TX
Texas Senate Bill SB266

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB266

Filed
11/12/24  
Out of Senate Committee
3/19/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/10/25  
Out of House Committee
4/29/25  
Voted on by House
5/10/25  
Governor Action
5/24/25  

Caption

Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.

Impact

The bill's passage may reshape the landscape of tax collection and dispute resolution in Texas. It amends various sections of the tax code, notably creating specific protocols for taxpayers and the comptroller in disputes over audit results. This could potentially offer taxpayers greater assurance that their disputes will be adjudicated fairly and expediently, thereby enhancing their rights to challenge tax liability assessments without being subjected to immediate collection actions. The introduction of additional penalties for delayed payment could encourage compliance, but may also raise concerns regarding fairness during ongoing disputes.

Summary

SB266 introduces significant amendments to Texas tax code regarding procedures for tax and fee collection as well as taxpayer suits. It aims to streamline the process for taxpayers to dispute findings resulting from managed audits conducted by the state comptroller. By allowing individuals or entities to submit a notice of intent to bypass the redetermination process, taxpayers can directly initiate lawsuits against the comptroller concerning audit findings. This mechanism is intended to provide a more straightforward avenue for resolving tax related disputes and could lead to quicker judicial resolutions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB266 appears to be predominantly positive among supporters, who argue that the bill enhances taxpayer rights and makes the tax process more accessible. Lawmakers highlighted the importance of these changes in promoting fairness and efficiency within the tax system. However, there are concerns voiced by some stakeholders regarding the potential complications and administrative burdens that could arise from the expedited lawsuit process, especially for lower-income taxpayers who might struggle with legal representation.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between efficient tax collection and taxpayer protections. Advocates for the bill emphasize the necessity of providing taxpayers with the tools to contest audits without excessive delays, while critics caution that allowing faster litigation could overwhelm the legal system and diminish the effectiveness of tax collection efforts. The nuances of how the bill interfaces with existing legal frameworks regarding tax disputes may lead to further debates among legislators and advocacy groups in the future.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Tax Code

  • Chapter 111. Collection Procedures
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: 0081
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: 0081
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0041
    • Section: 0081
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 112. Taxpayers' Suits
    • Section: 151
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 201
    • Section: 202
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 202
    • Section: 201
    • Section: 052
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 052
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 201
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 052
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 202
    • Section: 201
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 202
    • Section: 201
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 201
    • Section: 151
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 152
    • Section: 201
    • Section: 202

Civil Practice And Remedies Code

  • Chapter 65. Injunction
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB1937

Same As Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.

Previously Filed As

TX SB952

Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.

TX HB2525

Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.

TX HB5

Relating to agreements authorizing a limitation on taxable value of certain property to provide for the creation of jobs and the generation of state and local tax revenue; authorizing fees; authorizing penalties.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1285

Relating to the training and duties of a taxpayer liaison officer for an appraisal district.

TX HB4850

Relating to certain procedures in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

TX HB5193

Relating to certain procedures in suits affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB2357

Relating to ad valorem taxation.

Similar Bills

TX HB2080

Relating to taxpayers' suits.

TX HB2582

Relating to the transfer of certain powers and duties related to endangered species from the comptroller to the commissioner of agriculture.

TX HB3713

Relating to the collection, administration, and enforcement of state taxes and fees.

TX HB3650

Relating to the collection, administration, and enforcement of state taxes and fees.

TX SB952

Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.

TX HB2525

Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.

TX SB769

Relating to taxpayers' suits.

TX HB1937

Relating to certain tax and fee collection procedures and taxpayer suits.