Texas Senate Bill SB1256

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirements for a sale to be considered a comparable sale for ad valorem tax purposes.

Impact

The introduction of SB1256 is intended to create a more standardized approach to property appraisals in larger counties, addressing concerns about fluctuating property values and ensuring that appraisals reflect more recent market conditions. This change could lead to more consistent property tax assessments, potentially impacting homeowners in urban areas where property values can change rapidly. The bill aims to prevent reliance on outdated sales data which may not accurately represent current market conditions.

Summary

Senate Bill 1256 significantly modifies the requirements for what qualifies as a comparable sale in the context of ad valorem tax assessments for residential properties. Specifically, it stipulates that for properties located in counties with populations exceeding 150,000, only sales occurring within 36 months prior to the appraisal date will be considered comparable. Previously, there may have been greater flexibility regarding the timeframe for such sales, which could influence how property values are established and compared for taxation purposes.

Contention

However, there is some concern surrounding the implications of restricting comparable sales to a limited timeframe. Critics argue that this limitation may inadvertently disadvantage property owners with homes that have been sold outside of the newly established window, potentially resulting in unfair tax assessments. Moreover, the bill could lead to calls for further adjustments or amendments as stakeholders assess its real-world impact on tax revenue and property market dynamics.