Texas House Bill HB494

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of certain property that was erroneously omitted from an appraisal roll in a previous year.

Impact

The impact of HB 494 is significant as it provides a structured process for the appraisal of omitted properties, ensuring that property owners are fairly assessed for taxation purposes. By requiring the chief appraiser to document the year and the appraised value for each omitted tax year, the bill enhances transparency in the property tax system. This could lead to increased revenue collection for local governments that rely on property taxes while also ensuring property owners are treated equitably. The bill aims to minimize disputes and confusion that can arise from property appraisal errors.

Summary

House Bill 494 addresses the procedures regarding the appraisal for ad valorem tax purposes of certain properties that have been erroneously omitted from appraisal rolls in preceding years. Specifically, the bill amends Section 25.21 of the Tax Code, providing guidelines for chief appraisers when they discover omissions in property records. The bill stipulates that if a chief appraiser identifies that real property was omitted from the appraisal roll within the last five years or personal property within the last two years, corrective appraisals must occur as of January 1 of each tax year in which the omission was present.

Contention

While the bill appears to offer a straightforward solution to address errors in property tax appraisals, potential contention may arise around its implementation. Stakeholders may question the effectiveness of the provisions in preventing future omissions and the burden placed on property owners to navigate the appraisal process. Additionally, concerns about the adequacy of resources available to chief appraisers to handle increased responsibilities could be raised, along with discussions about how timely these appraisals will be conducted. Furthermore, the extent to which this amendment truly addresses the complexities of property taxation in the state could be a focal point in debates surrounding the bill.