Tax Office » Property Tax FAQs

Property Tax FAQs

  1. How is my property value determined?
  2. What are some exemptions? How do I apply?
  3. When are taxes due?
  4. What if I don't receive a tax statement?
  5. Will a lien be placed on my property if the taxes are paid?
  6. What if I sold my property last year?
  7. What if my mortgage company is supposed to pay my taxes?
  8. What kind of payment options are available?
  9. What is a tax certificate, and how can I obtain one?

 

 

1.How is my property value determined?

 

The Appraisal District identifies property to be taxed, determines its appraised value, whether to grant exemptions, the taxable owner and address, and which taxing jurisdictions may tax the property. For information on VALUES, EXEMPTIONS, OWNERSHIP or ADDRESS, please contact the Appraisal District during business hours.

 

2.What are some exemptions? How do I apply?

 

Exemptions reduce the taxable value of your property. This lowers your tax amount. Some of these exemptions are:

Residence Homestead Available for all home owners on their residence as long as they lived there on January 1st of the tax year.

Disabled Homestead Can be taken in addition to the homestead exemption; available to those who qualify according to specific guidelines.

Disable veteran or survivor Can be taken in addition to the homestead exemption, according to a disability rating. This exemption can be taken on any property in Texas; it is not limited to the homestead property.

Age 65 or Older Can be taken in addition to homestead exemption on residence. Home owners over the age of 65 may also arrange for a Tax Affidavit Deferral, You may choose to defer the collection of taxes if you own and occupy your residence and taxes are delinquent; however, a tax lien remains on the property and interest of 8% a year continues to accrue.

The chief appraiser is responsible for administering exemption applications. A property owner or the owner's authorized agent must file any necessary exemption form before May 1 of the tax year.

3.When are taxes due?

 

Tax statements are mailed each October of the Tax year and are due on receipt. In order to be timely, payment of taxes must be postmarked before the specified date. Taxes are delinquent on FEBRUARY 1 of each year and subject to penalty and interest, and subject to possible lawsuit.

4.What if I don't receive a tax statement?

 

Failure to receive a tax statement does not affect the validity of the tax, penalty, interest, due date, the existence of a tax lien, or any procedure instituted to collect a tax.

5.Will a lien be placed on my property if the taxes are paid?

 

No, if taxes are paid by January 31st there is no lien. However, if taxes are not paid by January 31st State law automatically places a tax lien on property on February 1 of each year to ensure that taxes are paid.

 

6.What if I sold my property last year?

 

The person who owned the property on January 1 of the tax year is personally liable for the tax, even if he/she sold the property during the year. Let the buyer beware, however, the lien follows the property

 

7.What if my mortgage company is supposed to pay my taxes?

 

If your property taxes are paid by a mortgage company and you receive a tax statement, write your loan number on the statement, and forward it immediately to your mortgage company for payment.

 

8.What kind of payment options are available?

 

4-Payment Option: (This option applies only to property the person occupies as a residence homestead and only to those persons who are considered disabled under SSI) If, before January 1st of the current tax year, you are disabled or 65 years of age and are qualified for the OVER 65 or DISABLED HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS, you may make your payments in four equal installments without incurring penalty and interest, if paid in the following manner:

1st payment due by January 31;

2nd payment due by March 31;

3rd payment due by May 31;

4th payment due by July 31.

 

If you don't qualify for the 4 Payment Option our tax office does accept partial payments on current and delinquent taxes.  PENALTY, INTEREST AND ATTORNEY FEES WILL ACCRUE ON THE REMAINING BALANCE.

 

9.What is a tax certificate, and how can I obtain one?

 

A tax certificate is a certified document showing all delinquent taxes and may include current taxes. If delinquent, the certificate shows penalties and interest that are due according to tax records. The fee to obtain a certificate is $10.00 per certificate; prepayment is required.