Texans know the drill by now.
Every spring, homeowners across the state open their appraisal notices, roll their eyes at the increased valuations, and scramble to file a property tax protest before the May 15 deadline.
Under Texas law, property owners generally have until May 15th, or 30 days after receiving their appraisal notice, whichever is later, to challenge their valuation with their local appraisal district.
For many Texans, protesting property valuations has become a yearly tradition (and not the fun kind). You gather comparable home values. Take pictures. Fill out forms. Attend hearings. Hope for a reduction.
And then do it all over again next year.
This highlights one of the many problems with Texas property taxes: even when homeowners win a protest, the overall system itself doesn’t change. Texans must fight an annual battle, with one of the few tools at their disposal, just to keep local governments from taxing them out of their homes.
Meanwhile, local taxing entities continue demanding more money year after year to increase spending and expand government obligations. They use every means at their disposal to get it: the regular rise in appraisals, higher tax rates (or rates simply above the no-new-revenue rate), bonds, certificates of obligation, and more.
Leaving regular Texans with a higher bill and more money coming out of their pocket: and that is what really matters.
Every Texan is feeling the squeeze, and the burden has become especially painful for young families and first-time homeowners. Many homeowners have come to the realization that owing property tax is quite similar to renting your property from the government indefinitely.
Appraisal protests (if successful) can help in the short term. But protesting your taxes is not the same thing as actually solving the property tax crisis.
Real reform means restraining the main cause of increasing property tax burdens: government spending and debt; and ultimately creating a pathway toward eliminating property taxes altogether. Texans deserve a system where they can truly own their homes (or their land or small business) without fearing that rising tax bills will force them out.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility believes taxpayers deserve permanent structural reform that protects property owners, reins in government growth, and actually lowers (permanently) the overall tax burden on Texans.
If you’re tired of protesting your property taxes every year, join Texans for Fiscal Responsibility in working for real reform, and a future where Texans can finally own their property free and clear from endless, ever-increasing taxation. Learn more about how we can reduce and ultimately eliminate property taxes HERE.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility relies on the support of private donors across the Lone Star State in order to promote fiscal responsibility and pro-taxpayer government in Texas. Please consider supporting our efforts! Thank you!
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