Texas House Bill HB989

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the correction of an ad valorem tax appraisal roll.

Impact

The implications of HB 989 on state laws are significant, as it modifies the existing processes for challenging property appraisals. By specifying the conditions under which corrections can be made, the bill seeks to provide more equitable treatment for property owners who may be subjected to inflated property valuations. This is essential in ensuring that appraisal practices align more closely with actual market values, thereby protecting homeowners and ensuring fair taxation. The law aims to promote transparency in the property tax system, which is a considerable concern among residents who face rapidly rising property taxes in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 989 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Section 25.25(d) of the Texas Tax Code, which governs the correction of ad valorem tax appraisal rolls. The bill allows property owners or chief appraisers to file motions to correct errors in property appraisals, specifically addressing issues such as unequal appraisals or excessive market valuations. The legislation stipulates that corrections may only be made prior to the delinquency of taxes associated with the property in question. This provides a clear framework for when and how corrections can be requested and under what conditions, enhancing the accountability of property tax assessments.

Contention

Notably, there might be points of contention regarding the thresholds established for correcting an appraisal, which limit such corrections to instances where the incorrect value exceeds specified percentages of the correct value (one-fourth for residential homesteads and one-third for other properties). Critics may argue that these thresholds could still leave some property owners vulnerable to unfair taxation if their property is overvalued but does not meet the criteria for correction. The legislation's focus on maintaining standards in property appraisal could lead to discussions about the balance between protecting taxpayer interests and ensuring the integrity of the property tax system.