Texas House Bill HB992

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to installment payments of ad valorem taxes imposed on residence homesteads.

Impact

The primary impact of HB992 is that it alleviates the immediate financial burden on homeowners by allowing them to spread out their tax payments throughout the year. This could potentially lead to increased compliance with tax obligations, as residents may find the new structure more accessible than traditional single-payment schemes. The bill applies only to ad valorem taxes imposed for a tax year starting January 1, 2022, or later, which indicates a forward-looking approach to tax relief for homeowners.

Summary

House Bill 992 proposes amendments to the Tax Code regarding the payment of ad valorem taxes on residence homesteads. Specifically, the bill allows individuals to remit their property taxes in four equal installments without incurring penalties or interest. The first installment must be paid before the delinquency date, followed by three additional installments spread across the months thereafter. This initiative aims to provide a more manageable payment plan for homeowners facing difficulties in paying taxes in a lump sum.

Contention

While not explicitly detailed, potential areas of contention surrounding HB992 could involve differing opinions on the fiscal implications of allowing installment payments. Proponents may argue that the bill provides necessary support to residents during economically challenging times, especially in light of rising property values. Conversely, critics might express concerns regarding the potential for decreased revenue streams for local governments that depend on timely tax collections or argue that this could create a precedent for further tax deferrals.