills became law, enough time has passed to assess that promise of tax relief. Though few tax bills are actually shrinking, the spiraling growth of property taxes of the past few decades has been abated. As property values rise, jurisdictions are finding they must cut tax rates or face voters.”
And as I’ve long reported to you: “The simple truth is no matter what your appraisal, property tax bills would not be going up unless local jurisdictions wanted to spend more money. Regardless of your 2022 appraisal, right now your 2022 tax bill is zero. Your tax bill won’t be set until the jurisdictions in which you reside decide how much money they want to raise and set their tax rates.”
The report is full of informative graphs and explanations of property tax trends in the Lone Star State.
Download your copy here (pdf).
Appraisal Protests and Appeals
From the Comptroller: “One of your most important rights as a taxpayer is your right to protest to the appraisal review board (ARB). You may protest if you disagree with the appraisal district value or any of the appraisal district’s actions concerning your property.
“If you are dissatisfied with the ARB’s findings, you have the right to appeal the ARB’s decision. Depending on the facts and type of property, you may be able to appeal to the state district court in the county in which your property is located; to an independent arbitrator; or to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH).”
Click here for more: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/protests/index.php
Just received our property tax appraisal today in Lubbock County. Our valuation increased from $400k to over $800k. I don’t even know where to start, but something must be done.
Dispute your tax appraisals with LCAD immediately. Ask to speak to Taxpayer Liaison officer at 806 762-5000. (Lubbock Co.)
I’m confused also
Just turned 65. Can I or can I not freeze the school portion of my tax bill
I have received conflicting answers
Yes. See page 12 of this publication (there could be a newer version but this was a quick find): https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/docs/96-1425.pdf
From reading this I am not certain if that “freeze” has to be enacted by the specific school district. If so, it is possible that such district chose not to adopt this policy. If in doubt, call the Comptroller’s office.