Tax rate time brings property tax reminder
T he 2010 property value protest period has ended, and it is time to move into the assessment and collection processes. During the assessment phase, the taxing entities will be setting their tax rates. Some have already adopted their rates, and the rest of the taxing entities will have their rates adopted before Oct. 1. Then the collection process will begin.
It is time to let us know if there have been any changes that we should know about to ensure that you receive your tax statements in a timely manner. Reviewing the following questions will help you ensure that you receive all the statements you are responsible for paying and that you are receiving all the benefits that you are entitled to.
>> Have you changed your mailing address since last year? You can call our office at 432-332-6834 and ask us to check to see where your tax statements are scheduled to be mailed or you can go to our website at www.ectorcad.org and check to see what address is on our records for property you own.
>> Have you purchased a new home or other property? If you own multiple properties, then it’s a good time to make sure that we show you as the owner of all the accounts. We work hard to ensure that our records are accurate, but we have two employees that record all ownership transactions filed in Ector County and errors and omissions are a reality.
>> Have you filed for all the exemptions for which you are entitled? Every homeowner is entitled to a residential homestead exemption. Other exemptions are available for those who are over 65 years of age or are disabled. Veterans with a service connected disability are also entitled to exemptions.
Property taxes unpaid on Feb. 1 are considered delinquent and begin to accrue penalty and interest fees. Every year we have individuals come in our office on Feb. 1 asking us to waive the penalty and interest fees that automatically attach to the delinquent taxes because of various reasons, none of which legally qualify for a waiver. Some of the situations are overwhelmingly compelling but still don’t meet the legal requirements for a waiver.
It is one of the hardest things we must do to tell the taxpayer that the penalty and interest fees cannot be waived. So I’m giving early warning that it is ultimately the property owner’s responsibility that they pay their taxes even if they don’t receive a tax statement. I know it’s hard to remember to pay something that you don’t get a bill for so we want to work with you to ensure that you don’t fall into the penalty and interest pit.
We hope everyone has a save and enjoyable Labor Day.
