There were four major objectives: 1) to slow the growth of property taxes 2) to implement changes to effect impartial appraisal review board hearings 3) to provide property owners easier access to information 4) to provide more oversight of appraisal districtsHowever, due to a seemingly intractable dispute between the house and the senate, most of the proposed legislation was not passed. A list of exemptions that did pass in their last session include the following: 1) Total homestead exemption from property taxes for the spouse of a first responder killed in the line of duty. 2) A one-year extension for the deadline to file a homestead exemption. For example, a homeowner who bought their house in 2014 can file a homestead exemption by January 31, 2018 and get a homestead exemption for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Refunds of property taxes for prior years will be sent to the homeowners. 3) The deadline for filing was extended by four years for persons with permanent disability. 4) The chief appraiser can correct an error made in denying homestead exemption for those homeowners over 65 or for those who are disabled. 5) The freeport exemption filing deadline was extended until June 15. 6) The maximum property value for binding arbitration was increased from $3 million to $5 million for property that is not a homestead. 7) The Texas Comptroller can remove an arbitrator who is biased based on clear and convincing evidence of repeated bias or misconduct. Positive property tax reform for Texas property owners is possible and you can bring about change. Texans that want to make their voice heard should contact their representative. If you would like to know who to contact, here is a link to look up your representative by county.
ENROLL NOW
Property Tax Reform in 2017 – Is It Possible?
Property tax reform has been on the minds of Texas property owners for years and this year is no exception. In fact, a special session of the Texas Legislature is scheduled to begin on July 18, 2017 and property tax is one of the items on their agenda.
The expectations for property tax reform prior to the 2017 legislative session were the highest since the year 2000. That was the last time meaningful property tax legislation was passed as a package.
About the Author
Patrick O’Connor has been active in reducing property taxes, providing expert witness testimony and appraising commercial real estate property since 1983. Pat is active in publishing analyses and data with respect to the real estate market, while being a highly regarded media spokesperson for the real estate community. He holds a MAI, the highest achievable designation from the Appraisal Institute, and is a licensed senior property tax consultant. Pat earned a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University. In 2001, he authored the first definitive consumer guide to Texas property taxes, Cut Your Texas Property Taxes.
Hello, I not yet hear from you about 5 houses protest Tax 2017.
Please call me. 7138902345
Thank you
Dao Vo, owner
Why people at age 65 and permanently disable without any child going to school have to pay School Tax?
That is an excellent question. Property taxes for seniors is a significant burden and it doesn’t seem fair!
I’ve heard it said here and other websites that we should protest our properties because it could save us money. They also say that they won’t retaliated against you if you do. I have rental properties and protest last year. This year I protested again and find the appraisal district very upset with me. They refuse to even talk to me about any issues. Their comment is ” take it to the review board”. I won a protest as an agent for my daughter on her property. Now they came up fighting when it comes to my properties. I live in Dewitt county, 6800 population. These people know who you are and are mean as the dickens when you question anything they do. They don’t want you at their board meeting or even to sit in on the review board meetings. I thought the U. S. had many advantages of being a free country but when you try to act on those freedom you are treated badly and unfairly. I’m about ready to sell out my rental business just to not have to deal with these people.
Barbie, don’t give up and keep up the fight. You should protest every year. The appraisal district’s model for valuing property is inaccurate and their own evidence often supports a reduction. The best reason to file a protest every year is to get the appraisal district’s evidence. You cannot obtain the evidence without protesting so you don’t know if you need to protest without reviewing the evidence! It’s a silly cycle and arbitrary process as you have experienced this year. There is a special session beginning July 18th and property tax reform is on the agenda. One of the items we support is oversight of the appraisal districts! Here is a recent video we filmed on the agenda items: https://facebook.com/PropertyTaxProtectionProgram/videos/814217422087973/