Comptroller Mandates Use of Approved Rendition Form

As if the new requirement requiring the mandatory filing of a business personal property rendition is not enough, the Comptroller of Public Accounts has also decided to mandate the use of rendition forms specifically approved by the Comptroller's office.

This means that many special forms previously utilized by taxpayers and their representatives or accountants may no longer be valid. It also means that various appraisal districts are seeking the Comptroller's approval of forms that request far more information than the Comptroller's general rendition form or than required by statutes.

Learn how to deal with the Comptroller's form and individual appraisal district forms, and what you can do about your own form.

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New Laws Effective January 1

Though the requirement for personal property renditions is perhaps the most important law to take effect on January 1, it is not the only change in the Texas Property Tax Code that takes effect with the new year.

New or revised statutes include new procedures for valuation of property appraised by more than one appraisal district, changes in the exemption procedure for community housing development organizations, additional exemptions for religious organizations, extending elderly property tax relief to disabled persons, and specifying considerations for the chief appraiser in using the income approach to value.

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Upcoming deadlines

January 31
Last day to file special inventory declaration (retailers of cars, boats, heavy equipment, and manufactured homes)

January 31
Last day to pay 2003 taxes before delinquency

January 31
First of four installments due for senior or disabled homestead taxpayers

Important Note
Because January 31 falls on a Saturday in 2004, the deadlines above are pushed to February 2, but only if taxes are paid or declarations filed in person at the correct office. The deadline for mailing a payment or declaration is January 30.