Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB539

Filed
1/20/23  
Out of Senate Committee
4/17/23  
Voted on by Senate
4/20/23  
Out of House Committee
5/11/23  
Voted on by House
5/19/23  
Governor Action
6/18/23  

Caption

Relating to the manner in which an individual who has elected to defer collection of a tax, abate a suit to collect a delinquent tax, or abate a sale to foreclose a tax lien on the individual's residence homestead is listed on the delinquent tax roll of a taxing unit.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on how local taxing units record tax delinquencies, especially concerning individuals who take advantage of tax deferral programs. By differentiating between deferred and delinquent taxes, SB539 aims to ease financial burdens on homeowners who may be facing difficulties. This adjustment is particularly relevant in the context of property owners managing financial hardship as it helps prevent the misperception that they are delinquent in their tax obligations when, in fact, they have legally deferred payments.

Summary

Senate Bill 539 aims to modify the manner in which individuals who defer collection of taxes, abate suits on delinquent taxes, or abate foreclosure sales on their residence homestead are listed on the delinquent tax rolls of taxing units. The bill stipulates that if taxes have been legally deferred, they should be marked as deferred on tax rolls rather than delinquent. This change is intended to provide clarity and fairness in the way tax liabilities are represented for homeowners who are eligible for tax deferrals.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB539 appears to be largely positive, as both the Senate and House passed the bill with overwhelming support. In committee discussions, members noted the necessity of this legislation to correct existing miscommunications about tax statuses. There were no recorded objections during the public testimony, indicating a clear consensus on the importance of distinguishing deferred taxes from delinquent ones.

Contention

Notable points of contention were minimal, as the bill did not face significant opposition during its progression through legislative committees. However, there was an acknowledgment that this bill could lead to broader discussions about tax policy and the responsibilities of taxing authorities to accurately represent taxpayer statuses. The ramifications of this bill could spark future debates on how tax deferrals are administered and communicated to the public, especially in times of economic uncertainty.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

  • Chapter 33. Delinquency
    • Section: 03
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 065
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 065
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1886

Relating to the manner in which an individual who has elected to defer collection of a tax, abate a suit to collect delinquent tax, or abate a sale to foreclose a tax lien on the individual's residence homestead is listed on the delinquent tax roll of a taxing unit.

TX HB69

Relating to the determination and reporting of the number of residence homesteads of elderly or disabled persons that are subject to the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed on the properties by school districts and of the number of residence homesteads of certain property owners for which the owner deferred collection of a tax, abated a suit to collect a delinquent tax, or abated a sale to foreclose a tax lien.

TX HB740

Relating to the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on an appreciating residence homestead.

TX HB3234

Relating to the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on an appreciating residence homestead.

TX HB469

Relating to the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on an appreciating residence homestead.

TX SB1280

Relating to the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on an appreciating residence homestead.

TX HB1148

Relating to the rate at which interest accrues in connection with the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on certain residence homesteads.

TX SB738

Relating to the rate at which interest accrues in connection with the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on certain residence homesteads.

TX HB108

Relating to the rate at which interest accrues in connection with the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on certain residence homesteads.

TX HB2367

Relating to the rate at which interest accrues in connection with the deferral or abatement of the collection of ad valorem taxes on certain residence homesteads.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.