Texas House Bill HB3520

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the calculation of the penalty for filing a late application for certain ad valorem tax exemptions and allocations.

Impact

By establishing a clear framework for calculating penalties, HB3520 seeks to promote better compliance among property owners regarding tax exemption applications. The bill sets a penalty at 10 percent of the tax difference caused by the late application, which would be applicable only to applications filed on or after the effective date. This provision is intended to deter late submissions and encourage property owners to adhere to application deadlines, thereby potentially increasing revenue for local taxing units.

Summary

House Bill 3520 addresses the calculation of penalties related to the filing of late applications for certain ad valorem tax exemptions and allocations. Specifically, it amends sections of the Texas Tax Code to outline the penalties imposed on property owners who fail to submit timely applications for tax exemptions concerning freeport goods and property allocations. The bill aims to clarify the conditions under which penalties are assessed, ensuring a uniform approach across taxing units within the state.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward, there may be concerns regarding how the penalties are enforced and the impact they may have on smaller property owners who may inadvertently miss deadlines. Critics might argue that imposing financial penalties could unduly burden these owners, particularly in economically challenging times. Additionally, the reliance on a fixed penalty percentage could lead to disputes regarding its fairness in relation to varying property values across different regions.