The Problems that Exist with Appraised Value Caps

Among the bills being considered by the Legislature relating to property taxes are proposals that would establish annual caps on appraised value. Some of these proposals relate merely to homestead, some to most residential properties, and some to all real estate whether residential or commercial. The theory behind such caps is to provide tax relief. But do caps or limits on appraised value really achieve fair and equitable tax relief?

Read the article.

Past Articles on Property Rendition

Business taxpayers have entered the second year of mandatory personal property rendition in Texas. The deadline to file rendition forms with the various appraisal districts is April 15. Since passage of the mandatory rendition law, GPD has issued various articles relating to rendition. Some of these articles include the following:

• Rendition Filing Tips
• What Not to Render - Part 1
• What Not to Render - Part 2
• Comptroller Mandates Use of Approved Rendition Form
• After Rendition: Now What?
• The Rendition Penalty: More Bark than Bite?
• Questions and Answers on the Rendition Penalty
• The New Rendition Law: What It Really Means

ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION

GA-0311 - Review board hearing may not be set before protest is filed

Several appraisal districts and review boards have instituted a procedure of notifying a property owner of the date for a protest hearing at the same time that a notice of value is sent. The attorney general has indicated that such pre-protest scheduling is not allowed under the Texas Tax Code.

Read the opinion.

PROPERTY TAX TIP

Summary of proposed legislation available

Legislation proposing changes in the Property Tax Code (as well as other selected tax issues) is summarized on the GPD Property Tax website. GPD will attempt to keep readers informed of the status of those bills during the current legislative session.

Read the summary of proposed legislation.

Upcoming deadlines

April 15, 2005
Deadline to file business personal property rendition or request filing extension

April 30, 2005
(Deadline extended to May 2 due to weekend)
Deadline to file certain applications with the chief appraiser, including the following:

Exemptions with a January 1 qualification date (including freeport)
Requests for special appraisal (such as open space) not already in effect
Requests for separate listing of separately owned land and improvements, separately owned land and timber, or undivided interests
Requests for proportionate taxing of planned unit development
Request for joint taxation of separately owned mineral interest

April 30, 2005
(Deadline extended to May 2 due to weekend)
Deadline to inform chief appraiser that property no longer qualifies for exemption or special appraisal