Texas Senate Bill SB562

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/31/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/9/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/7/09
• Voted on by House: 5/8/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/31/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

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 inclusion of a directive for 'RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED' on the tax bills is expected to have a significant impact on how local taxing units manage their correspondence. By implementing this change, it will be easier for taxing units to track which tax bills reached their intended recipients and which did not, thereby potentially improving tax collection rates and ensuring compliance among property owners. Additionally, the ability to return undeliverable tax bills may allow assessors to update their records more accurately.

Summary

SB562 is a legislative proposal that aims to amend the Tax Code in Texas regarding the mailing of ad valorem tax bills. The bill specifically focuses on the exterior presentation of these tax bills, requiring an additional instruction that directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) to return the tax bill if it is not deliverable as addressed. This measure intends to enhance the delivery process of tax bills to ensure that recipients have access to this important information, potentially reducing the instances of undelivered documents.

Conclusion

Overall, SB562 seeks to amend existing laws to close gaps in delivery and response procedures for tax bills, thereby enhancing both accountability and transparency in the ad valorem tax collection process. As this bill progresses, it will be important to consider the feedback from local entities regarding its implementation and the broader implications for taxpayer engagement.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to improve the efficiency of tax bill distribution, there may be concerns regarding the added responsibilities placed on taxing units in terms of handling returned mail. Some local governments may express apprehension about the administrative burden and costs associated with these new requirements. However, proponents argue that these measures will streamline the process and lead to more efficient tax billing and record-keeping practices.