Texas House Bill HB653

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/9/09

Caption

Relating to the inclusion on the exterior of an ad valorem tax bill of a statement directing the United States Postal Service to return the bill if it is not deliverable as addressed.

Impact

The implications of HB 653 on state laws pertain to the Tax Code, specifically the processes surrounding the mailing of tax bills. By mandating a statement that requests the return of undeliverable tax bills, the bill seeks to improve communication between tax assessors and property owners. The expected outcome is a reduction in administrative burdens associated with undeliverable mail, as tax assessors would be notified promptly regarding taxpayers whose addresses may need updating.

Summary

House Bill 653 relates specifically to property tax procedures within Texas, impacting the way ad valorem tax bills are handled by the United States Postal Service. The bill aims to include a directive on the exterior of these tax bills, allowing for the notification to return the bill if it cannot be delivered as addressed. This legislative change is intended to enhance the efficiency of tax bill delivery and ensure that taxpayer information remains up-to-date, thereby reducing instances of misdelivery.

Contention

While the bill seems straightforward, some points of contention might arise regarding the burden of additional responsibilities placed on tax assessors and the potential impact on taxpayer privacy. Critics may express concerns about the implications of mailing procedures, especially in terms of how sensitive tax information is handled and returned. Additionally, there could be discussions regarding the logistics of implementing a larger-scale directive like this across various taxing units, which may differ in their capacity to handle such changes efficiently.