Texas House Bill HB4563

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to notice of the form to be used by a person to request a written statement stating whether there are any delinquent ad valorem taxes owed by the person to certain taxing units.

Impact

The bill underscores a significant change in how tax information is disseminated to the public, placing an emphasis on digital accessibility. By mandating that county assessors provide the required forms on the internet, HB4563 seeks to enable residents to more readily ascertain their tax obligations. This accessibility is expected to result in increased compliance rates among taxpayers, as individuals will be better informed about their tax status and the necessary steps to address any delinquent taxes.

Summary

House Bill 4563 aims to streamline the process by which individuals can request a written statement regarding any delinquent ad valorem taxes owed to certain taxing units in Texas. The bill amends Section 34.015 of the Tax Code to require each county's assessor-collector to make accessible the specific form that individuals must use to request this information. The introduction of this measure is seen as a move towards enhancing transparency in tax-related transactions by ensuring that the necessary forms are readily available online for easy access by residents.

Contention

While there seems to be broad legislative support for the initiative, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation and efficacy of the online system. Some critics may express concerns about whether all residents, particularly those in rural areas with limited internet access, will benefit equally from this measure. Additionally, there could be discussions surrounding the workload placed on county staff to ensure that the forms are updated and accurately reflect current tax laws.