88S20078 LHC-D
By: Raymond H.B. No. 66
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to notice of eligibility for a residence homestead ad
valorem tax exemption.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 25.192(b), Tax Code, is amended to read
as follows:
(b) If the records of the appraisal district indicate that
the address of the property is also the address of the owner of the
property, the chief appraiser must send to the property owner a
notice that contains:
(1) the following statement in English and Spanish in
boldfaced 18-point type at the top of the first page of the notice:
"NOTICE: A residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation
is NOT currently being allowed on the property listed below.
However, our records show that this property may qualify for a
residence homestead exemption, which will reduce your taxes.";
(2) following the statement described by Subdivision
(1), the following statement in English and Spanish in 12-point
type: "According to the records of the appraisal district, the
property described in this notice may be your primary residence and
may qualify for a residence homestead exemption from ad valorem
taxation. If the property is your home and you occupy it as your
primary residence, the property likely qualifies for one or more
residence homestead exemptions, including an exemption from
taxation by a school district of $(insert the amount of the
exemption provided by Section 11.13(b)) of the appraised value of
the property, which will reduce the amount of taxes imposed on the
property. The form needed to apply for a residence homestead
exemption is enclosed. Although the form may state that the
deadline for filing an application for a residence homestead
exemption is April 30, a late application for a residence homestead
exemption will be accepted if filed before February 1, (insert year
application must be filed). There is no fee or charge for filing an
application or a late application for a residence homestead
exemption. If you have questions or would like more information,
please call (insert appraisal district telephone number) or e-mail
(insert appraisal district e-mail address)."; and
(3) following the statement described by Subdivision
(2), the address to which the notice is sent.
SECTION 2. Chapter 2702, Insurance Code, is amended by
adding Subchapter D to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D. OTHER CLOSING SERVICES
Sec. 2702.151. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "residence
homestead" has the meaning assigned by Section 11.13, Tax Code.
Sec. 2702.152. APPLICABILITY. This subchapter does not
apply to the closing or settlement of a real property transaction if
the closing or settlement is not actually handled by:
(1) a title insurance company, a title insurance
agent, or an attorney for a title insurance company or title
insurance agent; or
(2) a representative of a title insurance company, a
title insurance agent, or an attorney for a title insurance company
or title insurance agent.
Sec. 2702.153. NOTICE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR RESIDENCE
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION. In connection with the closing and settlement
of a real property transaction relating to residential real
property in this state, a title insurance company or title
insurance agent shall provide to the buyer:
(1) a notice in English and Spanish that contains the
following statement: "If you occupy this property as your primary
residence, the property will likely qualify for one or more
residence homestead exemptions from ad valorem taxation, including
an exemption from taxation by a school district of $(insert the
amount of the exemption provided by Section 11.13(b), Tax Code) of
the appraised value of the property, which will reduce the amount of
taxes imposed on the property. The form needed to apply for a
residence homestead exemption is enclosed. Although the form may
state that the deadline for filing an application for a residence
homestead exemption is April 30, a late application for a residence
homestead exemption will be accepted if filed before February 1,
(insert year application must be filed). There is no fee or charge
for filing an application or a late application for a residence
homestead exemption. If you have questions or would like more
information, please call (insert appraisal district telephone
number) or e-mail (insert appraisal district e-mail address)."; and
(2) an application form for an exemption under Section
11.13, Tax Code.
SECTION 3. The change in law made by this Act to Section
25.192, Tax Code, applies only to a tax year that begins on or after
the effective date of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the
last day of the legislative session.